[1] Xilin Temple was originally built in 366 by an official named Tao Fan (陶范), during the Eastern Jin dynasty (317–420).

[1] In the Song dynasty (960–1179), Emperor Taizong inscribed and honored the name "Qianming Chan Temple" (乾明禅寺).

[1] In 1854, during the reign of Xianfeng Emperor of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Xilin Temple was completely damaged during the Taiping Rebellion.

[1] During the Cultural Revolution, the remaining halls and rooms of Xilin Temple was demolished by the Red Guards.

During this period, 10 mu of land was purchased, the Thousand Buddha Pagoda was restored, Shanmen, Mahavira Hall, the left and right squatter houses, reception room, dining halls were newly built, and a stone brick wall of 3.5 metres high was built at 900 metres.