Hanshan Temple

Introducing Hanshan Temple
Suzhou Hanshan Temple is just to the south of Maple bridge over the old Grand Canal. Its name means Cold Mountain Temple, after the abbot Hanshan "Cold Mountain" who managed the temple in the Tang Dynasty. It used to be one of the top ten famous temples in China.

Hanshan Temple Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Hanshansi 寒山寺
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Buddhism, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 07:30-17:00
• Entrance Fee: ¥20
• Address: No.24 Hanshansi Alley, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Hanshan Temple

Suzhou Hanshan Temple was originally founded during the rule of Emperor Tianjian of the Liang dynasty (502-557) but none of the buildings survive from that era. The sights here include a hall of 500 arhats, the main Hall of Great Treasure, and a five-story pagoda that is of more recent construction than the rest of the temple.

Suzhou Hanshan Temple is often mentioned in ancient literature, as in the poem "Mooring to the Maple Bridge at Night" written by Zhang Ji of the Tang Dynasty. Nowadays Suzhou Hanshan Temple has become famous for the annual "tolling of the bells" on New Year's Eve that attracts thousands of worshipers. 108 bells are rung to pray for luck and happiness in the coming year.

How to get to Hanshan Temple
• Take bus No. 30, 31, 33, 40, 44, 300, 301, 307, 313, 324, 332, 406, 415, 442, 622, 816, 932 or Tourist Bus line 3 and get off at Hanshansi South Station.
• Take bus No. 9, 10, 30, 45, 306, 406, 622, 816, 931 or 935 and get off at Laifengqiao Station.

Additional travel advice on Hanshan Temple
• Please dress and behave appropriately in the temple.
• The admission ticket on the New Year’s Eve is ¥100 per person, for the annual "tolling of the bells" ceremony and a series of activities are held in the temple.