Dongshan Temple, situated on the western slope of Zifang Mountain in the eastern part of Xuzhou City, was originally built in the early years of the Daoguang Emperor’s reign. It was founded by the abbot monk Dingjian, who was originally in charge of the Jie Yin Temple by the old Yellow River in Pengcheng. To escape the Yellow River floods, Dingjian relocated the temple to Zifang Mountain, naming it Dongshan Temple.
Dongshan Temple is renowned for its picturesque location on Zifang Mountain and the legend of Zhang Liang’s ‘surrounding songs’ that scattered the Chu army. It once had a thriving incense culture and conducted three grand precepts ceremonies. Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong visited the temple during their southern tours, leaving behind a stele inscribed by Qianlong. The temple has gradually developed into a complex with a Mahavira Hall, Arhat Hall, refectory, monk’s quarters, mill, monk’s training ground, and a stele building, arranged in a four-courtyard layout. Presently, Dongshan Temple faces west, directly opposite Xuzhou Railway Station. Behind the temple stands a bronze statue of Zhang Liang in front of Jiming Pond, with a waterfall cascading nearby. The temple complex includes the Mahavira Hall, the Hall of the Three Saints, the Ksitigarbha Hall, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Zifang Hall, the Hall of the Azure Clouds, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the Sutra Repository, the refectory, the dining room, and the reception room, among others. The opening hours and business status are subject to the day’s conditions.Dongshan Temple
Dongshan Temple, situated on the western slope of Zifang Mountain in the eastern part of Xuzhou City[...]
