Complete Guide to Jiming Temple

In Nanjing, there stands an ancient temple that has weathered a thousand years of history and witnessed countless dynastic changes - the historic Jiming Temple, honored as the "foremost among the 480 temples of the Southern Dynasties." This ancient temple, rich in historical culture and romantic legends, attracts numerous visitors seeking blessings and scenic views. Here's a detailed guide to help you have an unforgettable journey at Jiming Temple. Basic Information - Admission: Only CNY 10 per person, excellent value. You can book in advance through the "Southern Dynasty's First Temple - Jiming Temple" WeChat official account to avoid queuing, and receive three complimentary incense sticks to start your spiritual journey. - Opening Hours: Regular temple hours are 07:00 - 17:30. The temple stays open overnight on the day before the 19th of the 2nd, 6th, and 9th lunar months, and on Chinese New Year's Eve for special prayers. Puti Pavilion is open from 09:00 - 16:00; Baiwei Vegetarian Restaurant operates from 09:00 - 20:00. - Address: No. 1 Jiming Temple Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing. Transportation Guide - Subway: Take Line 3 or Line 4 to Jiming Temple Station, exit from Gate 5, and walk about 500m to reach the temple. This is highly recommended for its convenience. - Bus: Take bus routes 24, 304, etc., get off at Jiming Temple Station and walk to the temple while enjoying the city views. Attractions - Medicine Buddha Pagoda: The temple's iconic structure and filming location for the classic TV series "New Legend of the White Snake." The pagoda features elegant classical architecture. Here you can pray for family health and enjoy panoramic views of the temple and surroundings from the top. - Guanyin Hall: A popular spot for those seeking relationship blessings, housing a merciful statue of Guanyin. It's said that wishes made here can help bring destined relationships sooner. - Vairocana Hall: Located halfway up the hill, housing Manjusri Bodhisattva, it's a sacred place for students seeking academic success. The solemn atmosphere inspires reverence. - Wealth God Hall: Houses Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Those seeking career success and prosperity often come here to pray sincerely. - Cherry Blossom Avenue: From mid-March to early April, the temple is at its most beautiful. The 300-meter road is lined with blooming cherry blossoms, creating a dreamlike pink world that attracts countless photographers. Prayer Guide - Academic Success: Visit Vairocana Hall to pray to Manjusri Bodhisattva, remembering to maintain reverence while expressing your wishes. - Career Success: Pray to Samantabhadra Bodhisattva in the Wealth God Hall, visualizing your career aspirations. - Health Blessings: Visit the Medicine Buddha Pagoda to pray for family health and well-being. - Relationship Blessings: Enter Guanyin Hall to express your hopes for a good relationship to Guanyin Bodhisattva. Photo Spots - Paper Gate Entrance: The traditional entrance with yellow walls and black tiles makes an excellent backdrop for classical-style photos. - Medicine Buddha Pagoda Stairs: Create unique layered shots with the pagoda as background. - Ming City Wall: Capture panoramic views of the temple, including its red walls and green trees. Cultural Products - Sachets: Small, fragrant pouches that serve as decorative items and lucky charms. - Fortune Bags: Various styles available, perfect as gifts for friends and family. Food Recommendations - Baiwei Vegetarian Restaurant: Located at the hilltop, offering delicious vegetarian dishes like noodles with rich broth, Sichuan-style dishes, and mock abalone slices. - Jiming Blessed Tea: Refresh yourself with their signature beverages, which come in beautiful packaging perfect for photos. - Themed Ice Cream: Uniquely designed temple-themed ice cream in various flavors, great for photos. Suggested Routes - Standard Route: Cultural Products Shop → Entrance C → Heavenly Kings Hall → Vairocana Hall → Wealth God Hall → Medicine Buddha Pagoda → Guanyin Hall → Scripture Library → North Exit. Takes 1-2 hours. - In-depth Route: Natural History Museum (reservation required, features dinosaur fossils; 2nd-floor cafe great for photos) → Jiming Temple (standard route) → Tai City Wall (CNY 30, 8:30 - 17:00, views of temple and Zifeng Tower) → Xuanwu Lake (free admission, accessible from city wall). This full-day route explores all nearby attractions. Important Notes - Temple Etiquette: Respect religious beliefs, maintain quiet, no photos of Buddha statues; don't step on thresholds; men enter left foot first, women right foot first; use left hand for incense, pray at main hall before side halls. - Dress Code: Avoid shorts, short skirts, tank tops, and slippers. Dress appropriately. - Prayer Bead Wearing: Wear purchased prayer beads on left hand, preferably continuously for first seven days, remove when bathing. - Crowd Avoidance: Visit early, especially during cherry blossom season. Arriving around 5-6 AM ensures better photos and a more comfortable experience. Jiming Temple is not just an ancient monastery but a sanctuary for spiritual solace and peace. Whether seeking blessings or enjoying scenery, it fulfills all expectations. Pack your bags and come experience this thousand-year journey at Jiming Temple!