The Yangzhou Buddhist Culture Museum in China encompasses the Tianning Temple and Chongning Temple. The Tianning Temple, located on the […]
The Yangzhou Buddhist Culture Museum in China encompasses the Tianning Temple and Chongning Temple. The Tianning Temple, located on the north bank of the moat in Yangzhou and once serving as Emperor Qianlong’s temporary palace, features a grand red wall and houses exhibitions related to Buddhism.
Chongning Temple, situated to the north of Tianning Temple, presents a simpler appearance with grey bricks and black tiles. It is believed that Tianning Temple was converted from the residence of the Eastern Jin Dynasty’s famous minister Xie An, with most of the existing structures restored during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. The Wanfo Tower has been reconstructed in modern times, with hundreds of golden Buddha statues at its central top, which is quite impressive.
Several main halls on the central axis of Tianning Temple have been converted into exhibition halls, flanked by antique shops. Scattered across the temple’s large lawn are some Buddhist statues, albeit incomplete, yet exquisitely beautiful. Current exhibitions include the Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition, Buddhist Culture Exhibition, and the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries Restoration Exhibition.
The Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition illustrates the lives of the eccentrics with text and images, and displays their works. The Buddhist Culture Exhibition showcases some Buddhist statues and the history of the spread of Buddhism. The Complete Library of the Four Treasuries Restoration Exhibition presents a high-precision replica of the ‘Complete Library of the Four Treasuries’ in its original size, color, and form.
Chongning Temple, initially constructed in the 49th year of Qianlong’s reign (1784 AD), was rebuilt during the Tongzhi period and further constructed during the Guangxu period. It retains structures such as the Heavenly Kings Hall, Main Hall, Wenchang Pavilion, and monk’s quarters, and currently serves as the Yangzhou National Painting Academy and Yangzhou City Cultural Relics 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 west is the Imperial Dock, where Emperor Qianlong disembarked and stayed at the Tianning Temple palace. Today, the Imperial Dock is the starting point for boat tours of Slender West Lake, mainly catering to tourist groups.
Continuing westward, one can reach the place for morning tea – Yechun Garden. From Yechun Garden, it is 400 meters west to Slender West Lake. You can arrange your tour route according to your preferences.
The museum is open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00-17:00; closed all day on Mondays, with specific business hours subject to the day’s opening status.
