Zijin Temple, also known as Golden Temple, is a historical landmark located to the west of Dongshan Town in the southwest suburbs of Suzhou. Founded during the Liang and Chen dynasties and reconstructed during the Tang Dynasty’s Zhenyuan era, it has a rich history spanning over 1,400 years.
The main hall of the temple is adorned with sixteen clay sculptures of Arhats on the left and right walls, which are attributed to the renowned folk sculptors Lei Chao and his wife from the Southern Song Dynasty. Additionally, the eight statues on the back wall were added by Qiu Mituo in the late Ming Dynasty. These Arhat statues, along with other colored decorations, are exquisitely crafted and represent the pinnacle of Suzhou’s sculptural and painting works during the Qing Dynasty. The clay sculptures of Arhats at Zijin Temple are celebrated as one of the ‘Two and a Half Halls’ in the world.
Behind the Arhat Hall, you will find the Jingyin Hall, which is entirely constructed of nanmu wood and has been converted into a cultural relics exhibition room of Wu County. In front of the hall, there are golden osmanthus and magnolia trees that are said to have been planted for over 800 years. Although the original trees have died, new shoots have sprouted from the dead bark, making them the second generation.
For those seeking a moment of tranquility, the Listening to Pines Hall within the temple offers a space for tea tasting and rest. Here, one can sit by the window and listen to the soothing sound of the pine waves.
The temple is open to visitors all year round from 08:00 to 17:00. During the National Day holiday, the temple maintains the same operating hours, remaining open from 08:00 to 17:00.
In terms of admission, there are preferential policies in place for children under 6 years old (including 6 years old) or under 1 meter in height.
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**Free Admission:**
– Children under 4 meters in height (including 1.4 meters).
– Elderly people aged 70 and above (including 70 years old).
– Disabled persons and one accompanying person for severely disabled individuals (with valid identification).
– Active military personnel and retired military officers of the People’s Republic of China (with valid identification).
– Blood donation volunteers with the ‘Three Exemptions’ honor certificate: National Unpaid Blood Donation Award, Unpaid Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donation Award, and Lifetime Honorary Award for Unpaid Blood Donation Volunteer Service.
– Model workers with a Wu County, Suzhou City, or higher-level model worker certificate.
– Eligible preferential treatment recipients and retired ‘two-participating’ military personnel from enterprises (with valid identification).
– Religious personnel of the same religion as the religious activity venues within the scenic area (with valid identification).
**Half-Price Tickets:**
– Minors aged 6 to 18 years old (including 18 years old).
– People aged 60 to 70 years old (excluding 70 years old, with valid identification).
– Full-time undergraduate students and below (with valid identification).
**Additional Note:**
Please note that the information provided above is for reference only. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer to the public notice at the scenic spot.
—Pets are not allowed in the scenic area.
