The famous poem by Zhang Ji titled ‘A Night Mooring near the Maple Bridge’ brings the spectacular Hanshan Temple to light. Through the words of the poet the serenity and warm tranquillity of the Temple was experienced by many keen visitors from around the nation and around the world as well. The temple dates back to the Liang period of the Southern Dynasty and is located on the Fengqiao Town in the Jiangsu Province. The temple was originally named Miaolipumingta but because it housed the eminent monk Hanshan during the period of the Tang Dynasty the name itself was transformed to the ‘Hanshan Temple’.
The temple compound has a landscape of luxuriant green that creates a secluded and tranquil atmosphere. It spreads over 10600 square meters and exhibits the architecture displayed in the period of the Qing Dynasty. The simple buildings within the compound display a subtle natural style. In the heart of the compound stands the famous Mahavira Hall. Behind this hall stretches a long wooden corridor where a small tower stands with a stream in front and a wall behind. Other areas of the hall include the Grand Hall for prayer, the Bell Tower, the Tablets Corridor, the Sutra Collection Building and the Pavilion named Fengjiang. The temple has enormous Buddhist significance as it houses a 42 meter Buddhist pagoda that was erected in 1995. It spans across 5 storeys and was called the Puming Pagoda. Today this pagoda is a symbolic structure of the compound. There are a number of other attractions like the Han Shan statue, the stone tablet with the ‘Night Mooring near Maple Bridge’ poem and many others. Another important aspect of the temple is its melodious ringing bells. Found in the bell tower of the compound the bell sings to life every year on the eve of New Year in the Chinese lunar calendar.
The Hanshan Temple is a beautiful combination of Chinese culture with the Buddhist aspect in it. It is a place where you feel the serene aura of poetry. China has many such tranquil attractions. Stay at a Suzhou accommodation to enjoy a complete tour of the city and its many cultural attractions. The Citadines Xinghai Suzhou is a favourite among tourists as it boasts a beautiful luxurious setting with a set of warm and friendly staff members. If you are looking for the finest of Suzhou apartments, the Citadines Xinghai Suzhou definitely tops the list.
