24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
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24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Hanshan Temple, Suzhou attraction
Brief Introduction
Hanshan Temple (Cold Mountain Temple) is a Buddhist temple and monastery in Suzhou, China. It is located at the town of Fengqiao (lit. Maple Bridge), about 5 kilometres west of the old city of Suzhou. Traditionally, Hanshan Temple is believed to have been founded during the Tianjian era (502–519) of the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang, in the Southern and Northern Dynasties period. More than thousand years ago, a poet had described the midnight bell rings of Cold Mountain Temple. The temple is famous for its bell rings at night. It took its current name from a monk named Cold Mountain, which meant Cold Mountain in English. The temple can be traced back to 6th century, and it was destroyed and repaired for times in history. A sitting statue of Buddha is in the main hall of the Hanshan Temple. On each side of the statue there are nine gold-plated arhat statues, each with a different facial expression. If you come to visit them, you will definitely be touched by their life-like designs.
Hanshan Temple was constructed during Tianjian era in Liang Dynasty with a history of more than 1400 years. It was originally called “Miaoli Puming Temple”. The current name of the monastery derives from Hanshan, the legendary monk and poet. Hanshan and his disciple Shide are said to have come to the monastery during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang (627–649), where Hanshan became the abbot.
Currently, the temple consists of Grand Prayer Hall, Bell Tower, Sutra-Collection Building, Fengjiang Pavilion, and Tablets Corridor and so on. In 1995, a new building named Puming Pagoda was constructed in the temple. The pagoda is a Buddha pagoda. It has a pagoda of five stories. After its construction, it became the symbolic building of the temple. Besides, many historical relics are preserved well in the temple, such as the statue of Han Shan and the stone tablet inscriptions written by well-known scholars in the past time of China.
Cold Mountain Temple is often known for its bell rings. The bell had been destroyed for centuries in history, and the bell in the tower now was modeled. On every Chinese Lunar New Year's Eve, the bell is ringed to pray for safety, peace and happiness when the New Year comes. Thousands of visitors from home and abroad are attracted there. Every year in the Chinese New Year’s Eve, people from home and abroad is gathering together to listen to the sound of the bell. It is said that all your trouble in one year will be driven away by the bell.
Its total area is 10,600 square meters (about 3 acres). The existent temple was rebuilt from 1906 to 1911, including the sutra hall and the bell tower. In 1995 a Buddha tower was built behind Hanshan Temple, ending the history that this temple had no Buddha tower for more than 600 hundred years.To the south of the Sutra Collection Pavilion, there is the Bell Tower, with the shape of hexagon. Hanshan Temple is famed in East Asia because of the poem "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge" (????), by Tang Dynasty poet,Zhang Ji. The poem describes the melancholy scene of a dejected traveler, moored at night at Fengqiao, hearing the bells of Hanshan Temple:
Hall of Hongfa, which means to spread the Buddhism, is a hall to display the bronze statues of three well-known monks, namely Xuanzang, Jianzhen and Konghai. Xuanzang is not only a monk but also a good translator over thousand years ago. He translated many Indian Buddhism books into Chinese. Jianzhen is a monk who once went to Japan to preach Buddhism in 9th century. Konghai is Japanese who came to China to learn Buddhism in 9th century. After his study in Cold Mountain Temple, Konghai went back to Japan to preach Buddhism.
How to get to Hanshan Temple
Bus Routes: No. 6, 9, 17, 21, 31, 301 and tourist bus Line 3 to get off at the Heshan Daqiao stop (Heshan big bridge)
Travel Guide
1. Address: No.24 Hanshansi Lane, Fengqiao Town, Suzhou City
2. Opening Time: 7:30 a.m. – 17:00 pm
3. Admission Fee: CNY 20
4. Time for Visit: 1 hour
Most Popular Suzhou Trips including Hanshan Temple
1. Suzhou Classic Day Trips from Shanghai
2. One Day Suzhou Trip to Explore Buddhism Culture
3. One Day Suzhou Classic Tour
4. 2-Day Suzhou Tour From Shanghai By Bullet Train
For more tours includes Hanshan Temple, please refer to Suzhou Tour Packages.
Duration：10+ Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Embark on the ultimate Suzhou day trip from Shanghai, where you’ll explore the city’s most iconic highlights with a private guide. Discover the beauty of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping, before heading to Tiger Hill, home to the leaning Yunyan Pagoda and centuries-old legends. Visit the tranquil Hanshan Temple, famous for its ancient bell chimes, and end your journey with a stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming old street lined with traditional houses, boutique shops, and teahouses. With seamless private transportation and expert guidance, this journey offers an immersive cultural experience in the “Venice of the East.”
Duration：10+Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：A Shanghai to Suzhou day trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, all within easy reach of Shanghai. Begin your journey with a visit to the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its classical Chinese landscaping and tranquil atmosphere. Next, explore the iconic Panmen Gate, an ancient city gate that provides a glimpse into Suzhou's rich history and impressive architecture. Continue to the peaceful Hanshan Temple, famous for its ancient bell chimes and historical significance. Finally, stroll along Shantang Street, a charming waterway street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and teahouses. This day trip promises a wonderful exploration of Suzhou’s most famous landmarks.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Humble Administrators Garden, Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Shantang Street
Tour Style：Embark on the ultimate Suzhou day trip, where you’ll explore the city's most famous landmarks with convenient hotel or train station pickup. Begin your journey at the tranquil Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its classical landscaping and serene beauty. Next, visit Tiger Hill, home to the iconic Yunyan Pagoda and steeped in historical significance. Continue to Hanshan Temple, known for its peaceful atmosphere and ancient bell chimes. Finally, stroll along Shantang Street, a picturesque waterway lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and local shops. This Suzhou day trip offers an immersive experience of the city’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Duration：6-8 Hours
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Hanshan Temple, Panmen Gate, Pingjiang Road
Tour Style：Experience the best of Suzhou with our Suzhou 1 day tour, designed to showcase the city’s most iconic sights. Begin your adventure at the stunning Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its classical Chinese landscape design. Continue to Hanshan Temple, a peaceful retreat famous for its ancient bell chimes. Visit the historic Panmen Gate, an ancient city gate offering a glimpse into Suzhou's rich history and architecture. End your day with a leisurely stroll along Pingjiang Road, a charming street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and vibrant local life. This Suzhou 1 day tour offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and beauty, with convenient pickup from your Suzhou hotel or train station.
Duration：10+ hours
Attractions(Cities)：The Master of Nest Garden, Pingjiang Road, Zhouzhuang Water Town
Tour Style：Embark on a Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town tour from Shanghai and discover the charm of Suzhou’s classical gardens and ancient water towns. Begin your journey at The Master of Nets Garden, a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping known for its elegant pavilions and tranquil ambiance. Stroll along Pingjiang Road, a historic canal-side street lined with traditional houses, teahouses, and boutique shops. Then, travel to Zhouzhuang Water Town, one of China’s most picturesque water towns, where stone bridges, ancient alleys, and serene canals create a timeless atmosphere. This Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town tour from Shanghai offers a seamless and immersive experience, with private car transport ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.
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