Taihu Haihui Temple

Taihu Haihui Temple

Taihu Haihui Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Haihui Temple is located at the southern foot of Baiyun Mountain, about 10 kilometers northeast of Taihu County’s new town and approximately 3 kilometers from National Highway 105. At the intersection of National Highway 105 and the road leading to Haihui Temple, you can see two undulating, connected hills cradling a long, narrow field—like two dragons playing with the moon. This field is called Yuelong Field. The small hills here, counted from the original entrance all the way up, total eighteen, said to represent the Eighteen Arhats in meditation. Crossing the field and bridge, you reach a narrow section where four mountains flank the path, standing opposite each other—known as “Two Lions and Two Elephants Guarding the Entrance.” After passing through this “entrance,” Haihui Temple suddenly comes into full view.

Haihui Temple is backed by Baiyun Mountain. The mountain is covered with dense pines and cypresses, their shade blocking out the sun, while at the foot of the mountain, cool breezes blow amid swirling clouds and mist. To the right, the Xiangshui Cliff Waterfall cascades like a white silk ribbon hanging in midair, while across from it, the Jade Belt River flows as if scattering pearls on the ground. A pipa-shaped bridge spans the river, and south of the bridge are cliff inscriptions. To the left of the temple are scenic spots such as the Dongshan Ancient Mirror and the Immortal Drunkard. The plaque at the temple’s front, inscribed with the name “Haihui Temple,” was written by Zhao Puchu, the contemporary “Buddha of Calligraphy.” Its powerful and graceful strokes are so captivating they make one forget fatigue.

Haihui Temple was built during the Tang Dynasty. Since then, its legacy has continued unbroken, making it a renowned temple in HuaiXi, celebrated as the “Seat Where the Holy Assembly Gathers.” The temple’s name signifies a gathering place for eminent monks engaged in devout practice. Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing Dynasty once bestowed upon it a plaque inscribed with “True Suchness and Freedom.” The temple was also authorized to safeguard the ordination certificates. No historical records remain regarding its original scale, layout, or facilities. The *Taihu County Annals* and the *Eternal Ever-Bright Lamp Stele Inscription* only mention that Haihui Temple underwent renovations in the 42nd year of the Kangxi reign (1703), the 24th year of the Qianlong reign (1759), and the 1st year of the Daoguang reign (1836) of the Qing Dynasty. In the 9th year of the Xianfeng reign (1859), due to fierce battles between the Taiping Army and Qing forces, the temple suffered severe damage and was nearly reduced to ruins. It was not until the Guangxu era that restoration was finally achieved.

Haihui Temple features three levels—Lower, Middle, and Upper Halls—built in a terraced formation. The Lower Hall covers an area of about 100 square meters and is constructed with blue bricks, wooden frames, and small gray tiles. Inside, four circular wooden pillars, each thick enough to be embraced by two people, are arranged in a row to support the beams. The pillar bases are drum-shaped stones engraved with patterns, and the floor is paved with square bricks. The Upper Hall also covers around 100 square meters. Its corridors and steps are built with stone blocks, and the corridor pillars are round wooden ones with irregular square stone bases. The hall has five bays separated by blue brick walls. At both ends of the Upper Hall, right-angle corridors extend outward, forming symmetrical hallway-style rooms. The Middle Hall was demolished during the Cultural Revolution but was rebuilt in the early 1990s after nuns at the temple raised funds. It was completed in 1994. The Middle Hall spans 324 square meters, with yellow tiles and red walls, upturned eaves, and majestic yet solemn and simple ancient design. It houses eight large pillars supporting the beams, along with statues of three great Buddhas, the Four Heavenly Kings, Guanyin, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra. In 1999, the Kṣitigarbha Hall was added. Together, the four halls present a magnificent sight.

Between the Middle and Lower Halls, to the west, stands a thousand-year-old Arhat Pine. Its trunk is as thick as three people embracing it. Despite enduring a millennium of wind and rain, it remains lush with branches that twist like dragons and needle-like leaves in dark green—like a living “iron painting.”

Many accomplished monks have resided at the temple. Over the dynasties, literati and scholars frequently visited to admire the scenery, leaving behind numerous poems and legends. Bi Qiguang, a native of the Qing Dynasty, wrote a poem titled *Visiting Haihui Temple*: “By the fishing stream bridge, we stroll with spring winds. Cliff flowers laugh beneath the pool, and stream water sings among the rocks. A winding path leads deep as a dragon’s palace, while light sand bears the soft prints of birds. Drunk, I return as the mountain moon rises, leaning on my staff to hear the temple bells.” This poem remains a fine depiction of Haihui Temple’s beautiful scenery and the poet’s serene, joyful mood after enjoying the view.