Jiming Temple in March: A Guide to Cherry Blossom Viewing

Nanjing in March is synonymous with romance, and the cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple are the stars of this romantic show. Today, we present a comprehensive cherry blossom viewing guide to help you experience this unique spring spectacle in Nanjing. Jiming Temple, the foremost of the 480 Buddhist temples of the Southern Dynasties, has stood for 1,725 years, weathering storms yet remaining a vibrant center of worship. The solemn and majestic Pilu Hall, the towering Pharmacist Buddha Pagoda, the compassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva, and the Hall of the God of Wealth, where people offer prayers for prosperity, have made the temple a landmark of Nanjing. Every March, the cherry blossoms of Jiming Temple become a national focal point. They don't bloom sporadically; instead, they burst into full bloom seemingly overnight, transforming the entire temple into a dreamlike wonderland. If you plan to visit Nanjing in March for cherry blossom viewing, be sure to save this guide! - Basic Information - Temple Name: Jiming Temple - Address: No. 1, Jiming Temple Road, Xuanwu District - Entrance Fee: 10 yuan (includes three incense sticks for Buddhist worship) - Transportation: Take Subway Line 3, exit at Jiming Temple Station (Exit 5), and walk 500 meters. - History: Located on the eastern side of Jilong Mountain by Xuanwu Lake, Jiming Temple's earliest predecessor dates back to the "Qixuan Temple" of the Eastern Wu period. During the Southern Liang Dynasty, Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan, built the "Tongtai Temple" at Jimingdi. In the 20th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, the temple was rebuilt and officially renamed "Jiming Temple." Since then, this ancient temple has carried a rich history and culture, witnessing the passage of time. - Cherry Blossom Viewing Route: Stroll along the Pearl River and enjoy the delicate cherry blossoms along the banks. Step onto Cherry Blossom Avenue and encounter the beautiful combination of the ancient temple and the blossoms. Enter Jiming Temple and admire the blossoms amidst the burning incense. Ascend the city wall of Taicheng and overlook the magnificent panorama of Xuanwu Lake and Cherry Blossom Avenue. Finally, arrive at Yingzhou Island in Xuanwu Lake and immerse yourself in a sea of cherry blossoms. - Best Photo Spots for Cherry Blossoms - Pearl River Banks: After exiting Subway Line 3, walk along the riverbank from Jiming Temple to the pontoon bridge, where cherry blossoms bloom freely. As the spring breeze blows, petals fall like snow, covering the river's surface, creating a poetic scene that showcases Nanjing's unique spring romance. - Jiming Temple Road: This is the famous Cherry Blossom Avenue. Standing by the road, the eaves of the ancient temple and the blooming cherry blossoms complement each other perfectly. Every photo taken here is a masterpiece, making it a must-visit spot for tourists. - Taicheng: For 15 yuan, ascend the city wall. To the right is the shimmering Xuanwu Lake, and to the left is the avenue in front of the ancient temple, embraced by cherry blossoms. You can also enjoy the blend of ancient and modern scenery, taking in both Jiming Temple and Zifeng Tower, experiencing the fusion of history and modernity. - Yingzhou Island, Xuanwu Lake: Among the five islands in Xuanwu Lake, Yingzhou Island is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Nanjing. The city wall near Jiefang Gate is also lined with cherry blossoms. The ancient city wall and the romantic cherry blossoms complement each other, creating a picturesque scene. - Helpful Tips - Prayer Guide: For career advancement, visit the Puxian Bodhisattva and the Hall of the God of Wealth. For academic success, go to the Pilu Hall midway up the mountain, where the Manjushri Bodhisattva resides. For health, visit the Pharmacist Buddha Pagoda. For romantic relationships, go to the Guanyin Bodhisattva below the Pharmacist Buddha Pagoda at the mountaintop. - Bloom Forecast: The "message tree" at the entrance of Jiming Temple Road is currently 90% in bloom, and full bloom is expected in mid-to-late March. Last year, the peak bloom was on March 24. This year is a warm winter, so the blooming period may be earlier. Please pay close attention to the bloom updates and don't miss this annual romantic event. This March, come to Jiming Temple in Nanjing for a spring date with the cherry blossoms!