Hanshan Temple

Hanshan Temple
寒山寺
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
SectLinji school
Location
LocationGusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Shown within Jiangsu
Geographic coordinates31°18′44.67″N 120°33′53.39″E / 31.3124083°N 120.5648306°E / 31.3124083; 120.5648306
Architecture
StyleChinese architecture
Date established502–519
Completed1906 (reconstruction)

Hanshan Temple (Chinese: ; pinyin: Hánshān Sì; lit. 'Cold Mountain Temple'), is a Buddhist temple and monastery in Gusu District of Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. It is located at the town of Fengqiao (lit. Maple Bridge), about 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) west of Suzhou's old city.

Traditionally, Hanshan Temple is believed to have been founded during the Tianjian era (502–519) of the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang, in the Southern and Northern dynasties period. The current name of the monastery derives from Hanshan, the legendary monk and poet. Hanshan and his disciple Shide are said to have come to the monastery during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang (627–649), where Hanshan became the abbot.