Outside Gusu City is Hanshan Temple.

Hanshan Temple is located in Fengqiao Town, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, and is one of China's most famous ancient temples. It not only has a long history and profound cultural heritage, but is also mentioned in the Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji's poem "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge," which has attracted countless literati to visit. In this late autumn and early winter season, I was fortunate enough to embark on a journey to Hanshan Temple. Driving from downtown Suzhou, it takes about half an hour to reach Hanshan Temple. Before entering the temple, you can hear the melodious sound of the bell from afar, as if it is telling a thousand-year-old story. Entering the temple gate, the first thing that catches your eye is the ancient buildings, each brick and tile revealing a sense of history. Walking slowly along the stone path, there are towering trees on both sides, and the sunlight shines through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows, adding a touch of mystery and tranquility to this ancient road. Soon, you will arrive in front of the Mahavira Hall. The Mahavira Hall is one of the main buildings of Hanshan Temple, where a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is enshrined, and the murals around it are exquisite, making people stop and admire. Leaving the Mahavira Hall and continuing to walk deeper, you will pass the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. The ancient bell in the Bell Tower weighs several tons, and it is said that on New Year's Eve, the monks will ring the bell 108 times to pray for peace and good fortune in the coming year. Standing under the Bell Tower, closing your eyes, and listening to the bell that has traveled through thousands of years, your soul seems to be purified. In addition to its religious significance, Hanshan Temple is also a place full of cultural atmosphere. The temple's stele forest houses many precious stone carvings, including works by famous artists. In addition, Hanshan Temple has an inseparable relationship with the Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji. The poem "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge" not only made Hanshan Temple famous all over the world, but also became a beautiful landscape in Chinese culture. A day at Hanshan Temple is short and beautiful. It is not just a tourist attraction, but a place for people to meditate on the meaning of life. Here, you can feel the sediment of history and experience the charm of culture. When the sun sets and you are on your way home, your heart is filled with admiration and reluctance for this ancient temple. If you have the opportunity to come to Suzhou, take some time to experience the charm of Hanshan Temple for yourself!