Jingang Temple Lane, a Small Lane Named after a Temple

How many secret stories does the city of Hangzhou have? Randomly turning into an alley is like stepping into a dusty history. Jingang Temple Lane is a seemingly ordinary place but harbors profound historical and cultural significance. It is not just a geographical location, but also a cultural treasure shining with historical glory.

The history of Jingang Temple Lane can be traced back to the Five Dynasties period when there was a Buddhist temple called Jingang Temple. It is because of the existence of this temple that this small lane is named Jingang Temple Lane. During the Song Dynasty, Jingang Temple Lane became a bustling business center with a constant flow of people and attracted renowned monks and scholars. Annual temple fairs and other cultural activities drew tens of thousands of believers and tourists to worship and explore. Despite the changes of dynasties, Jingang Temple Lane had always maintained its important status. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the government protected and renovated the lane, giving it new lustre, and the name Jingang Temple Lane has been used ever since.

According to the book Golden Millet Dream, "Wuliu Garden is also known as the West Garden. I have noticed that there is a Wuliu Lane below the Dufu No. Three Bridge, which is close to Ban'er Lane and not far from Jingang Temple. Perhaps it is the site." From this, it can be inferred that the original Jingang Temple was located near Wuliu Lane, so Jingang Temple Lane was likely to be nearby. Currently, Jingang Temple Lane starts at No. 865 Jiangcheng Road and extends west to Jianguo South Road, next to the Hangzhou Red Star Theater. It has become a place that integrates historical culture, traditional arts, and modern life, providing a vibrant and charming living environment for local residents and tourists. Song Dynasty poet Lu You and Qing Dynasty painter Wu Changshuo have left their footprints here, adding to the cultural atmosphere of the lane.

Whether it is to experience the ancient cultural atmosphere or enjoy the scenery of Jiangnan gardens, you can feel the fusion of traditional and modern culture when you walk through the lane. Monthly temple fairs, traditional opera performances, handicraft exhibitions, and more attract the attention and exploration of countless local residents and visitors. This is a meeting point of poetry and distant land, as well as a blending spot of history and present.