Features of Jingshan Temple

Jingshan Temple was first built during the Zhonghe period of the Tang Dynasty. Unlike traditional Ming and Qing style temples, it features Song Dynasty architecture. Many temples in Kyoto, Japan have a similar style, as many monks who came here to study Buddhism brought this architectural style back with them. There's also the famous calligraphy of Monk Ikkyū, whose portrait will completely change your impression of the cartoon character Ikkyū-san.

Try a bowl of dried bamboo shoot noodles, enjoy a cup of iced matcha tea, copy a Buddhist scripture as an offering - the experience is truly fulfilling...

Over 1,200 years ago, Lu Yu was attracted by the ink paintings of Jingshan and stayed here to grow and study tea, eventually writing the three-volume "Tea Classic." Many Japanese monks who came to study here introduced tea ceremony culture to Japan. As the birthplace of tea ceremony and the capital of matcha, the Song Dynasty Zen tea tradition should be more widely promoted.

⛰【Attraction Guide】
📍Address: Jingshan, Jingshan Town, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

🚗Transportation: Take bus routes 2496, 2592, or 82 from downtown Hangzhou.

🕙Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00

💰Admission: Free

🌟Highlights:
1. Architectural features include the Grand Hall, Ancestral Hall, Guest Hall, Dining Hall, Dharmakaya Well, Nine Dragon Screen Wall, and restored Buddha statues in various halls. The Imperial Stele Pavilion has been rebuilt, housing Emperor Xiaozong's stele from the Southern Song Dynasty, Ming Dynasty cast iron incense burners, the Iron Buddha of the Western Trinity, the Yongle Great Bronze Bell (partial), and historic steles from various patriarchs.
2. Jingshan tea was first planted by the founding patriarch Faqin and gradually developed into a famous tea. When Japanese monks returned to their country, they brought "tea ceremony utensils" back to Sōfuku-ji Temple. Jingshan's "tea banquet" gradually evolved into the Japanese "tea ceremony," becoming an important element of cultural exchange between China and Japan.

Post by onlookerinstant76 | May 4, 2025