| Xiyuan Temple | |
|---|---|
西园寺 | |
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| Sect | Chan Buddhism |
| Location | |
| Location | Wuzhong District,Suzhou,Jiangsu, China |
  Shown within Jiangsu | |
| Coordinates | 31°19′00″N120°35′01″E / 31.31667°N 120.58361°E /31.31667; 120.58361 |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Chinese architecture |
| Established | Yuan dynasty |
| Completed | 1875 (reconstruction) |
Xiyuan Temple (Chinese:西园寺;pinyin:Xīyuán Sì) orXiyuan Jiechuanglü Temple (Chinese:西园戒幢律寺;pinyin:Xīyuán Jièchuánglǜ Sì) is aBuddhist temple inWuzhong District,Suzhou,Jiangsu, China. It is located just to the west ofLingering Garden.
The temple was founded in theYuan dynasty, was destroyed and then became part of a large classical garden, Xiyuan or West Garden (Chinese:西园). The garden belonged to a Senior Government Official during theMing Dynasty. When he died, his son donated the garden to the monastery. Most of the buildings were destroyed during theTaiping Rebellion in 1860. It was rebuilt after the war.
The temple is known for its statues, Arhat Hall and Free Life Pond, where 2 famous long-lifeAsian Giant Softshell Turtles lived. One turtle died in 2007 at the age of 400, and the other has disappeared.[citation needed]
