Zen and Leisure in a Millennium-Old Temple

Yellow walls and black tiles, winding bridges and flowing water—this may be one of the most walk-worthy Buddhist gardens in Suzhou. Xiyuan Jiechuang Lusi Temple, abbreviated as Xiyuan Temple, is located at No. 18 Xiyuan Lane, Liuyuan Road, Gusu District, Suzhou. This millennium-old temple, founded in the Yuan Dynasty (1264), has a history of over 700 years. During the Ming Dynasty, Xu Tai transformed it into a private garden, which was later donated by his son to restore the temple, becoming a Vinaya school monastery and forming a rare "temple-garden integration" layout. 💰Ticket Price: 5 RMB (includes three incense sticks) 🕢Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Transportation Guide 🚇Metro: Take Line 2 to Shilu Station, transfer to Bus 406 to Xiyuan Station, then walk about 3 minutes. 🚃Bus: Community Bus 9002 goes directly to Xiyuan Station, just a 91-meter walk away. 🚗Self-driving: Navigate to "Xiyuan Temple," but parking is limited nearby; it’s recommended to arrive before 8 AM on holidays. 🚘Taxi: The most convenient drop-off point is "Xiyuan Temple East Ticket Office." 🏠 Architectural and Scenic Highlights ➡️Xiyuan Temple skillfully blends the elegance of Jiangnan gardens with the solemnity of Buddhist architecture. 🔥Main buildings include: Yellow Wall Screen, Imperial Bestowed Archway, Mahavira Hall (Qing Dynasty double-eaved hip roof). The West Garden features winding bridges and flowing water, a liberation pond filled with koi, and the Lakeside Pavilion, an ideal place for calm scripture copying. 🏠 Most notable within the temple: 5⃣️0⃣️0⃣️ Arhat Hall: One of China’s four great Arhat halls, housing 500 gilded Arhat statues, each uniquely shaped and lifelike. ✅ Liberation Pond: Home to a rare spotted softshell turtle (only one remaining), along with schools of koi and turtles. 💦 Lakeside Pavilion: A hexagonal pavilion with double eaves, connected to both banks by a nine-bend stone bridge, perfect for enjoying garden views. 🉑 Experience Activities 1⃣️ Arhat Divination: Choose an Arhat statue you feel connected to in the Arhat Hall, then pick a corresponding number based on your nominal age. For 15 RMB, you can get an Arhat card to interpret your fortune. Men start from the left, women from the right. 2⃣️ Scripture Copying and Meditation: Free scripture copying is available at the Lakeside Pavilion in the West Garden; the sound of wind chimes on rainy days adds to the Zen atmosphere. 3⃣️ Viewing and Feeding: The temple shelters over a hundred stray cats, known as the "Cat Temple." You can bring cat treats or bread to feed the koi by the liberation pond and pigeons under the trees (pigeon feed 5 RMB per pack). 4⃣️ Blessing Ceremony: After receiving three incense sticks, clockwise worship the four directions in front of the Heavenly King Hall, placing incense in the order: center → right → left. Toss coins in front of the Mahavira Hall to make a wish; hitting the pagoda symbolizes good luck. 🚶🏻‍♂️🚶‍♀️Recommended Tour Route 🚶🏻‍♂️🚶‍♀️Efficient Route: Enter from the South Gate → Screen Wall → Heavenly King Hall → Mahavira Hall → Arhat Hall → West Garden → Liberation Pond → Lakeside Pavilion → Vegetarian Dining Hall. 🍜 Vegetarian Delicacies 🏠 Don’t miss the vegetarian dishes inside the temple: 🍜 Guanyin Noodles 💰15 RMB: Bamboo shoots + shiitake mushrooms + gluten, with a fresh and sweet broth (best with chili oil on the table). 🍞 Vegetarian Buns 💰10 RMB/5 pieces: Filled with greens or red bean paste, available in the courtyard to the left of the Drum Tower. ‼️Note: Vegetarian noodles are served until 3 PM; it’s recommended to dine before 11 AM to avoid peak times. 🉑 Usage Tips 🕢Best Time: Arrive right at opening at 7:30 AM for a quieter, more serene experience. 🎉🎉Dress Code: Wear plain-colored dresses or skirts (horse-face skirts, qipao are very photogenic), avoid short skirts or off-shoulder tops; step over thresholds rather than stepping on them. ‼️Taboos: Do not photograph Buddha statues; do not bring meat food inside; do not forcibly play with temple cats (they have different temperaments). 🕖Tour Duration: A deep visit takes about 3 hours; a simple blessing can be done in about 1 hour. The Zen of Xiyuan Temple is hidden in the morning incense, afternoon cat shadows, the taste of vegetarian noodles, and the yellow wall’s admonition of "self-awareness and enlightening others." Avoid the crowds, sit quietly at the Lakeside Pavilion to listen to the wind and copy scriptures—this is the true way to experience a Jiangnan Buddhist temple! Accommodation Tips 🏨【The Humble Suzhou Houju Courtyard Design Hotel】 📍4th Floor, Shangchengmen, No. 29 Shilu Pedestrian Street, Gusu District The room’s smart facilities are user-friendly: intelligent Xiaodu voice control for lights and air conditioning, very convenient to operate, with clear guidance and worry-free use. Details show true quality: soft night lights, handy wardrobes, and a shower system with instant stable water temperature. Even more praised is the impeccable service. Warm greetings at the front desk and quick room responses. This heartfelt care makes every stay a comfortable and relaxing experience. 🏨Suzhou Shantang Street Lingnan Club: 📍No. 136 Shantang Street, core area of Shantang Street Scenic Area, Gusu District, Suzhou. Suzhou Shantang Street Lingnan Club Hotel is a unique hotel set within a Ming Dynasty architectural complex over 400 years old. It is a space that blends rich history with Jiangnan charm, allowing you to feel the echoes of history as you stroll ancient streets, admire traditional buildings, and experience Suzhou-style life.