The Yangzhou Buddhist Culture Museum in China encompasses the Tianning Temple and Chongning Temple, both situated on the north bank of the Yangzhou city moat. The Tianning Temple, once the imperial palace of Emperor Qianlong, features impressive red walls and houses exhibitions related to Buddhism.
Located to the north of Tianning Temple, Chongning Temple presents a much simpler appearance with its grey bricks and black tiles. It is said that Tianning Temple was originally built from the residence of the Eastern Jin Dynasty’s famous official Xie An and has been restored mostly during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. Recently, the Wanfo Tower has been reconstructed, with hundreds of golden Buddha statues at its central top, which is quite a sight to behold.
The main halls on the central axis of Tianning Temple have been converted into exhibition halls, with antique shops on either side. Scattered across the temple’s vast lawn are some Buddha statues, which, despite being incomplete, are exquisitely beautiful. Currently, the exhibitions on display at Tianning Temple include the Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics calligraphy and painting works exhibition, Buddhist culture exhibition, and the Siku Quanshu restoration exhibition.
The Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics exhibition presents the lives of the eccentrics through text and images, as well as their works. The Buddhist culture exhibition displays Buddhist statues and the history of Buddhism’s spread. The Siku Quanshu restoration exhibition showcases a high-definition replica of the ‘Complete Library of Four Treasures’ in its original size, color, and form.
Chongning Temple, originally built in the 49th year of Qianlong’s reign (1784 AD), was reconstructed during the Tongzhi period and rebuilt during the Guangxu period. It retains structures such as the Heavenly Kings Hall, the Main Hall, the Wenchang Pavilion, and monk’s quarters, and now serves as the Yangzhou National Painting Academy and the Yangzhou Municipal Archaeological Team.
Walking 300 meters east along Fengle Shang Street in front of Tianning Temple leads to the Shi Kefa Memorial Hall, while 30 meters to the west is the Imperial Dock, where Emperor Qianlong disembarked and stayed in the Tianning Temple’s imperial palace. Today, the Imperial Dock is the starting point for boat tours of Slender West Lake, primarily catering to tour groups. Further west lies Yechun Garden, a place for morning tea, and 400 meters west of Yechun Garden is Slender West Lake. You can plan your visit according to your preferences.
The museum is open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-17:00; closed all day on Mondays. Please check the daily opening status for specific business hours.
