Jiming Temple, Nanjing, Jiangsu | Immerse Yourself in a Pink Dreamland

Jiming Temple, located on the eastern slope of Jilongshan Mountain in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, is one of Nanjing's oldest and largest Buddhist temples and former royal temples. It has long enjoyed the reputation of being the "Number One Temple of the Southern Dynasties," the premier temple among the "Four Hundred and Eighty Temples of the Southern Dynasties," and served as the center of Buddhism in southern China during that period. Originally built during the Western Jin Dynasty, Jiming Temple truly became a Buddhist holy site in 527 AD when Emperor Wu of Liang established a temple on Jilongshan Mountain. The temple was later destroyed by war. Although Buddhist temples were rebuilt on the temple ruins during the Sui, Tang, Song, and Yuan Dynasties, their scale and popularity could not compare to the past. It wasn't until 1387 AD, during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, that Jiming Temple was rebuilt on its original site, covering over 100 acres and housing over 100 resident monks, restoring the ancient temple to its former glory. After the Ming Dynasty, Jiming Temple gradually fell into disrepair. During the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, it underwent two major renovations. Emperor Kangxi even personally inscribed the large plaque "Ancient Jiming Temple" during his southern tour. 📍Cherry Blossom Avenue: Located in front of Jiming Temple, this is a pink tunnel about 300 meters long, lined with cherry blossom trees. Every spring, it is filled with tourists who come to admire the stunning cherry blossoms.🌸 - 🕒Best Viewing Time: 🌅Go early for fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Cherry Blossom Avenue. 🌆After 4pm, the crowds thin out, but the lighting is soft, making for great photos! 🌃Visit at night to see the night cherry blossoms under the twilight sky, like spirits under the stars, offering a unique charm. ❌Remember to avoid the peak crowds between 10:00 and 15:00! 🚇Transportation Guide: 🚗Attention drivers: During the cherry blossom season, Jiming Temple Road is closed to traffic all day on weekends, and parking spaces are limited nearby. Driving is not recommended! 🚇Take Subway Line 3/4 to Jiming Temple Station, Exit 6. Walk straight for about 300 meters to reach Cherry Blossom Avenue. Super convenient! 🚌Bus 304 to Jiming Temple Station is the closest. Other buses like 11, 20, and 48 can also get you there. Plenty of options! - 🌸Cherry Blossom Viewing Route: Jiming Temple Subway Station Exit 6 → Cherry Blossom Avenue → Jiming Temple → Jiefang Gate → Yingzhou Island in Xuanwu Lake The entire route is about 3km. Cherry Blossom Avenue is perfect for portraits, Jiming Temple offers panoramic views and a place for prayer and incense burning, and the lake and mountain scenery of Yingzhou Island in Xuanwu Lake is equally enchanting.🏞️ - 🎟️Ticket Information: E-tickets for Jiming Temple can be purchased in advance on the official WeChat account or by scanning a QR code on-site. Super convenient! Paper tickets need to be purchased at the old south gate. Remember to keep them safe! Jiming Temple has a one-way route. The south gate is entrance only, and the north gate is exit only. Don't go the wrong way! - 🍜Food: After visiting the mountaintop, enjoy a bowl of "Fate Noodles" at the vegetarian noodle restaurant. The taste is amazing, and the window seats offer excellent views of Xuanwu Lake and the city walls!🍜 - 📸Photo Spots: 🏯Ancient Jiming Temple Archway Entrance: Frame the red walls and yellow tiles with the cherry blossoms for a traditional Chinese aesthetic. 🌸Cherry Blossom Avenue: With the cherry blossoms as your backdrop, easily capture stunning photos. 🏰City Wall: Climb the city wall for a panoramic view of Cherry Blossom Avenue. Tickets for the Jiefang Gate-Taiping Gate section are 15 yuan, a great value! 🎆Night Cherry Blossom Spot: During the twilight hours, the cherry blossoms under the streetlights have a soft, magical glow. Don't miss it! - 🍡Nearby Attractions: 🏛️Nanjing Paleontological Museum: Free! A great place to take children for educational fun. The cafe on the second floor also offers distant views of Cherry Blossom Avenue. 🏞️Yingzhou Island in Xuanwu Lake: With vast cherry blossom forests and lake views, it's perfect for picnics and camping. Come and enjoy! - 💡Things to Note: 👟Wear comfortable shoes: Jiming Temple is not tall, but there are many steps! 🧥Bring a jacket: Nanjing has large temperature differences between day and night, and it can be cool on the mountain. Don't catch a cold! 📱Bring a portable charger: With so much beautiful scenery, you won't be able to stop taking photos. A portable charger is a must!