Jiangxin Island 江心屿

About Jiangxin Island

Their long association with navigation gives the river views a historical purpose beyond scenery. Jiangxin Temple occupies the central religious setting, while the former British Consulate near the East Pagoda recalls Wenzhou’s treaty-port period. Concentrate on the eastern heritage area for a coherent visit. Older descriptions of western amusement facilities should not be treated as a guide to the island’s current visitor routes.

The present island originally consisted of two separate islets, each with a Buddhist monastery. The western monastery was founded in 866 and the eastern one in 969. In 1137, a monk and his followers filled the channel between them, joining the landmasses and constructing a new temple on the reclaimed ground.

Later landscaping added an inland artificial lake, Gongqing Lake (共青湖), through excavation and dredging in 1986. Wenzhou Bonsai Garden (温州盆景园) was created in the western part of the island in 1987, developing from a smaller temple garden established in 1958. Its collection contains more than five hundred bonsai displays, adding a specialised garden to the island's historic buildings.

What to look for

• The East and West Pagodas mark the island’s historic river-navigation setting.
• Jiangxin Temple and the former British Consulate preserve contrasting religious and treaty-port histories.

The surrounding area

Southern Zhejiang's distinct urban and commercial life, well beyond a short Hangzhou detour.

Location & getting there

Getting to Jiangxin Island

For the eastern heritage area, use the Jiangxin Island ferry approach from the riverfront on Jiangbin Road. Confirm the operating landing and return service before boarding.