Hanshan Temple is an ancient temple located in the west of Fengqiao Town, Suzhou. The temple was built around the beginning of the 6th century, during the reign of Emperor Liang Wu of the Liang Dynasty (502-519), with the original name of Miaoli Puming Tower Courtyard.
During the Taiping Rebellion, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt in 1905. During the Zhenguan era (627-649) of Emperor Taizong of Tang, the name Hanshan was given to commemorate a monk who presided over the place. After the ups and downs of history, Hanshan Temple has been preserved and restored by the Song and Qing dynasties until today.
The temple is located on a 10,600m2 plot of land.2The main architectural works of the pagoda include Dai Hung Bao Dien, Tang Kinh Cac and Bell Tower. Each work has its own unique features and values.
Hanshan Temple not only attracts tourists with its thrilling stories but is also an endless source of inspiration for generations of poets. Facing the charming scenery of the Jiangnan river region, Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji wrote immortal verses, which areWind Bridge Night Silver:
The moon sets in the sky, frost fills the sky
River wind and fish fire face each other in sorrow
Hanshan Temple outside Gusu City
Night falls, the boat is filled with guests
Poetry translation:
The moon is waning, crows are cawing in the frost
Fire of fishing boat on the wharf, sadness lingers in the lake's dream
Whose boat is moored at Co To wharf?
Hearing the bell of Han San Temple at midnight
- Translated by Nguyen Ham Ninh (1808-1867)
Nowadays, when visiting Hanshan Temple, visitors have the opportunity to admire the famous mural "Hanshan - Shide" carved on stone by the famous painter La Sinh So of the Qing Dynasty, the handwriting of the famous calligrapher Truong Xu Lieu of the Song Dynasty through the Diamond Sutra, or explore the Library - where Buddhist scriptures are stored.
In addition, there is also a system of Buddha statues, Ton Hanh Gia, Thap Bat La Han, stone steles recording the masterpieces of poets in Truong Lang and bells that have created the soul of Han Son pagoda, especially on New Year's Eve, when 108 bells ring in the middle of the night, people can feel the spirit of the temple.Wind Bridge Night Silveron Co To wharf
Because the bell of Hanshan Temple is so famous, every year, at the exact moment of New Year's Eve, Hanshan Temple organizes a solemn Great Bell Festival, in which 108 bells will be rung. The 108 bells symbolize the 108 troubles that people often face in life. This festival often attracts a large number of Buddhists and tourists to participate. It is believed that whoever hears the bell of Hanshan Temple on New Year's Eve will have their 108 troubles blown away by the wind and will have no more worries in the new year.
Hanshan Temple is ranked among the ten most famous ancient temples in China. Every year, millions of domestic and foreign tourists come to visit the temple and enjoy the charming scenery of the Co To river region.
