In the Song dynasty (960–1276), two Japanese monks Eisai and Shuniyo introduced Linji school to Japan.

The eldest thing in the temple is the Chengling Stupa, which still preserves the architectural style of the Liao and Jin dynasties (916–1234).

In 1830, during the reign of Daoguang Emperor, General Shu Tong'a (舒通阿) donated property to renovate the temple.

[7][8] After the founding of PRC, the communist government confiscated the sacred temple lands and forcefully disrobed the monastic members.

After the 3rd plenary session of the 11th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, according to the national policy of free religious belief, Linji Temple was returned to the Buddhist community and officially reopened to the public in 1984.

[4][8] In 1985, the Japanese Buddhist orders of Rinzai and Ōbaku schools provided financial support to restore the Chengling Stupa.

Zhao Puchu, the then president of the Buddhist Association of China, wrote the plaques of "Linji Temple" and "Mahavira Hall".

On May 19, 1986, Benhuan and Makoto Shinohara (筱原大雄), both eminent descendants of Linji (Rinzai) school in China and Japan, held a canonization ceremony at the temple.

Four Heavenly Kings' portraits hang on the east and west walls, they are the eastern Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the southern Virūḍhaka, the western Virūpākṣa, and the northern Vaiśravaṇa.