Ji Jian Temple

Ji Jian Temple is located in Tianchi Mountain, with an elegant architectural environment. The three [...]

Ji Jian Temple is located in Tianchi Mountain, with an elegant architectural environment. The three stone houses built during the Yuan Dynasty include one within the temple called ‘Western Paradise Temple’, one to the east of the mountain gate called ‘Tusita Palace’, and the symmetrical western stone house known as ‘Jile Paradise’. According to historical records and inscriptions, these three stone houses were constructed between the 17th and 23rd years of the Zhizheng era of the Yuan Dynasty (1357-1363). The architectural treatment of the stone hall and houses in Ji Jian Temple retains the style of the Liang Dynasty while also featuring characteristics of the Yuan Dynasty. The ‘turtle head house’ construction is very rare and is the only surviving stone structure imitating wooden architecture from the Yuan Dynasty in China, holding a significant position in the history of Chinese architecture.
Ji Jian Temple mainly features a stone hall and cliff carvings. The layout of the stone hall, stone houses, carvings, and paths does not follow the symmetrical layout method of general temples, but rather a more free arrangement. The carvings inside the stone houses are carved along the mountain cliffs, influenced by the grotto temples since the Northern Wei Dynasty, and are also successful examples of ancient craftsmen’s stone carving works based on local conditions and materials. The ceilings constructed inside the stone hall are rich in layers, colorful, and reveal a strong Lamaist atmosphere in their decoration and composition. The carvings inside the stone houses have bold lines and a majestic presence, providing valuable physical materials for the study of Yuan Dynasty carving art history.
Most of the ancient stone structures in China are towers and bridges, and there are very few complete stone halls imitating wooden structures known to date, with only this one known in Jiangsu. Therefore, the stone hall and Buddhist niche carvings have significant historical and cultural value. The opening hours and specific business status are subject to the day’s opening conditions.