Gaomin Temple
高旻寺
A Chan Buddhist monastery at the three-fork confluence of the Old Grand Canal and the Yiyang River. It is one of the Four Great Chan Monasteries, alongside Jinshan, Baoguang, and Tiantong, known for its strict meditation culture and the tall Tianzhong Pagoda.
Gaomin Temple sits at the Three Forks confluence of the Old Grand Canal and the Yiyang River in Hanjiang District. Founded in the Sui dynasty, it was named “Gaomin Temple” by the Kangxi Emperor during his southern tour. It is a famous Linji Chan monastery. Together with Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang, Baoguang Temple in Chengdu, and Tiantong Temple in Ningbo, it forms the Four Great Chan Monasteries, known for the strict seated-meditation rules in its meditation hall. The newly built Tianzhong Pagoda towers over the site and offers views of the canal. Entry is free. Keep quiet during your visit, which takes about an hour. The temple is about 10 km from the city center, reachable by bus or taxi, and is often visited together with Guazhou Ancient Ferry.
Opening hours
07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- China Grand Canal Museum
- Xiaopangu Garden
- He Garden (Jixiao Mountain Villa)
- Renfengli Lane
- Fuchun Teahouse
- Pishi Street
- Wenchang Pavilion
- Lu Family Salt Merchant Residence