Chinatodo
A Thousand-Year Hidden Gem in the Mountains—More Tranquil Than Lingyan Temple, and Best of All, Free!
When it comes to ancient temples in Jinan (济南 jǐ nán), most people think of the bustling incense fires of Qianfo Mountain (千佛山 qiān fó shān) or the renowned Lingyan Temple (灵岩寺 líng yán sì). Yet, deep in Tongming Mountain (通明山 tōng míng shān) in Changqing District (长清区 cháng qīng qū) lies a quieter, more understated thousand-year-old monastery—Yijing Temple (义净寺 yì jìng sì).
Here, there are no crowds of tourists, no commercialized incense stalls—only the meditative rhythm of morning bells and evening drums, and a forgotten legend from the golden age of the Tang Dynasty. Best of all, it’s free to enter! If you're tired of packed tourist spots, come here to experience true Buddhist serenity.
This Temple Holds the Legacy of a Monk More Legendary Than Xuanzang
Yijing Temple is named after the Tang Dynasty monk Master Yijing (义净 yì jìng).
You may know the story of Xuanzang's (玄奘 xuán zàng) westward journey to retrieve Buddhist scriptures, but few are aware that Yijing was an equally great pilgrim—and in some ways, even more remarkable:
✅ A Pioneer of the Maritime Silk Road—While Xuanzang traveled overland, Yijing chose to sail across the South China Sea, spending 25 years visiting over 30 countries and bringing back numerous Buddhist texts.
✅ Personally Welcomed by Empress Wu Zetian—When Yijing returned in 695 AD, Empress Wu Zetian (武则天 wǔ zé tiān) led officials to greet him, with even greater ceremony than Xuanzang received.
✅ Translated 428 Buddhist Volumes, particularly focusing on monastic discipline, profoundly influencing Tang Dynasty Buddhism.
This temple is Yijing's ancestral monastery and one of his former places of practice.
Though Low-Key, the Temple Boasts Three Highlights
1️⃣ Millennium-Old Ginkgo Tree—Stunning in Autumn
The temple grounds feature a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree. In late autumn, golden leaves blanket the courtyard in pure Zen beauty. Standing beneath it feels like hearing echoes of history.
2️⃣ Rare Tang Dynasty Cliff Carvings
The mountain behind the temple preserves Tang-era stone inscriptions. Though weathered, some characters remain legible—a precious cultural relic for studying Tang Buddhism.
3️⃣ Harmony of Old and New Temples
- Old Temple (Lower Complex): Rustic and timeworn, retaining historic features like the Twin-Spring Ancient Well and ancient cypresses.
- New Temple (Upper Complex): Recently expanded with magnificent Tang-style architecture in golden splendor.
Why Visit Here?
✅ Free Admission—No tickets, fewer crowds.
✅ Perfect for Meditation—No commercial distractions; ideal for scripture copying or Zen practice.
✅ Easy Access—Just 1 hour by car from downtown; also reachable by bus.
✅ Nearby Attractions—Combine with Liantai Mountain (莲台山 lián tái shān) or Sichan Temple (四禅寺 sì chán sì) for a full day of Zen exploration.
Travel Guide
📍 Address: Tongming Mountain, Zhangxia Town, Changqing District, Jinan (济南长清区张夏镇通明山)
⏰ Hours: 8:00-17:00 (16:30 in winter)
Jinan's Last Pure Buddhist Sanctuary
As the city's noise fades along the winding mountain road, this ancient temple awaits with 1,300 years of Zen wisdom.
True tranquility isn't found in crowded places—but in that fleeting moment when mind and environment become one.
