Situated in a northwestern Yangzhou within the pleasant green northern reaches of Shou Xihu Park, Daming Si has been drawing Buddhist worshippers since the fifth century AD, though much of what you'll see today has been built in more recent times, as this active temple has been expanded.
The temple grounds are extensive, encompassing a Memorial Hall to Buddhist monk Jian Zhen, believed to have been the one who brought the faith to Japan, along with a Japanese-style pagoda commemorating Jian's legendary achievement.
In addition, the Fifth Spring Under Heaven bubbles up north of the main complex, surrounded by beautifully kept gardens and overlooked by a teahouse that uses fresh spring water and local leaves for its excellent teas.
Other notable structures include Pingshan Hall, associated with Song Dynasty poet Ouyang Xiu, and Gulin Hall, built by poet, calligrapher and statesman Su Dongpo.
The temple has assumed many different names during its 1500-year history, reverting in 1980 to the original Daming, which means "Great Light."
