Jinshan Temple

Historical Overview

• Eastern Jin Origins (4th–5th centuries): Established as Zeshin Temple, serving as a pivotal Buddhist center along the Yangtze River.
• Tang Dynasty Expansion (7th–10th centuries): Emperor Xuanzong renamed it "Jinshan Temple" and expanded its scale, solidifying its status as a Buddhist圣地 (sacred site).
• Qing Dynasty Renaming (17th century): Emperor Kangxi rechristened it "Jiangtian Temple" and inscribed the "Jiangtian Chan Temple" plaque, still displayed today.
• Modern Restoration (20th–21st centuries): Rebuilt after wartime damage, with the Water-Land Dharma Assembly (a Buddhist ritual) revived in 2006 and listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Structural Layout

The temple follows a "mountain-temple integration" design:

1. Main Temple Zone:
   • Heavenly King Hall: Entrance hall housing Maitreya Buddha and Four Heavenly Kings.
   • Main Hall (Daxiong Baodian): Central hall featuring three gilded Buddha statues and a 1,000-kg bronze bell.
   • Guanyin Pavilion: Houses the "Four Treasures of Jinshan"—a jade belt, Zhou Dynasty tripod, bronze drum, and ancient map.
2. Cultural Relic Zone:
   • Fahai Cave: Legendary site where monk Fahai subdued a white snake (inspired by The Legend of the White Snake).
   • Zhongling Spring: A 1,400-year-old spring ranked "China’s First Spring" for its tea-brewing quality.
   • Cishou Tower: A 36-meter-tall stone tower offering panoramic views of the Yangtze River.
3. Ritual Space:
   • Water-Land Dharma Assembly Hall: Site of biannual Buddhist rituals attracting global pilgrims.

Key structures:

• Seven Peaks Pavilion: Marks the spot where poet Su Shi ("Dongpo") composed Water Melody.
• Miao Gao Tai: A terrace where General Liang Hongyu once rallied troops during the Southern Song Dynasty.

Major Attractions

1. Jiangtian Temple: Explore the Main Hall’s 8-meter-tall Sakyamuni statue and the Guanyin Pavilion’s cultural relics.
2. Zhongling Spring: Taste spring water and learn about its role in Tang Dynasty Tea Culture.
3. Fahai Cave: Discover the legend of Fahai and the White Snake through stone carvings.
4. Cishou Tower: Climb for 360-degree views of the Yangtze River and Jinshan’s red-walled temples.
5. Water-Land Dharma Assembly: Witness monks chanting sutras and releasing lanterns during the ritual (held May–June & Oct–Nov).

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   Entrance → Heavenly King Hall → Main Hall → Zhongling Spring → Guanyin Pavilion → Exit
   Highlights: Core Buddhist halls and the famed spring.

2. Extended Route (4–5 hours):
   Entrance → Fahai Cave → Cishou Tower → Seven Peaks Pavilion → Miao Gao Tai → Water-Land Dharma Assembly Hall → Exit
   Highlights: Legends, panoramic views, and cultural rituals.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Entrance → Heavenly King Hall → Main Hall → Zhongling Spring → Fahai Cave → Cishou Tower → Seven Peaks Pavilion → Miao Gao Tai → Water-Land Dharma Assembly Hall → Guanyin Pavilion → Exit
   Highlights: In-depth exploration of architecture, legends, and rituals.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fees (2025):
  • Peak Season (April–October): ¥65 (adults), ¥32.5 (students/seniors).
  • Off-Season (November–March): ¥50 (adults), ¥25 (students/seniors).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and seniors over 70.
• Online Booking: Available via Ctrip or WeChat mini-program “Jinshan Scenic Area” (up to 7 days in advance).
• Combined Tickets: Includes Jinshan Temple and nearby attractions (e.g., Beigu Mountain) for ¥100–150.

Transportation

From Zhenjiang City:

• By Bus: Routes 2, 8, 34, or 115 to Jinshan Park Stop (20 minutes from downtown).
• By Taxi: Direct ride (15 minutes, ¥20 from Zhenjiang Railway Station).

From Shanghai/Nanjing:

• By High-Speed Rail: Shanghai Hongqiao/Nanjing South → Zhenjiang East Station → Taxi to temple (30 minutes).
• By Car: G42 Expressway → Zhenjiang Exit → Jinshan Road (1.5 hours from Nanjing).

Local Shuttle:

• "Scenic Area Tram" connects all zones (¥10/day pass).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: April–May (spring blossoms), October–November (autumn foliage).
• Avoid: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (tour group crowds).
• Essentials:
  • Sturdy shoes for steep, cobblestone paths.
  • Bottle to refill at Zhongling Spring.
  • Respect Buddhist customs (e.g., no flash photography in halls).
• Prohibited Items: Drones, outside food for ritual areas.
• Photography Tips:
  • Golden Hour: Capture the temple’s red walls against the Yangtze River at sunrise.
  • Macro Mode: Detail shots of spring water droplets or incense smoke.