Xiangfu Temple is located in the secluded area at the southern foot of Qinlv Peak on Mashan Mountain in Taihu Lake, Wuxi City. It was first built in the Tang Dynasty. ‘In the past, people built a temple on the barren hill at Lingshan site.’ Through the Song, Ming and Qing dynasties, after several renovations, it reached a certain scale, achieving the state of ‘Exquisite lotus blooms are species from the Western Regions, and the Buddhist Dharma is performed with superior Zen.’ To the south of the main hall of Xiangfu Temple, a large bronze bell hangs in the left bell tower. This is what we call the ‘First Bell in Jiangnan’. The so-called ‘First Bell’ refers to the weight and diameter of the bronze bell. This bronze bell weighs 12.8 tons, has a large diameter of 2.5 meters at the bottom, and a total height of 3.5 meters. It is named ‘Xiangfu Zen Bell’ and is the largest bronze bell in Jiangnan so far. The ‘Xiangfu Zen Bell’ was cast by Wuhu Shipyard in Anhui Province. It is the largest-tonnage bell cast since the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Once the bell rings, the sound can last for three minutes. For specific opening hours, please consult the scenic area.
