Temple of Yijing

Temple of Yijing

Temple of Yijing is a cultural tourism attraction.

Temple of Yijing, located on Tongming Mountain in Zhangxia Town, Changqing—a place of lush mountains and clear waters—is a thousand-year-old temple originally built during the Sui and Tang dynasties. It was also the place where the eminent monk Master Yijing practiced and resided.

In the history of Chinese Buddhism, Master Yijing (635–713) is recognized as one of ancient China’s “Three Eminent Monks Who Sought the Dharma,” alongside Master Faxian of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and Master Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty. He is also honored as one of the “Four Great Translators of Scriptures,” together with Master Kumarajiva of the Later Qin, Master Dharmarakṣa of the Liang Dynasty, and Master Xuanzang of the Tang Dynasty. He is acclaimed as the foremost figure in ancient China to seek Buddhist scriptures by sea. His works have been translated into English, French, Japanese, Korean, and other languages, exerting a significant influence on global Buddhism.

The temple currently covers an area of over 40 acres. Atop the mountain stand grand halls and pavilions including the Mahavira Hall, Medicine Buddha Hall, Avalokiteshvara Hall, the Memorial Hall of Master Yijing, the Prajna Hall, the Dharma Hall, the Scripture Depository, and the Temple of Yijing Library. The architectural complex stretches from north to south, demonstrating a magnificent scale and imposing presence.

Though over a thousand years old, the ancient spring within the lower part of the temple still flows year-round with a gentle murmur. Millennium-old inscriptions recount the trials of time, and the authentic couplet by Master Yijing remains preserved in front of the main hall: “Petals rain down on twin tree boughs entwined with Buddhist leaves; incense clouds swirl as golden light shines through the bloom of the udumbara.” In front of the main hall stand two thousand-year-old cypress trees—one flourishing, the other withered. “The flourishing one represents eternal bliss and purity; the withered one symbolizes the emptiness of the four elements.” All of this illustrates the long-standing heritage of Buddhist teachings, exuding an aura of auspiciousness.

Address: Tongming Mountain, Zhangxia Town, Changqing District, Jinan City