The Colorful Jiming Temple

Jiming Temple is a famous Buddhist temple and tourist attraction in Nanjing. Here's a detailed introduction: Location Address: No. 1 Jiming Temple Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing. It is adjacent to Xuanwu Lake and the Nanjing City Wall, boasting a prime location with overlooking city views. History Founded: In the first year of Yongkang in the Western Jin Dynasty (300 AD), with a history of over 1,700 years, it is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Nanjing. Origin of Name: Legend has it that Emperor Wu of Liang in the Southern Dynasties built Tongtai Temple here, later renamed after the legend of "Jimingdai" (cock crowing in the mountains at dawn). Rise and Fall Through the Ages: Destroyed by war many times, most of the existing buildings were rebuilt after the 1980s, but some relics from the Ming and Qing Dynasties remain. Architectural Features Medicine Buddha Pagoda: The landmark building of the temple, a seven-story, eight-sided pagoda, rebuilt in 1990, was the filming location for Leifeng Pagoda in the TV series *New Legend of Madame White Snake*. Main Halls: The mountain gate, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall (housing the Thousand-Hand Guanyin), Huomeng Building (a Republican-era building), etc. Cherry Blossom Avenue: Jiming Temple Road outside the temple is renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring (mid-to-late March to early April), known as the "most beautiful cherry blossom avenue in Nanjing." Cultural Value Buddhist Status: The first of the "Four Hundred and Eighty Temples" in the Southern Dynasties, it was a center for Buddhist studies in history and is now a nunnery. Literary Connections: Du Mu's poem "Jiangnan Chun" ("Spring South of the River"), which mentions the "Four Hundred and Eighty Temples," includes Jiming Temple. Many writers throughout history have written poems about it. Special Activities: Traditional activities such as New Year's blessings, Guanyin's birthday celebrations, and Laba Festival porridge offerings. Tourist Information Opening Hours: 7:30–17:00 (open all year round, may be extended during holidays). Ticket Price: CNY 10 (including three incense sticks), may be adjusted during cherry blossom season or special events. Transportation: Subway: Exit 5 of Jiming Temple Station on Line 3/4, about a 5-min walk. Bus: Bus No. 304 directly to Jiming Temple Station. Nearby Attractions: Xuanwu Lake Park (5-min walk), Taicheng Section of the Nanjing City Wall (climb the wall for a panoramic view of Jiming Temple), Presidential Palace (approx. 3 km). Visiting Tips 1. Best Seasons: Spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for ginkgo trees. Fewer crowds in the early morning or on working days. 2. Vegetarian Food Experience: The temple's "Baiwei Zhai" offers vegetarian noodles, steamed buns, etc., with a good reputation. 3. Precautions: Photography is prohibited inside the halls. Please keep quiet. There are many steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended. 4. Recommended Itinerary: Jiming Temple → Nanjing City Wall → Xuanwu Lake → Hunan Road Food Street, forming a half-day tour. Jiming Temple blends natural scenery and cultural history. It is both a Buddhist holy place and a cultural landmark in Nanjing, suitable for quiet visits or in-depth cultural experiences.