Attractions
Donglin Monastery & Nengren Temple
Donglin Monastery
Located northwest of Lushan Mountain in Jiujiang City, Donglin Monastery is renowned as the cradle of Chinese Pure Land Buddhism. The monastery has a history of over 1,600 years; it was established by Monk Hui Yuan in the year 384 during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420). The monastery with many grand structures and the profound culture of Buddhism attracts many visitors from both home and abroad each year.
Donglin Monastery covers an area of about 120,000 square meters (29.7 acres) with a floor area of about 4,500 square meters (1.1 acres). The surrounding mountains make the Donglin Monastery rather remote and secluded. The monastery was quite prosperous during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and there were more than 300 halls and rooms at that time. Being the major sermon place of Buddhism for a long time, Donglin Monastery established its fame and prestige firmly. Jian Zhen (688-763), a dignitary of the Tang Dynasty, rested at the Donglin Monastery after his fifth failure to travel to Japan. During his stay, he and the Donglin monks had a good exchange of thoughts. Then in the year 753, Jian Zhen together with Zhi En, a monk in Donglin, made a sixth trip to Japan and arrived the next year. Thus began the mission of prevailing Buddhism and the Chinese civilization.
Destroyed during the Anti-Japanese War (1973-1945), the existing buildings were rebuilt in recent years. Along the central axis visitors can appreciate the gate; the Great Buddha's Hall attached to Arhat Hall, Mile hall, and Shenyun Hall, attached to Sanxiao Hall (Three Laughers Hall), depositary of Buddhist texts and other relics.
There are a great many histories and legends preserved in the monastery and some of the halls. The bridge at the front of the monastery is called Huxi (Tiger Stream) Bridge. Legend has it that the master of the Donglin Monastery, Hui Yuan, had focused on studying Buddhism and vowed not to go across the bridge; one day while seeing two of his friends off he was so preoccupied by conversation that he walked across the bridge, when the trio heard a tiger roaring they realized the cause and burst out in laughter. Thus in Sanxiao Hall (Three Laughers Hall) recorded the beautiful legend and preserved it for your exploration. Visitors will also discover more legends about the Shenyun Hall, and the Smart Spring.
|
Admission Fee: |
CNY 10 |
Nengren Temple
Located at the Yuliang Lu (Yuliang Road) of Jiujiang City, the Nengren Temple has long been renowned as one of the most significant temples in Jiangxi Province. Nestled at the northern foot of Lushan Mountain, the Nengren Temple boasts one of the grandest collections of ancient architecture in Jiujiang City.
Originally built in the year of 503 during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), the Nengren Temple now enjoys a rich history of 1,500 years full of a great many changes. According to historical records, it was first called Chengtian Yuan (Chengtian Courtyard) and the buildings were not that many. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907) when Buddhism was predominant, a sainted Buddhist named Bai Yun came across this desolate temple and began a restoration of the Great Buddha's Hall and the Dasheng Pagoda (Great Victory Pagoda). From then on, the temple has attracted increasing numbers of prayers, and has played an important role in Chinese Buddhism. The Iron Buddha Hall was added in the Song Dynasty (960-1279).
In later ages, the temple was destroyed by warfare but rebuilt and repaired time and time again. With the restorations of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), finally the whole temple was renovated and revived to its former prosperity.
Today, covering an area of about 3,000 square meters (0.74 acre), the temple boasts a collection of structures that create a grand view. Distributed along a central axis, these buildings are the Front Gate, Tian Wang Hall, Shuang Yang Bridge, the Great Buddha's Hall, Iron Buddha Hall and the Depository of the Buddhism Texts. Wandering through the halls and pavilions, visitors can experience the culture of Chinese Buddhism.
In the temple complex, there are 'Eight Spectaculars' which catch the most attention. One of them is the hexahedral Dasheng Pagoda, about 42 meters (138 feet) in height with seven tiers, and constructed of brick. Ascend its spiral staircase to the top, and get a panoramic view of the entire city. Other 'Spectaculars' are a Stone Boat, an Iron Buddha, an Ice Mountain and a Snow Cave.
|
Admission Fee: |
CNY 10 |
More Visitor Attractions in Jiujiang:
Poyang Lake & Gantang Lake
Lushan National Park
Stone Bell Hill & Wave Well
Xunyang Tower, Suojiang Tower
