Jinshan Temple in Fuzhou

Jinshan Temple, a famous tourist attraction along the Minjiang River, is located near the intersection of Xisanhuan Road and Hongtang Bridge in Cangshan District, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province. It consists of four parts: stone pagoda, Mazu Hall, wing rooms, and Wenchang Temple, covering an area of 375 square meters. Originally a small rocky hill in the middle of the river, Jinshan Temple got its name because its shape resembles a floating stone seal on the water surface and is reminiscent of Jinshan in Zhenjiang City in southern Jiangnan region; hence it is called "Xiao Jinshan".

What to see and do

Jinshan Temple is the only temple in Fuzhou that stands in the water. The temple is built according to the terrain and natural scenery, surrounded by railings. Due to its location, there are no towering halls or huge Buddha statues, but the exquisite architecture reflects beautifully on the water, making it particularly unique. Jinshan Temple stands alone in the middle of a river and cleverly uses its surroundings to create a serene and spacious atmosphere that is truly one-of-a-kind. Leaning on the railing and looking far away, you can see the green waves rippling and the sails floating. The main attractions include Hongtang Bridge, Front Hall, Mazu Hall, Jinshan Pagoda, Daci Building, Yiyi Zhai, Jiejie Room, Longfeng Pavilion, etc.

Hongtang Bridge (洪塘大桥) crosses the river not far from Jinshan Temple, located on the Wulong River near Hongtang Village in the western suburbs of Fuzhou City. Hongtang Bridge flies over like a rainbow from its side, connecting the west bank of the river named after it, Jinshan Economic Development Zone and Jinshan Bishui Living Area. This is a good spot to take pictures of Jinshan Temple. On sunny days, you can watch the spectacular sunset in the river. The entire Jinshan Temple will be illuminated by lights around 5:30 p.m., enhancing its allure.

There is an ancient banyan tree on the crevice of the foundation stone of Jinshan Temple, which looks like the welcoming pine of Huangshan. This tree is like a guardian, quietly guarding this temple, accompanying it through wind, frost, rain and snow, and witnessing the changes of history.

Jinshan Pagoda (金山塔) is the central building of the temple, standing at approximately ten meters tall with a simple design. The front of the pedestal features stone steps and stone railings on both sides. The pagoda is a solid stone structure with seven levels and eight sides, constructed from 185 pieces of white pear stones. The body of the pagoda is adorned with various patterns such as eaves, lintels, doors, and windows, all intricately crafted together. When the tide rises in Minjiang River, the sight of the pagoda floating in the middle of the river is quite spectacular. In front of the pagoda stands a Mazu Hall （妈祖厅）built to worship Mazu as an expression of reverence for the goddess of oceans. Behind the pagoda lies the Daci Building（大慈楼）, which is built to commemorate the great compassion and mercy of Guanyin Bodhisattva.

There are two small side rooms on both sides of the front of the Daci Building. The left is Yiyi Zhai（怡怡斋）, where Zhang Jing, a famous anti-Japanese general, and Weng Zhengchun, a champion, and others studied during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566). The right is Jiejie Room（借借室）, where Lin Zhaoen, a scholar from Putian, wrote books during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. He was also the founder of the San Yi Sect. The daily utensils were all borrowed from nearby villagers, so this room was called "Jiejie Room".

From the left side door inside the Daci Building, you can head towards the outside of the building and then descend down the spiral staircase located next to the ancient banyan tree. There, you will find a charming small pavilion called Longfeng Pavilion（龙凤亭） that extends towards the river. This delightful spot is perfect for tourists in need of a peaceful resting place.

Travel tips

How to get there:

Bus: You can take bus routes 150 (Minjiang College North Gate Station → Fujian Station), 168 (Bus University City Terminal Station → Hongshan Liangcuo Station), 39 (Aofeng Bridge Station → Shadi Station), 55 (Train Station → Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine College New Campus Station), 506 (Jinniu Mountain Park Station → Houguan Village Station), 510 (Jinniu Mountain Park Station → Shangjie Village Olive Garden Station), get off at Jinshan Temple Station, walk forward 400 meters to the left of Hongtang Bridge, there is a road down After that, you can see Jinshan Temple. The ferry is about 50 meters ahead of the downhill road. Take the boat to go. Boat ticket: 6 yuan/person (including round trip, price for reference only), the latest 17:30 to take the boat back to the shore.