Millennium Ancient Temple, Cherry Blossom Sanctuary - Complete Guide to Nanjing Jiming Temple

Jiming Temple, located on the western slope of Purple Mountain in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Nanjing. It was built during the Western Jin Dynasty and has a history of over 1,600 years. This ancient temple is not only a center of Buddhist faith but also one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Nanjing due to the blooming cherry blossoms in spring. 📍 Basic Information 📌 Address: No. 1 Jiming Temple Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 📌 Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM 📌 Ticket Price: 10 RMB 📌 Best Time to Visit: • Spring (March-April): Cherry blossoms in full bloom, a sea of pink flowers🌸 • Autumn (September-November): The ancient trees in the temple turn golden, creating a rich autumn atmosphere🍂 📌 Recommended Visit Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours 🏯 Main Attractions 🔹 Mountain Gate and Hall of Heavenly Kings Upon entering the mountain gate, you will see the majestic statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, symbolizing the guardians of the four directions. Inside the hall, there is a statue of Maitreya Buddha, symbolizing joy and wisdom. Many visitors pray here for peace and smoothness. 🔹 Mahavira Hall The core building of Jiming Temple, enshrining Shakyamuni Buddha, is surrounded by golden decorations and is always filled with incense. Entering the hall, you can feel the solemn and sacred Buddhist atmosphere. Many believers come here to pray for blessings and relationships, making it known as one of the most efficacious temples in Nanjing. 🔹 Linggu Pagoda One of the most distinctive buildings in the temple, it is an octagonal brick pagoda said to enshrine the relics of a high monk. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view of Nanjing, making it an excellent photo spot📸. 🔹 Cherry Blossom Corridor (Seasonal)🌸 In spring, the road in front of Jiming Temple is lined with cherry blossoms. Every March, the pink flowers and the ancient temple create a stunning scene. Many visitors come to admire the cherry blossoms, making it one of the most beautiful spring sights in Nanjing. 🙏 Blessing Culture at Jiming Temple • Praying for Relationships: Jiming Temple is famous for its efficacious relationship divination, attracting many young people to sincerely pray for a good relationship. • Lighting Lamps for Blessings: During the New Year, Buddha's Birthday, and other festivals, the temple holds lamp lighting ceremonies, symbolizing the prayer for light and blessings. 🍜 Must-Try: Jiming Temple Vegetarian Food When visiting Jiming Temple, don't miss the vegetarian food, especially the famous vegetarian noodles. The clear broth symbolizes "longevity and health," making it a must-try for many visitors! 📌 Recommended Vegetarian Dishes: Mushroom Noodles🍜, Vegetarian Buns🥟, Luohan Vegetarian Dish🍛 🚶♂️ Nearby Attractions ✅ Xuanwu Lake (10-minute walk) - The largest lake park in Nanjing, with picturesque scenery. ✅ Ming City Wall (5-minute walk) - Climb the wall to overlook Nanjing and feel the grandeur of the ancient capital. 🎯 Travel Tips ✔ Avoid Peak Times: Cherry blossom viewing in spring attracts many people. It is recommended to visit before 8 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the crowds! ✔ Dress Suggestion: Jiming Temple is located on higher ground, so wear comfortable shoes for easy climbing👟.