Wulei Temple

The southern foothills of Xiangwang Peak, Wulei Mountain, Cixi City, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province

3.5

Introduction

Lingshan Temples in Cixi are famous, with Five Lei Temple being the most renowned. It is located on the east side of Duhu Lake, opposite Jin Xian Temple. One side faces the vast lake, while the other is surrounded by towering mountains. The rich Buddhist culture adds a peaceful atmosphere to this scenic spot, earning Five Lei Temple the title of the oldest temple in Zhejiang Province. Legend has it that 2,000 years ago, Indian monk Naroyan visited famous mountains and scenic spots in China and chose the Fengshui treasure land on Five Lei Mountain. He settled there, lit a bonfire, and attracted followers. The day the roaring fire rose was the beginning of cultural exchange between China and India. However, despite the blazing holy fire, there were few who responded, and it was difficult to find like-minded people due to the distance between mountains. It is said that one day, Sun Quan's mother passed by in a boat and noticed the faint fire. She ordered someone to investigate and learned the story. She then ordered the construction of a small temple at the spot where the holy fire was rising, which was probably the predecessor of Five Lei Temple. With this small temple, Naroyan finally ended his years of rough living. Five Lei Temple has many ancient relics and scenic spots, including a water pond named "Zhenming Pool" in front of the temple. Clear water flows from the Elephant Eye Mound in the east and enters Zhenming Pool, then flows through a small channel to Moon Lake, never running dry. It is said that Naroyan personally led his disciples to excavate it day and night, encountering demons and causing casualties. Therefore, it is also called the "Miraculous Pool." The water in the pool is clear and refreshing and is believed to help cure illness and ward off evil. There are also five red pine trees next to the pool, known as the fragrant wood of Five Lei Temple, planted by later generations. On the nearby slope not far from the temple, there are several towering ancient trees that are difficult to estimate in age and require several people to hug. The temple is mostly inhabited by camphor trees, with lush foliage and evergreen all year round, creating a harmonious contrast with the golden buildings of Five Lei Temple. In the first year of the Wendeyuan period in the reign of Emperor Xizong of the Tang Dynasty (888 AD), the scale of Five Lei Temple was greatly expanded. Various pavilions and towers were exquisite, and halls and pavilions were in abundance. It was truly a "ancient temple with high towers to avoid the summer heat, with pine and cypress creating a cool atmosphere on sunny days." Literary figures from various dynasties have also left numerous beautiful poems and lyrics about Five Lei Temple. For example, Shu An, a poet from the Song Dynasty, wrote in his poem about visiting Five Lei Temple: "Five Lei Peak pierces the sky with its height, ancient trees embrace each other for thousands of years. Dust floats as if not of this world, the wind falls softly near the moon." In order to provide a resting place for pilgrims, an annex was set up at the stone channel at the edge of Duhu Lake by Five Lei Temple. It is specifically for visitors who come up or down the mountain to take a short break. In the early 1930s, Master Hongyi, the 11th generation founder of the Lv Sect, stayed here and established the "South Mountain Buddhist School." However, due to disagreements, the school was not successful. Nevertheless, Five Lei Temple became the birthplace of the Tiantai Sect in the Ningbo area, indicating its far-reaching influence. After the founding of Zhejiang East District Party Committee in Mijiadai in 1942, Tan Qilong, He Kexi, and others led anti-Japanese fighters to hold meetings, rest, and formulate strategies to lead the people of Zhejiang East to resist the Japanese. The battles in the Northern Three Provinces made the enemy fearful. After liberation, the monks in the temple always enjoyed recounting this history. According to Ven. Zhenru, the abbot of Five Lei Temple, the temple receives over 200,000 visitors each year. Although there is a winding mountain road that leads directly to Ningbo for transportation, most people still prefer to walk as a sign of their sincere faith. The newly restored Five Lei Temple has now officially changed its name to "Wu Lei Lecture Temple". These four powerful characters were personally inscribed by Mr. Zhao Puchu, adding a new landscape to Five Lei Temple.

Address

The southern foothills of Xiangwang Peak, Wulei Mountain, Cixi City, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province

Opening hours

7:30-16:30 (Monday-Sunday, January 1-December 31)

Transportation

Take bus line 602 in Yuyao and get off at Zhangfang for Tang, Li, and Zhang.

Phone 0574-63670476