Ganlu Temple in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu
Ganlu Temple: A Historical and Cultural Gem
Historical Significance
For centuries, numerous scholars and poets have ascended Beigu Mountain, where Ganlu Temple stands, to reflect on the turbulent history of the Three Kingdoms period and to express their own aspirations and emotions. Their impassioned verses, filled with grandiose imagery, have left a legacy of magnificent poetry.
Geographical Location
Ganlu Temple sits majestically atop the rear peak of Beigu Mountain, leading to the saying “the temple crowns the mountain.” Located by the Yangtze River in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, Ganlu Temple was founded during the Eastern Wu period in the first year of the Ganlu era (265 AD), which is the origin of its name.
Layout and Structure
The temple is renowned for its iron pagoda, originally constructed during the Song Dynasty. The nine-tiered, octagonal pagoda is exquisitely designed. The original structure collapsed in a tsunami during the Ming Dynasty, leaving only the lowest three levels. In 1960, during restoration efforts, a stone chamber was discovered three and a half feet below the base of the pagoda. Inside the chamber, a rectangular stone casket was found containing smaller caskets. Over 700 Buddha relics were unearthed, including 11 relics of Buddha Shakyamuni confirmed by scholars.
Tang Dynasty poet Luo Yin wrote about Beigu Mountain in his poem “On the Stone Sheep in Front of Miaoshan Temple in Runzhou,” indicating that the tale of Sun Quan and Liu Bei joining forces against Cao Cao was well-known by that time. In 1205, the famous Southern Song poet Xin Qiji climbed Beigu Mountain, inspired by the scenery to pen an enduring masterpiece:
"Where can one gaze at the Divine Land,
Full of sights from Beigu Tower.
The endless saga of rise and fall,
The Yangtze River flows incessantly.
Thousands of young warriors,
Guarding the Southeast.
Who can rival the heroes of the world?
Cao and Liu.
To bear a son, let him be like Sun Zhongmou."
Surrounding Scenic Spots
Nanshan encompasses several mountains, including Zhaoyin Mountain, Huanghe Mountain, Jiashan, and Jiuhua Mountain, covering about 18 square kilometers with a forest coverage rate of 73%. It hosts over 60 species of trees and more than 70 species of birds. Located 2.5 kilometers from the city center, the Nanshan Scenic Area consists of Zhaoyin, Zhulin, Hulin, and Wenyuan areas. With its undulating hills and lush greenery, it combines natural beauty with cultural significance, serving as both a national forest park and a prominent provincial scenic area.
Since the Southern Dynasties, it has been a favorite among scholars, including Xiao Tong, Liu Xie, Dai Yong, Su Dongpo, and the founders of the Mi Family Yunshan painting school, Mi Fu and Mi Youren. Liu Yu, the founder of the Song Dynasty, also frequented this area in his youth. This land has indeed been a cherished retreat, inspiring poets like Luo Binwang and Wang Changling, as well as emperors like Kangxi and Qianlong.
Cultural Significance
The Ganlu Temple Iron Pagoda, designated a national cultural relic in 2013, is located southeast of the main peak of Beigu Mountain. Initially constructed during the Tang Dynasty in 825 AD by Wei Gong Li Deyu, it was rebuilt as an iron pagoda in the Song Dynasty. This iron-wood imitation pagoda, now about 8 meters tall, reflects the advanced iron casting techniques and Buddhist artistry of ancient China, embodying the essence of Chinese culture with significant historical, scientific, cultural, and Buddhist research value.
Monument Commemoration
To honor the martyrs of the Anti-Japanese War, the ‘Southern Jiangsu Anti-Japanese War Victory Monument’ was erected on September 1, 1995, supported by the local party branch and the state. The monument, 36 meters tall and 6 meters wide, symbolizes the 313,000 members of the Communist Party in Zhenjiang, with 28 meters representing the two detachments from eight southern provinces. The 317 steps, divided into six groups of 50, and the final 17 steps, commemorate the 50th anniversary of the war’s end and the victory of the New Fourth Army at Weigang on June 17.
Constructed from reinforced concrete, the monument bears an inscription:
“In May 1938, under the command of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the New Fourth Army advanced to Southern Jiangsu, establishing an anti-Japanese base centered around Maoshan. Led by Chen Yi, Zhang Dingcheng, Tan Zhenlin, and Su Yu, 50,000 brothers joined the army, engaging in over 5,000 battles, killing or capturing more than 40,000 enemies, and sacrificing 70,000 soldiers. This monument commemorates their heroism and achievements on the 50th anniversary of the war’s victory.”
Cultural and Religious Significance
Ganlu Temple, initially called Qianshen Nunnery and later known as Yinguang Palace, was founded during the Tang Dynasty. During the Liang Dynasty (503-519 AD), Tao Hongjing practiced beside the “Dragon Pond.” In 1106, during the reign of Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty, a Taoist temple named Yuanfu Wanning Palace was built. The Star-Watching Gate, also called Stone Archway, still stands at the entrance, marking the spot where Taoists once observed the stars.
The temple’s gate features the inscription “The Eighth Cave Heaven, The First Blessed Land.” Beyond the gate, a series of steps lead to various attractions, including the Lingguan Hall, Stele Pavilion, Longevity Terrace, statues of Laozi, and the Taoist Cultural Corridor.
