Hanshan Temple Suzhou
An ancient Buddhist temple in Suzhou, famed for its connection to a classic Chinese poem and the resonant sound of its midnight bell.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Hanshan Temple Suzhou
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Buddhist temple in Suzhou, famed for its connection to a classic Chinese poem and the resonant sound of its midnight bell.
"A culturally and historically significant destination, worth a visit to feel the quiet beauty of ancient China."
Ring the Bell for Blessings
Pay ¥5 to ring the bell: 1 for blessings, 2 for prosperity, 3 for longevity. :bell:
Consider a Local Guide
Enhance your understanding of the temple's history and poetry by hiring a guide. :man_teacher:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Midnight Bell
Bell Tower
Hear the iconic bell that inspired a famous poem, said to ring at midnight. A truly atmospheric experience.
Poem's Echoes
Temple Grounds
Walk where the ancient poets walked and feel the tranquility of the temple, a place of deep historical and literary importance.
Monks Hanshan and Shi De
Temple Entrance/Statues
Discover the temple's namesake monks, Hanshan and Shi De, whose stories are intertwined with this sacred site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Embrace the History and Poetry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ring the Bell for Blessings
Pay ¥5 to ring the bell: 1 for blessings, 2 for prosperity, 3 for longevity. :bell:
Consider a Local Guide
Enhance your understanding of the temple's history and poetry by hiring a guide. :man_teacher:
9 nights in Shanghai and the surrounding region
Look for the Bell Tower
Don't miss the artistic Bell Tower, often overlooked but a solemn and impressive structure. :bell:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the temple grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Ring the Bell for Blessings
Pay ¥5 to ring the bell: 1 for blessings, 2 for prosperity, 3 for longevity. :bell:
Consider a Local Guide
Enhance your understanding of the temple's history and poetry by hiring a guide. :man_teacher:
Look for the Bell Tower
Don't miss the artistic Bell Tower, often overlooked but a solemn and impressive structure. :bell:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the temple grounds. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Hanshan Temple to be a historically significant and culturally rich destination, particularly for its connection to a famous poem. While the temple itself is described as peaceful and ancient, many note that it can become very crowded, with visitors focused on taking photos. The opportunity to ring the bell is a popular, albeit small, additional experience.
"The temple is small and there is renovation going on. Very crowded and ppls all busy taking photos. Is old temple with long history good to drop by if at Suzhou."
Dry Gin
"Cool"
Myoga Kaiware
"Then we went to Hanshan Temple to find the monks to ring the bell.
It turns out that Hanshan is not a mountain, but the monk Hanshan and the monk Shi De.
By the way, we spent $5 to ring the bell to pray for the family.
1 ring for blessing
2 rings for prosperity
3 rings for longevity.
I really think that when you are at a more famous scenic spot, you can ask a guide to explain. Here I saw the poem about staying at Maple Bridge at night that I learned in my textbook when I was a child: Hanshan Temple outside Gusu City, the bell sounded at midnight to the passenger ship. I also learned that the moon sets and the crows cry, the morning bell and the evening drum refer to the early morning, not the evening. I have learned a lot again.
This is my second visit to Shanghai. I have seen the construction and changes in China. It has been 10 years since I last came to China. The changes are really huge."
斌斌
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a high-speed train from Shanghai Railway Station to Suzhou Railway Station, which takes about half an hour. From Suzhou Railway Station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Hanshan Temple. Many travelers opt for day trips from Shanghai.
Local buses are a common and affordable way to reach Hanshan Temple from Suzhou city center. Taxis are also readily available. If you're coming from Shanghai, the high-speed train is highly recommended for speed and convenience.
Yes, Hanshan Temple is generally accessible by public transport in Suzhou. Several bus routes serve the area, making it convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! Many visitors, especially those on shorter trips, treat Hanshan Temple as part of a day trip from Shanghai. The high-speed train makes this very feasible.
