Ginkgo Hall

　　    Ginkgo Hall (Ginkgo Temple), originally named Panlong Temple, is situated on Panlong Mountain in Hezui Township. As a famous temple in eastern Sichuan, it shares renown with Shuanggui Temple in Liangping and 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 eras of the Ming Dynasty, three eminent monks—Guocong, Dazhou, and Guangyuan—undertook three major renovations. Covering an area of 8,200 square meters, Ginkgo Hall backs onto Panlong Mountain, which is covered with ancient trees, and faces Guandu River, teeming with fish and shrimp. Surrounded by lush pines and cypresses, the temple once had three ginkgo trees standing prominently at its front, their branches and leaves flourishing year-round, drawing the admiration of passersby, hence its alternate name, Ginkgo Temple.

　　    Ginkgo Hall features a pagoda courtyard, bell tower, drum tower, Heavenly King Hall, main hall, Dharma Hall, scripture depository, abbot’s quarters, as well as dining halls, meditation rooms, guest rooms, and incense kitchens. The surviving structures are all well-preserved, with halls interconnected and corridors linking them seamlessly. The buildings boast upturned eaves and flying rafters, red walls, and green tiles. The various divine statues are exquisitely crafted, with lifelike expressions. Countless stone tablets stand throughout, showcasing excellent calligraphy. Particularly enchanting are the wind chimes hanging from the eaves, producing pleasant sounds and adding a unique charm. Following tourism development, a grand mountain gate, imitation ancient walls, ethnic-style guesthouses, leisure pavilions, and various entertainment facilities have been added. Ginkgo Hall now appears even more majestic and resplendent, gradually becoming a shining jewel along the Golden Tourism Route of the Three Gorges.

　　    Source: Chongqing Government Website