Gaomin Temple is located at the intersection of the ancient canal and Yiyang River in the southern suburbs of Yangzhou City. It is known as one of the four major Buddhist temples in China, along with Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang, Tianning Temple in Changzhou, and Tiantong Temple in Ningbo.
Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1645-1911) once used this temple as a palace when they came to Yangzhou. The architecture of Gaomin Temple is grand and spacious, but it is located in a remote area with few tourists, making it appear very peaceful.
The gate of Gaomin Temple is inlaid with Kangxi's calligraphy "Build Gaomin Temple" and White Marble stone forehead. The existing buildings include the old Zen Hall, the Buddhist chanting hall, the Sutra Pavilion, the Jade Buddha Hall, the west tower, the water shelf pavilion and the squatter house. The new Zen Hall and the the Shakya ManiHall are very grand, but the old buildings have become the residences of monks, and tourists are not allowed to enter.
The Tianzhong Pagoda in Gaoming Temple is 9 stories high and can be seen from a distance. It is said that in the 42nd year of Kangxi's reign (1703 AD), during his fourth southern tour of Yangzhou, Kangxi climbed onto the pagoda and looked around, feeling as if it was towering into the sky. Therefore, the temple was named "Gaomin Temple".
Travel Tips
Address: No. 5 Yangzi Jiangnan Road, Guazhou Town, Hanjiang District, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province
Telephone: 0514-87511398
Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 throughout the year
Entrance Fees: CNY 20