Ningbo Tiantong Temple

Ningbo Tiantong Temple

Tiantong Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Tiantong Temple is situated on the eastern side of Yin County at the foot of Taibai Mountain, approximately 26 kilometers from downtown Ningbo, and is known far and wide as the "Buddhist Kingdom of Southeast China." Legend has it that in the first year of the Yongkang era of the Western Jin Dynasty (300 AD), the founding monk Yixing wandered into the eastern valley of Yin County. Captivated by the surrounding mountains and waters, he established the temple and chanted scriptures diligently. His devotion moved the Jade Emperor, who then ordered the Jade Emperor Star (Taibai Jinxing) to descend to earth in the form of a young boy to protect the monk. Hence, the temple was named Tiantong (Heavenly Boy), and the mountain Taibai (Great White).

Covering an area of nearly 60,000 square meters, Tiantong Temple is built against the mountain with a terraced layout. It includes over 720 structures such as the Outer Ten Thousand Workers Pond, Seven Pagodas, Inner Ten Thousand Workers Pond, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Dharma Hall (Scripture Depository), Xianjue Hall, Arhat Room, Bell Tower, and Imperial Calligraphy Tower. The halls are resplendent with gold and color, featuring exquisite architecture with exquisitely carved beams and painted rafters. Its grand scale is rare in China.

In the 20th year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (732 AD), the monk Faxuan rebuilt the temple in the Taibai Valley and named it "Taibai Jingshe," which people today refer to as the Ancient Tiantong. In the second year of the Zhide era of the Tang Dynasty (757 AD), monks Zongbi and Xiancong relocated Taibai Jingshe to the foot of Taibai Peak, the site of today’s Tiantong Temple, establishing it as a major Zen Buddhist monastery. In the first year of the Huichang era (841 AD), Master Jing presided over Tiantong Temple and constructed the Zhenmang Pagoda, further expanding the temple complex. During the Song Dynasty, it was listed as one of the five major Zen Buddhist temples. By the 15th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1382 AD), when the names of temples across the country were officially recorded, it was designated as Tiantong Chan Temple and bestowed the title of "Second among the Five Mountains of Chinese Zen Buddhism." In the Qing Dynasty, it was grouped with the Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang, Tianning Temple in Changzhou, and Gaomin Temple in Yangzhou as the Four Great Zen Monasteries.

Surrounded by majestic peaks and lush forests, Tiantong Temple boasts picturesque scenery. Nearby, the Tiantong Forest adds to its charm. In front of the temple, rows of towering ancient pines line the path, complemented by splendid towers and pavilions. The site is further enhanced by ten scenic spots, including Deep Path with Circling Pines, Breeze-Ruffled Bamboos on Windy Ridge, Snow-Spraying Clear Pass, and Twin Pools Reflecting the Scenery. As you stroll and admire the views, you may recall the verses of the great Song Dynasty poet Wang Anshi, who praised Tiantong Temple: “Village after village, mulberry and tung trees float green into the sky; In spring, orioles sing through valleys brushed by the wind. Twenty li of pine woods near their end, Where emerald mountains cradle a Buddha’s palace.” The poet vividly captures the enchanting location of Tiantong Temple.

Address: Tiantong Chan Temple, Dongwu Town, Yinzhou District, Ningbo City

Type: Historical Site / Temple

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0574-88480624

Official Website: http://www.ttscn.com/

Opening Hours:

6:00-18:00

Ticket Information:

Free admission.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units