Han Shan Si (Temple in Chinese) [Suzhou]

To ring the bell in the temple,an admission fee of RMB5 is required per person.However,bringing of camera is not allowed into the temple

This temple was built during the Southern Song Dynasty (AD 502 - 519), and is about 1500 years old now. It is located in the west of the Suzhou city, on Fengqiao Road. The former name of this temple was "Puming Pagoda Yard". It was later re-named "Hanshan Temple" because a monk name "Hanshan Zi" once stayed here. This temple is famed for its association with the poem "Berthing at Fengqiao at Night" (Feng Qiao Ye Po), composed by Zhang Ji

This river is just outside the entrance of Han Shan Si.We was told that in the Qing Dynasty,this river was used to ship goods into the Palace in Beijing.

This is the bell tower of Hanshan Temple. We are not allowed to go into the tower so we only took photos from the outside of the tower.

This is one of the most famous temple in China. It is said that listening to the bell tolling during Chinese New Year Eve will bring you luck and happiness. There is a Maple Bridge nearthe Hanshan Temple, which is the subject of aa poem written by a poet from Tang dynasty - Zhang Ji. The poem is entitled "Anchored by night at the Maple Bridge" (Feng Qiao Ye Po)

OK. I've been to a lot of temples in China. Over done if you ask me. The Han Shan Si (Cold Mountain Temple) has a great drop back to see-the Grand Canal. The city is surrounded waterway/canals. It's very romantic. As for the temple, it's up to you if you want to see. I was never into it completely so I you can to save a little money you can opt out. Admission is 10 RMB at the time in writing.

It's a temple on the edge of the Grand Canal. It is famous for a poem by a poet in Tang Dynasty, Zhangji. The poet stayed in the temple, during the night he heard bell rings from the ship on the canal. He wrote a very famous poem, "A Night Mooring near Maple Bridge". Here is a website to learn more about the temple: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/jiangsu/suzhou/hanshan_temple.htm

First built between 502 AD and 519 AD in the Liang Dynasty of the Period of the Six Dynasties in Chinese history, it is said that during the Period of Zhenguan in Tang Dynasty, two famous monks from Tiantai Mountain named Hanshan and Shide were given charge of the temple and the name was then changed to Han'Shan'Si.

This tree in hanshansi must be blocking the way as the braches are chopped and lots of wire and cable are going across and around this tree. I find this tree so amusing and there goes my camera clicking it.

This tower of Han Shan Si has four levels and the top of this tower are made of pure gold. . If you are in need of some cash, climb up to the top. The temple in the olden days were built with donations from the commoners.

This is the surrounding of the Han Shan Si. This place look so serene and peaceful. This used to be a temple where some here to seek peace and repent from their sins. You can see some houses that are built along the river.

The temple in the olden days were built with donations from the people. If you are in need of some cash, climb up to the top of this tower for some pure gold. Make sure you dont be caught for stealing national treasures

As you enter Han Shan Si, you would notice a yellow wall with 3 Chinese Character carved on it. There is a story of why the 3 characters are carved by diffent person. This is the inside view of that yellow wall. There are many potted plants and a signboard posting the history of Han Shan Si.

Two men are standing guard outside the Han Shan Si Bell Tower. They collect a token sum for those who wish to ring the bell. Each person rings the bell 3 times.

This photo was taken at the entrance of Han Shan Si. It is winter and the leaves are falling off from the trees. They look so pretty with the peach sky in the background. I love the color of the photo looks so artistic.

Love the bridge and the river. This looks like another water town. But we are now at the entrance to Han Shan Si.

Inside this tower is a bell. There is a story behind it. But I was not paying attention to my tour guide long explanations

The deliciously named and delightful Cold Mountain Temple is a Buddhist temple with an important literary association. Originally outside Suzhou's borders, it was immortalised by Tang poet Zhang Ji in his famous poem "Anchored at Night by the Maple Bridge", which is now inscribed on a stone stele in the temple grounds. The poem talks about the clanging of the temple's bell, and can be recited by most who schooled in China or Japan - indeed, the temple is often crowded with Japanese visitors at New Year's Eve to listen to the ringing of the bell (for a small fee, you can do this anytime!). The original bell was lost during the Ming dynasty, allegedly stolen by the Japanese, though no one can verify this. The current bell dates from 1905, a present from Japan. The temple remains a working one, and you might chance upon chanting and praying monks. Admission price is RMB20. The temple is open daily from 0800 to 1700.

HanShanSi or the Cold Mountain Temple is located in a small town named Feng Qiao Zhen or Maple Bridge on the outskirt of Suzhou. It is located on the bank of the Grand Canal between Maple Bridge and River Village Bridge ( JiangCunQiao).

Yi Yuan, the garden built up in Suzhou latest, absorbs the pith from other gardens built ealier and represents in its tiny area with concentration. The door in the shape of a circle, indicates pursuing the life with a full circle, always a feature visible in many ancient Chinese architecture. On the door writing Yao Tiao in Chinese, means Slim which normally describe girls in the ancient time.

An ancient temple built in the 5th century and is re-named with Han Shan after one senior monk called Han Shan visited in Dang Dynesty. There is a poem written by a poet in Dang dynasty making this temple popular in China. Sorry it is only a poor translation from Chinese to English, but hope it brings you an ambience of how the temple is. Frost is scattering in the air with moon's falling and the bird's crowing; Feeling sleepless on the boat with the companion of maple trees and fishing fire on the river; The sound of clock vibrating in the midnight coming from Han Shan temple is reached the boat making it a more sleepless night.