Donglin Temple of Mount Lushan in Jiujiang

Nestled on the western slopes of Mount Lushan in Siyang Town, Lianxi District, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, Donglin Temple got its name for being east of Xilin Temple. Established in 386 AD by the renowned Eastern Jin Buddhist master Huiyuan, it is the ancestral temple of China's Pure Land Buddhism (Lotus Sect) and a national key Buddhist temple in the Han-inhabited areas. In 402 AD, Master Huiyuan founded the White Lotus Society here, initiating the Pure Land practice of chanting Amitabha Buddha's name, which has exerted a profound influence across China, Japan and South Korea. The temple complex includes two major parts: the historic Donglin Ancestral Temple and the Donglin Pure Land Garden (home to the giant Donglin Buddha), offering a peaceful blend of spiritual pilgrimage, cultural exploration and natural scenery appreciation.

Why Donglin Temple Is a Must-Visit

Spiritual Heritage & Historical Significance

• The birthplace of Pure Land Buddhism; the White Lotus Society site witnesses the origin of the Amitabha-recitation practice that has spread for over 1,600 years.
• A sacred site praised by countless ancient literati, including Li Bai, Bai Juyi and Tao Yuanming, who left numerous poems and inscriptions here.
• Recognized as a National Key Buddhist Temple in 1983, playing a key role in Sino-Japanese and Sino-Korean Buddhist cultural exchanges.

Two Distinctive Scenic Areas

1. Donglin Ancestral Temple (Old Temple): Tang-style architecture, the Mahavira Hall with magnificent brackets, the White Lotus Society Ruins, the Five-Hundred Arhats Hall, the Wenfo Pagoda and the Huxi Bridge (where the famous “Three Laughs at Tiger Stream” story happened). Ancient ginkgo trees and quiet courtyards create a serene spiritual atmosphere. You can attend the morning chanting, copy Buddhist scriptures and enjoy free vegetarian meals here.
2. Donglin Pure Land Garden (Donglin Buddha Scenic Area): Boasts the world's tallest Amitabha reception bronze statue, with a total height of 88 meters (the Buddha statue itself is 48 meters tall). Climb 949 steps to the Buddha platform for a panoramic view of Lushan's mountains and rural landscapes.

Free & Inclusive Experience

• No admission fees for both the Ancestral Temple and the Pure Land Garden; free vegetarian meals (subject to temple rules) and free cultural exhibitions. No forced consumption, making it accessible to all visitors.

Key Highlights

Practical Visiting Information

• Opening Hours: Ancestral Temple 08:00–17:00 (open all year round, no entry after 16:30); Pure Land Garden 08:00–17:00, closed every Monday (except the 1st/15th day of the lunar month, Buddhist festivals and public holidays).
• Transportation: Take Bus No.57 directly from Jiujiang Railway Station to the Ancestral Temple. For the Pure Land Garden, take special tourist buses or drive and navigate to “Donglin Temple Pure Land Garden”.
• Dress Code: Strictly no shorts, miniskirts, camisoles or slippers. It is recommended to wear long-sleeved clothes and trousers.
• Photography Rules: Do not use flash when photographing Buddha statues; follow the “No Photography” signs in certain areas.

Who Should Visit

• Buddhist Devotees: A sacred pilgrimage site to pay homage to Master Huiyuan and the Amitabha Buddha statue, and practice Pure Land Buddhism.
• Cultural & History Enthusiasts: Explore the origin of Pure Land Buddhism and appreciate the poems and inscriptions left by ancient literati.
• Photographers: Capture the grandeur of the Tang-style architecture, the serene courtyard scenery and the magnificent Donglin Buddha against the backdrop of Mount Lushan.
• Leisure Travelers: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, experience meditation and vegetarian meals, and enjoy a peaceful spiritual journey.