Zhenfeng Pagoda

Zhenfeng Pagoda

Zhenfeng Pagoda is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Anqing's Zhenfeng Pagoda is located by the Yangtze River and is known as the "First Pagoda on the Great River." The pagoda in the park is a half-scale model, reduced to 50% of the original size, and is a seven-story, octagonal pavilion-style structure. It was meticulously designed by the eminent Taoist priest Zhang Wencai from Beijing’s White Cloud Temple. Legend has it that it was built to revive literary culture and was constructed during the Ming Dynasty, boasting a history of over 400 years.

Zhenfeng Pagoda, also known as a stupa or Buddhist tower. After Buddhism was introduced to China from India, numerous pagodas were erected across the land, blending with traditional Chinese architecture to form a Buddhist architectural culture with distinctive national characteristics. Originally, the function of a pagoda was to enshrine the relics of the Buddha, serving as an object of veneration for Buddhists. A pagoda often became the main structure of a temple. Later, with the rise of Buddha hall architecture, the importance of pagodas gradually diminished, but this did not lead to their disappearance. On the contrary, the richly diverse landscape of Chinese gardens embraced the pagoda form, often featuring it as a central scenic element.

Yingjiang Temple stands majestically on the banks of the Yangtze River in the eastern part of the city. Anciently known as Huguo Yongchang Chan Temple, it is also called Wanfo Temple. It was first built in the seventh year of the Kaibao era of the Northern Song Dynasty (974). In the forty-seventh year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1619), the local gentry Ruan Zihua raised funds for its renovation. The temple halls are resplendent and grand, making it a renowned riverside monastery.

The temple complex consists of ancient structures including halls, chambers, pavilions, towers, rooms, a pagoda, and gardens, covering an area of 22,000 square meters. The riverside mountain gate is inlaid with three golden regular-script characters “迎江寺” (Yingjiang Temple) handwritten by Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, bold and steady, shining brilliantly. The white marble gate arch is adorned with a bas-relief of a four-clawed divine dragon, its head raised and tail upturned, as if leaping toward the river. On either side of the gate stand large iron anchors, each weighing about three tons, a feature unique among temples. Upon entering the gate is the Heavenly King Hall, where the Maitreya Buddha sits in the shrine, flanked by the Four Heavenly Kings, each with distinct expressions. Ascending 28 steps leads to the Mahavira Hall, inscribed with a plaque handwritten by Zhao Puchu. Inside the hall, the Tathagata Buddha has a kind and gentle expression, while Ananda and Kasyapa stand peacefully with hands clasped in reverence. The Four Great Bodhisattvas—Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Guanyin, and Ksitigarbha—as well as the Medicine Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and the Eighteen Arhats who subdue dragons and tigers, each exude unique charm and are vividly lifelike. Further back is the Vairocana Hall, housing Vairocana, Indra, and Brahma, all solemn and majestic, dominating the hall. Behind the hall is the “Sea Island” group sculpture depicting the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas paying homage to Guanyin. The fourth hall is the Scripture Depository, which houses treasures such as the Ming Dynasty Emperor Guangzong’s bestowed gold-inked “Lotus Sutra” and a line drawing of the Goddess of Mercy. The temple enshrines nearly 500 statues of deities and Buddhas, along with golden plaques bestowed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty and Empress Dowager Cixi, inscribed with “善狮子吼” (The Lion’s Roar of Virtue) and “妙明园镜” (The Mirror of Wondrous Clarity).

For centuries, Yingjiang Temple has enjoyed flourishing incense offerings and has produced many eminent monks. At its peak, the temple housed up to a thousand monks, hence the preserved bronze “Thousand-People Cauldron.” Over the dynasties, literati, officials, and dignitaries have visited the temple to admire its scenery. The Yingjiang Dining Hall, which serves meals and provides rest for worshippers and visitors, offers traditional vegetarian dishes described as “too refined for the wealthy to fully appreciate, yet exquisitely prepared.” Hidden among the flowers and trees are scenic spots such as “Yiyuan,” “Keyiting,” and “Wangta Ting” (Pagoda-Watching Pavilion), each with its own unique charm.

Protected Area: Within the surrounding walls of Yingjiang Temple (including Zhenfeng Pagoda).

Construction Control Zone: Outside the protected area, bounded by Sankongqiao Lane. To the west of Sankongqiao Lane, the control zone extends approximately 27–105 meters north of Yanjiang Road, west to Yicheng Road, east to Sankongqiao Lane, and south to the flood control wall. To the east of Sankongqiao Lane, the control zone extends approximately 16–30 meters north of the protected area (north of the area east of Huxin South Road to the wall of Zhenfeng Pagoda Hotel), east to the eastern wall of the Second Water Plant, south to the flood control wall, and west to Sankongqiao Lane.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units