When talking about the history of Zhanghua Temple, we have to mention the ancient Zhanghua Terrace. The two have only one word difference, but the latter was built 1800 years earlier than the former. The former was an imperial abode, while the latter is a pure land of Buddhism. Zhanghua Temple was named after the Ancient Zhuanghua Terrace which contributed to its fame. And Ancient Zhuanghua Terrace is crowned with eternal glory because of Zhanghua Temple.

Zhanghua Terrace, also called Zhanghua Palace, was built in 537 B.C. during the Spring and Autumn Period (from 540-528 B.C.). It was an imperial abode for the King Ling of Chu.