Ginkgo Hall

Ginkgo Hall

Ginkgo Hall (Ginkgo Temple), originally named Panlong Temple, is located on Panlong Mountain in Hezui Township and is a renowned temple in eastern Sichuan, equally famous as Shuanggui Temple in Liangping. It was first built in the early Ming Dynasty. After Monk Touyue became the abbot, it was renamed Ginkgo Hall. During the Zhengde, Jiajing, and Wanli reigns of the Ming Dynasty, three eminent monks—Guocong, Dazhou, and Guangyuan—undertook three major renovations. Ginkgo Hall covers an area of 8,200 square meters. Backed by the ancient, tree-lined Panlong Mountain and facing the Guandu River teeming with fish and shrimp, it is surrounded by lush pines and cypresses. In its early years, three ginkgo trees stood tall in front of the temple, their branches and leaves verdant year-round, drawing the admiration of passersby—hence it was also known as Ginkgo Temple.

Ginkgo Hall features a pagoda courtyard, bell tower, drum tower, Heavenly King Hall, main hall, Dharma hall, scripture depository, abbot’s quarters, dining hall, meditation rooms, guest rooms, and incense kitchen. The surviving structures are well-preserved, with halls interconnected and pathways linked, adorned with bracket sets and upturned eaves, red walls, and green tiles. The various divine statues are exquisitely crafted with lifelike expressions, while numerous stone tablets stand tall, showcasing exceptional calligraphy. Particularly noteworthy are the wind chimes hanging from the flying eaves, producing pleasant sounds and displaying ingenious design. Following tourism development, a large mountain gate, imitation ancient walls, ethnic-style guesthouses, leisure pavilions, and various entertainment facilities have been added, making Ginkgo Hall even more majestic and resplendent. It is becoming a shining jewel along the Golden Triangle tourism route.

Source: Chongqing Government Website

Hezui Township: In January 2007, the government of Hezui Township relocated from Shaqiu to the new site at Banzhuba. Hezui Township is located in the northern part of Shizhu County, bordering Jian’nan Town of Lichuan City, Hubei Province to the east, Xinxiang Township of Wanzhou District to the west, Linxi Town to the south, and Zouma Town of Wanzhou District to the north. It is 79 kilometers from the county seat, stretching 10 kilometers from north to south and 8 kilometers from east to west, covering an area of 59 square kilometers, with elevations ranging from 580 to 1,500 meters. The terrain is higher in the east and south, and lower in the west and north. Qifeng Village lies within Yujia Gully, characterized mainly by limestone landforms and relatively infertile soil. Tongxin Village and Fumin Village are situated in a valley at the foot of small hills, while Changgou Village and Shuangfeng… More detailed information about Hezui Township++