Cold Mountain Temple is also known as Han Shan Shi and it was one of the last attractions I visited before heading back to Shanghai. Traditionally, Hanshan Temple is believed to have been founded during the Tianjian era (502 – 519) of the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang, in the Southern and Northern Dynasties period.The legend says in the Zhenguan Reign of the Tang Dynasty, the famous monks Hanshan and Shide came here from the Tiantai Mountain to conduct prayer services, hence the name of the Temple.
Being one of the most famous temples in Chinese history, Hanshan Temple often boasts about its bell rings. However, the best known bell described in Zhang Ji’s poem disappeared a long time ago. The bell in the tower now, was modeled on the previous one in 1904.
Every year on New Year’s Eve in China’s lunar calendar, the bell is tolled to pray for the happiness and safety of the coming New Year. This festival attracts thousands of tourists both at home and abroad.
