based on 427 reviewsHanshan Temple is located in the western suburbs of Suzhou. The temple dates back more than 1,400 years. The temple gained renown from its mention in the famous poem “A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge” by the poet Zhang Ji of the Tang Dynasty: “From the monastery on Cold Mountain, the sound of the bell reaches the guest boat at midnight.” Hanshan Temple is a famous site to pay. Every day, a steady stream of believers comes to the temple to strike the bell, light incense, and pray for the future.
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Show More ReviewsA thousand years ago, Zhang Ji moored his boat at Maple Bridge and penned a twenty-eight-character masterpiece: "The moon sets, crows cry, maple leaves float on the river, fishing lights flicker, and the midnight bell tolls," painting a picture of a serene autumn night unique to Suzhou. Time has flowed on, the frosty sky remains, and the ancient temple bell tolls year after year, traveling across the long river to reach the ears of people today. Strolling through Hanshan Temple, the ancient brick halls exude Zen, Maple Bridge spans the emerald waters, and the evening breeze rustles through the treetops—it's as if one has encountered the poetic sentiments of a thousand-year-old traveler. As twilight falls, the bell's gentle sound echoes across the river, soothing the troubled heart. No need to travel far to seek romance; come to Hanshan Temple and keep a rendezvous with a Jiangnan autumn night that transcends a thousand years.