The train from Shanghai to Suzhou is about 30 minutes. Local travel within Suzhou to the temple can vary depending on traffic but is generally manageable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Hanshan Temple is approximately 20 CNY. This fee grants access to the temple grounds and its historical sites.
Typically, a standard entrance ticket is required. There aren't usually special passes mentioned, but it's always good to check for any seasonal offers or combined tickets if available.
While specific hours can vary, Hanshan Temple is generally open during daylight hours, allowing visitors to explore its grounds. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit.
Tickets are usually available for purchase at the entrance. For convenience, especially during peak times, you might find options to book online through local travel platforms.
Yes, there is a small fee, around 5 CNY, to ring the bell and make a wish for blessings, prosperity, or longevity.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ancient temple architecture, admire the serene grounds, visit the Bell Tower, and learn about the famous poem 'Night Mooring at Maple Bridge.' You can also ring the bell for good fortune.
Hanshan Temple can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and on weekends. Visiting early or late in the day can help avoid the largest crowds.
The bell is famously associated with the poem 'Night Mooring at Maple Bridge' by Zhang Ji. Its sound is said to have a profound, almost spiritual, effect, especially when heard at midnight.
Hiring a local guide is recommended by visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the temple's history, architecture, and the literary significance of the site.
The Bell Tower is a significant structure within the temple complex, often described as artistic and solemn. It's connected to a stone tablet engraved with the famous poem.
📸 📸 Photography
The temple grounds offer many picturesque spots, especially around the main halls, pagodas, and the Bell Tower. The natural greenery and traditional architecture provide beautiful backdrops.
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas of Hanshan Temple. However, always be respectful of any signs indicating restrictions inside specific buildings or prayer areas.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, which is ideal for photography. The 'golden hour' can create a magical atmosphere, especially with the temple's ancient architecture.
Capturing the iconic Bell Tower, the intricate temple roofs, and the serene courtyards are popular photo opportunities. The inscriptions and historical artifacts also make for interesting shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical and religious sites to ensure safety and preserve the atmosphere. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for the statues of the monks Hanshan and Shi De and tell them their stories. The temple grounds offer space to walk around, and the visual appeal of the traditional architecture can spark curiosity. Consider visiting during less crowded times to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
🏛️ History & Culture Enthusiasts
Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the temple's historical context, architectural details, and the nuances of the famous poem. The opportunity to ring the bell adds a participatory element to understanding the temple's enduring traditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Hanshan Temple and 'Night Mooring at Maple Bridge'
The temple itself is named after the Buddhist monk Hanshan, who, along with his companion Shi De, is celebrated for their philosophical teachings and poetry. While the temple has undergone renovations and changes over centuries, its historical and spiritual essence remains. The architecture, often described as harmonious and peaceful, reflects the tranquility sought in Buddhist practice. The sound of the temple bells, a recurring motif in the poem, is a key element of the visitor experience, evoking a sense of timelessness and connection to the past.
When visiting, pay attention to the inscriptions and historical markers that reference the poem and the monks. The Bell Tower, in particular, is a focal point for many visitors, offering a tangible connection to the literary masterpiece. Understanding the context of the poem and the lives of the monks Hanshan and Shi De will significantly deepen your appreciation for this culturally rich destination.
Experiencing the Bell Ringing Ritual
Visitors can pay a small fee, typically around 5 CNY, to ring the bell. The number of rings often corresponds to specific blessings: one ring for general blessings, two for prosperity, and three for longevity. This practice adds an interactive element to the visit, allowing people to engage with the temple's traditions in a direct way. Many find this to be a memorable part of their visit, connecting them to the temple's spiritual atmosphere.
While the bell is famously said to ring at midnight, visitors can experience ringing it themselves during the day. The solemnity of the act, combined with the historical ambiance of the temple, makes it a poignant moment. It's a chance to pause, reflect, and perhaps send a wish out into the world from this ancient site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit