Xi Yen Zen Temple, also known as the Jiangnan Jade Buddha Temple, is one of the most quintessential attractions in the Tian Xia Yu Yuan scenic area. The temple complex covers an area of 86 acres with a construction area of 12,000 square meters, facing southeast and northwest, backed by the Phoenix Mountain, and facing the Nine Dragon Mountain. It is a place where the phoenix dances and the dragon soars, and a land where the dragon encircles and the tiger squats.
Built against the mountain, Xi Yen Zen Temple is a three-part courtyard structure. The first structure is the Heavenly Kings Hall, with the Jade Buddha Maitreya in the front and the Jade Vajra Bodhisattva at the back, flanked by the Four Heavenly Kings. Following is the Mahavira Hall, a grand and spacious hall with the Buddha Shakyamuni enshrined in the center. In front of the hall, twelve white jade pillars are orderly arranged, creating a majestic presence that is unique to this temple.
The third structure is the Seven Buddhas’ Treasure Hall, from where one can overlook the entire temple complex. Inside Xi Yen Zen Temple, there are over 20 Buddha statues, all carved from Xiuyan Hua jade. The jade Buddha statues are uniquely conceived, beautifully designed, exquisitely crafted, and grandly imposing, making the temple a world of both Buddha and jade. In 2003, it was recognized by the Shanghai Guinness Headquarters as one of the world’s largest-scale Qingming-style temples. The temple is open all year round from 07:30 to 16:30, with specific operating conditions subject to the daily opening status.
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