The Jianzhen Memorial Hall is located in Daming Temple. It commemorates Monk Jianzhen who has made significant contributions to cultural exchanges between China and Japan. Designed by Liang Sicheng, a well-known Chinese architect, with reference to Toshodai Temple, the main relic of Jianzhen in Japan, it is elegant and simple, preserving the architectural art style of the Tang Dynasty. In the front is the foyer with a plaque hanging above. In the middle is the stele hall with a horizontal monument standing inside. At the back is the hall, built in the style of a temple hall in the Tang Dynasty. In the center of the hall is a nanmu statue of Jianzhen. Carved by a woodcarver from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1963 from a whole piece of nanmu treasured by the Palace Museum. The blind monk sits cross-legged with closed eyes and a solemn expression. The carving is exquisite. Even the grain of the wood and the texture of the human skin are clearly visible, depicting the resolute and courageous spirit and profound charm of Monk Jianzhen. On the walls on both sides are decorative cloth paintings of Jianzhen’s eastward voyage, which are respectively the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an, Seven Star Rock in Zhaoqing, Akiuura in Kyushu, Japan, and the Golden Hall of Toshodai Temple in Nara, showing people the places where Jianzhen lived and experienced. The specific business hours and opening status are subject to the opening situation on that day.
