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Gaomin Temple, located at the Sanchakou estuary at the confluence of the Ancient Grand Canal and the Yiyang River in the southern suburbs of Yangzhou, is a nationally protected temple. It is one of the eight famous temples of Yangzhou during the Qing Dynasty, renowned both domestically and internationally. Along with Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang, Tianning Temple in Changzhou, and Tiantong Temple in Ningbo, it is considered one of the four great Zen Buddhist monasteries in my country. Its reputation is not only renowned domestically but also extends far beyond Southeast Asia. In 1983, the State Council's Religious Affairs Bureau officially designated Gaomin Temple as a nationally recognized key temple.
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Tianzhong Pagoda of Gaomin Temple in Yangzhou
It was built earlier than Gaomin Temple. The Tianzhong Pagoda was founded by Wu Weihua in 1651, the eighth year of the Shunzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty. The pagoda was then used to build a temple, the Tianzhong Temple. Wu Weihua, a native of Shuntian, was a scholar in the late Ming Dynasty. After surrendering to the Qing, he was awarded the title of Marquis of Gongshun for his contributions during the campaigns in Taiyuan and other areas, and rose to the rank of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Later, he was sentenced to death several times for corruption, dereliction of duty, and collusion with eunuchs, but was pardoned each time. Because he had served as the governor of the Grand Canal, frequently visited Yangzhou, and was a devout Buddhist, he decided to build the Tianzhong Pagoda on the Sancha River. The choice of the pagoda's location may have been related to his position as governor of the Grand Canal, but also to geomancers who believed that building a pagoda on the Sancha River would dam the river, prevent flooding, and benefit Yangzhou. This was clearly stated in Li Kai's later "Preface to the Tianzhong Pagoda Fu."
Postscript to the Picture of the Gaomin Temple Palace
After the construction of the Tianzhong Pagoda, Sanchahe was known as Pagoda Bay, or simply Pagoda Bay. Climbing the Pagoda affords panoramic views of the Jinjiao Peaks to the south and the foothills of Shugang Mountain to the north, making it a scenic spot in Huainan. The Pagoda also became the main structure and a key symbol of Gaomin Temple. Pilgrims and tourists visiting Gaomin Temple must ascend the Pagoda. The monks dedicated their devout worship to the Pagoda, sweeping it morning and evening. Master Fangju, the abbot during the Jiaqing period, commemorated the event with a poem titled "Bath in the Pagoda": "Rising at dawn, I summoned my companions, drawing water from each floor to bathe. Pure light rises from the seven tiers, azure shadows illuminating the heavens. The incense of the precious tripod drifts ethereal, the sound of the golden bells fades in silence. Gazing out over the clouds and mountains, the vast sea and sky stretch far into the distance." According to Monk Zhaoyue's "Notes on the Pagoda," the Pagoda at Gaomin Temple collapsed and was rebuilt once. In the summer of the 36th year of the Qianlong reign (1771), monks discovered that the Tianzhong Pagoda was leaking from various levels. They reported this to the Governor of He (Hebei) Gao Jin and the Salt Commissioner Ji Zhiying. The two officials immediately commissioned the Lianghuai Transport Commissioner Zheng Dajin to inspect the Gaomin Temple on the third day of the seventh lunar month and develop a repair plan and budget. However, a sudden storm blew up on the fifth day of the seventh lunar month, blowing off the central column at the top of the pagoda. The golden roof, wheel covers, and other components fell, damaging the pagoda layer by layer. That same year, the Lianghuai salt merchants raised funds for a new reconstruction. Construction began on the third day of the tenth lunar month, and the upturned lotus wheel covers and golden roof were cast on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. The central column was erected on the tenth day of the second lunar month of the following year, and the top and spire were completed on the seventeenth day of the third lunar month. After six months of construction, the new pagoda was completed. In the 24th year of the Daoguang reign (1844), the new pagoda collapsed again. From the 11th year of the Shunzhi reign to its collapse in the 36th year of the Qianlong reign, the Tianzhong Pagoda stood for 117 years; from its second construction to its collapse in the 24th year of the Daoguang reign, it stood for 73 years. In total, the Qianhou Tianzhong Tower existed for a total of 190 years.
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Gaomin Temple dates back to the Tang Dynasty and is an important site for Buddhist pilgrims. The temple has played a key role in the spread of Buddhism throughout Jiangsu Province. It is also known for its architectural beauty and historical relics, making it an important cultural landmark in Yangzhou.
Gaomin Temple is located in the southeastern part of Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. It can be accessed by taxi or public bus. Visitors can also walk from nearby landmarks or accommodations within the city.
Gaomin Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee is approximately 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple's entrance. Online bookings may be available during peak seasons or through local tour operators.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary, except during peak tourist seasons or major Buddhist festivals. It's advisable to book at least one or two days in advance during busy times.
A visit typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore Gaomin Temple, depending on your interest in the architecture, history, and surroundings.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available in English and other languages, depending on the season and availability. It's best to inquire upon arrival.
Start your visit by exploring the main hall, then proceed to the bell tower and the surrounding gardens. Take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before finishing your visit at the temple’s smaller halls and courtyards.
Night visits and light shows are not commonly offered at Gaomin Temple. Special tours may be available during festivals or religious events, so it is worth checking the temple's schedule before your visit.
The temple can be crowded during weekends and religious holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
The temple has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There is a small shop selling religious items and souvenirs. No major food outlets are on-site, but visitors can find restaurants nearby.
Gaomin Temple is relatively accessible for elderly visitors and families with children. However, certain parts of the temple, such as the bell tower, may require climbing stairs, so it may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and cash are accepted. Cards may not be widely accepted, so it's best to have cash or use mobile payment options.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in the nearby restaurants, especially in traditional Chinese eateries. Halal food options are limited, but may be available in select local restaurants.
There are small souvenir shops at the temple selling Buddhist artifacts, incense, and local crafts such as embroidery and pottery.
Taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services like Didi are easily accessible to continue the trip to other parts of Yangzhou or nearby attractions.
