1) "Praying Lanterns" activity

Time: 20:00 on Dec 31, 2011

Location: Hanshan Temple

Visitors can reserve tickets online before Dec 1st to attend the “Praying Lanterns” activity. The “praying lanterns” will be lifted around the Hanshi Hall, with blessings that visitors have written online hanging below the lanterns. Visitors will be guided into the hall to seek their own “praying lanterns”.

2)Chanting Concert in Dazhong Garden

Time: 20:30 on Dec 31, 2011

Location: Dazhong Garden

Jointly performed by the Hanshan College and the Suzhou Institute of Technology, the concert features the Buddhist culture accompanied by programs with folk characteristics.

3)Buddhist activities in the Temple

Time: 22:30 on Dec 31, 2011

Location: Hanshan Temple

Monks will chant sutras and hold a Buddhist ceremony in the Mahavira Hall. There will be the 33rd signature activity for visitors who listen to the bells in Hanshan Temple on the Eve of the Chinese New Year.

4)Singing Blessing Songs

Time: 23:00 on Dec 31, 2011

Location: before the Hanshi Hall at the Hanshan Temple

5)New Year Address by the Mayor of Suzhou

Time: 0:00 on Jan 1, 2012

Location: before the Hanshi Hall at the Hanshan Temple

Mayor of Suzhou will deliver a New Year address after 108 bells ring to welcome the coming of a new year.

6)Bell knock for luck in the new year

Time: Jan 1, 2012 (after the address by the Mayor)

Location: in the Bell Tower of Hanshan Temple

Tourists will knock the bell at the Bell Tower while fireworks go off symbolizing the realization of the wishes.