Daming Temple(Qiling Temple)

Daming TempleLocated on the central peak of Shugang Hill at the northwest corner of Yangzhou's Slender West Lake, this temple was named after its original construction during the Daming era (457-464 AD) of Emperor Xiaowu of the Liu Song dynasty. The current temple structure dates back to the Tongzhi period of the Qing dynasty. Before the renowned Tang dynasty monk Jianzhen embarked on his eastward journey to Japan, he resided here.Daming TempleThe temple gained fame for imparting scriptures and precepts. The entireDaming TempleThe complex is divided into three sections: the central area features the main temple buildings, the eastern part houses the Qiling Pagoda, and the western part consists of a landscaped rear garden called the West Garden. Visitors can tour the entire site by following the sequence: central → eastern → western sections.Daming TempleClimb up the gentle steps to the hill—only 28m above sea level—and you'll arrive atDaming TempleThe main entrance. There are many vendors selling incense along the mountain path, but do not purchase from them as outside incense is not allowed inside the temple. Incense can be obtained within the temple. The main temple buildings in the central area of the attraction are arranged along a north-south axis in three sections. From south to north along the central axis are the memorial archway, the mountain gate which also serves as the Hall of Heavenly Kings.Mahavira HallOn the west road, the main attraction is Ouyang Xiu. To the south is Pingshan Hall, built when Ouyang Xiu served as the governor of Yangzhou. Later, when Su Dongpo became the governor of Yangzhou, he constructed a memorial behind Pingshan Hall in honor of Ouyang Xiu.Gulin Hallto the north isOuyang ShrineThe abbot's quarters are located on the south side of the east road.Pingyuan TowerTo the north is the Jianzhen Memorial Hall, and to the east of the memorial hall isSutra LibraryAmong them, the Jianzhen Memorial Hall isDaming TempleAn important architectural site. Jianzhen attempted six voyages eastward, bringing Chinese Buddhism and culture to Japan. He presided over the construction of Tōshōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan, and passed away there. The Jianzhen Memorial Hall, built in the 1960s–70s, was modeled after Tōshōdai-ji. In front of the hall stands a white marble stele inscribed with "Monument to the Great Monk Jianzhen of the Tang Dynasty." At the center of the courtyard is a stone lantern gifted by the abbot of Tōshōdai-ji, forming a pair with another lantern at the temple. Inside the hall sits a camphorwood statue of Jianzhen in a seated posture, replicating his likeness at the time of his passing as depicted in Tōshōdai-ji. Opposite the memorial hall, the former Clear Sky Pavilion now serves as the Jianzhen Historical Exhibition Hall, where visitors can learn about his life through texts and images. To the east of the attraction stands the Qiling Pagoda, originally built by Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty to celebrate his birthday. The current pagoda is a reconstruction based on the Sui-era design. This nine-story pagoda enshrines Buddhist relics and a camphorwood Buddha statue. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the entire area.Daming TempleOverlooking the scenery of Slender West Lake and Yangzhou city. To the east and west of the Qiling Pagoda are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower respectively, while the Jade Buddha from Myanmar can be seen in the Reclining Buddha Hall to the north of the pagoda. The rear garden in the western part of the attraction, known as the Imperial Garden due to its connection with Emperor Qianlong's southern tours, features typical Jiangnan-style landscaping with rockeries, pavilions, and towers. At its center lies a release pond, with the Qianlong Imperial Stele Pavilion to the east housing three imperial steles. The pond contains the "Fifth Spring Under Heaven," a ranking given by Tang Dynasty writer Zhang Youxin in his work "Notes on Brewing Tea Water." A short walk south of the Qianlong stele leads to the "Fifth Spring" stone tablet and an ancient well.Daming TempleEvery December 31 features a lively "Bell-Ringing Ceremony to Welcome the New Year" with activity duration spanning midnight. Citizens gather in the temple to pray for peace and good fortune in the coming year while listening to 108 bell chimes at midnight. During each Bodhisattva's birthday or memorial day...Daming TempleReligious ceremonies are also held.