It is but one poem that made Hanshan temple a much sought-after place. Zhang Ji’s ‘A Night Mooring Near Maple Bridge’ celebrates the temple’s midnight bell ring. Ji, who belongs to the Tang dynasty, had the rare skill of powerful expression to convert the temple’s ambience and nature into words.
Also known as Cold Mountain Temple is within the close proximity of Citadines Xinghai Suzhou, a place of Accommodation Suzhou. There was a monk by the name of Han Shan who came to form this temple, during the Tang dynasty. You will have so much of things to explore the temple’s architecture.
The temple houses a Grand Prayer Hall, Sutra-Collection Building, Bell Tower, Fengjiang Pavilion and Tablets Corridor. If you have not been there after 1995, the temple now has its five-storied pagoda about 138 feet tall. This pagoda now stands to represent the temple. Walk along and you will come across many historical exhibits in the temple. Han Shan’s statue, Zhang Ji’s poem’s stone inscription and other rock inscriptions of what the ancient Chinese scholars have written down.
Above all this, the temple is still famous for its bell ring. Interestingly though, you will never get a chance to see the original bell which inspired Ji’s poetic words. It has disappeared after some time. The present bell was designed following the model of the previous one. This bell tolls every year to invoke blessings for a happy and prosperous new year. Now, if you get a chance, the New Year dawn is a festive occasion for the residents.
Many tourists visit this place just to witness this festive occasion. The temple is not so far. It is situated five kilometres from Fengqiao Old Town in Suzhou. The temple is nestled in a space of about three acres. It shows the Qing dynasty architectural features.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world. Google+
