There are many ancient temples preserved in Nanjing, and although Vairocana Temple is not the most famous one, it was once the largest temple in Nanjing.
The Vairocana Temple, which is hidden from the world, becomes popular on the hot search list every year because of its ginkgo trees! The golden ginkgo leaves in autumn,
The deep red courtyard walls, the dark blue tiles, and the white Buddha statues,
And the two century-old ginkgo trees and the Buddha statue are the most photogenic spots in the temple!
If you only visit Vairocana Temple once a year, it must be when the ginkgo leaves are golden, which is really stunning.
Xuanwu District, Nanjing City - 4 Hanfu Street, ticket price 20r (includes three incense sticks)
Exit 2 of Xi'anmen Station on Metro Line 2, walk
NIKOLAS PAYNE
Pilu Temple in Nanjing | A century-old historic temple in Jinling, hidden in the city, quiet in the heart, and elegant in the environment
Pilu Temple is located on Hanfu Street, Xuanwu District, Nanjing. It was built between 1522 and 1566. Because the temple enshrines Vairocana Buddha, it was initially named Pilu Nunnery, one of the famous temples in Jinling. During the Republic of China, it became the center of Buddhism in China, and the Chinese Buddhist Association, the Chinese Buddhist Research Association, the Chinese Religious Fellowship, and the Capital Chinese Medicine Hospital were all established here. Pilu Temple is a 'Golden Light Bright Dojo', upholding the spirit of golden light, solemnizing the territory, promoting the holy teachings, and is unique in the Buddhist capital of Jinling. Pilu Temple once established the Chinese Medicine Hospital of China, becoming the center of Buddhist research and Chinese medicine research in China, and has an immeasurable impact on Chinese Buddhism, medicine and culture. It is a symbolic dojo for Chinese Buddhism to move from tradition to modernity. The ancient stele records: The smoke disappears at sunrise, the birds chirp and the flowers laugh, and the cars and horses are rare, that is Pilu Temple. In the prosperous Tang Dynasty, Emperor Xuanzong changed Kaiyuan to Tianbao, welcomed the imperial concubine, entered Buddhism, and Buddhism was admired by the ruling class. Pilu Zen Temple was probably built during this period. After going through the Song and Yuan dynasties, and the passage of seven hundred years, Pilu Temple has undergone several renovations, but it is still inevitable to be ruined. Until the eighth year of Ming Hongzhi, the abbot of Pilu Temple gathered all his strength to renovate and expand on a large scale. By the fourteenth year of Jiajing, Pilu Temple, whether in terms of the number of monks, good farmland and real estate, or Buddhist activities, had reached an unprecedented scale. This is the peak of Pilu Temple in history.
1⃣The autumn in Nanjing belongs to the ginkgo. Qixia Temple and Jiming Temple are already well-known, but Pilu Temple next to the Presidential Palace of Daxing Palace is still a relatively niche autumn viewing spot. There were not many people visiting the temple during the National Day.
2⃣There are four ginkgo trees planted in the temple, and it is said that two of them were planted by Zeng Guoquan himself. 🌊Waiting for the wind, the ginkgo will roll up the waves, like tassels undulating up and down, gently capturing the sight and lens.
3⃣In addition to ground shooting, the Wanfo Tower can also be climbed. From above, you can overlook the entire temple, and you can also see the landmark buildings of Xinjiekou not far away. Deji Building, Xinbai, Jinling Hotel, etc. are all clearly visible, and even photos of the combination of ancient and modern temples can be taken.
🎮What's fun:
①On the lawn in front of the stone steps of Wanfo Tower, there are three sika deer living, and the words 'Fulushou Endless' are carved next to it, guessing that it should be a homophonic allusion.
②Throw a coin to make a wish, in the railing and the pond, the pilgrims bow their hands sincerely, and the onlookers keep silent.
③In the clear release pond in front of the hall, the koi fish shake their heads and wag their tails. The food they grab together always seems to be more fragrant.
💥tips: This year Nanjing is late in cold, it is estimated that it will not enter the best period of Pilu Temple ginkgo leaves until after November 25.
💰Ticket: 20 yuan, park annual card can be used
⌚Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 (stop admission at 16:30)
🚦Transportation: Take the subway to Daxing Palace and then walk, or take the subway line 2 to station, exit from exit, walk 500 meters; for friends who drive, the parking spaces on both sides of the road are limited, it is recommended to park in the 300 meters away Shenghe Mansion Hotel
PenelopeRivera^43
citywalk— Pilu Temple
After coming out of the Six Dynasties Museum, a continuous drizzle began to fall. Not far away is the Pilu Temple. Having previously visited the Jiming Temple, I saw that everyone shared that Pilu Temple is also worth visiting, so I went there with a bit of curiosity...
The Wanfo Pavilion truly lives up to its name. As I ascended the steps, tens of thousands of Buddha statues appeared before my eyes, along with carvings made of giant clams, all speaking of their preciousness...
Pilu Temple is hidden in the bustling city, different from the surrounding atmosphere. Here, one can find peace of mind, like a pure land in the heart, different from Jiming Temple. Perhaps because of the rainy day, there were not many people coming and going, which made it even quieter...
The chanting from the Wanfo Treasure Tower enters the ears, instantly pulling back the wandering thoughts to reality. The rain curtain dripping from the eaves of the treasure tower delicately falls into the lotus pots, resembling the crisp sound of the temple's wooden fish, everything is just right...
The past few days of citywalk have made me fall in love with this place more and more~
X3n0v14_F0rg3
Vairocana Temple | An ancient temple that feels like it's about to be forgotten
Vairocana Temple, founded during the Tang Dynasty's Tianbao era, is a lesser-known temple hidden in the western suburbs of Shijiazhuang, Hebei. It is famous for its exquisite Ming Dynasty murals and is one of the national key cultural relics protection units. The original scale of the temple was large, and now only the Sakyamuni Hall and Vairocana Hall remain. Both halls are painted with murals, with a total painted area of more than 200 square meters, making it one of the best-preserved important Ming Dynasty murals in China. The murals here, like those in Beijing's Fahai Temple, are also Ming Dynasty murals. Although their scale, painter's status, and historical value are not as good as Fahai Temple, they are not inferior in terms of mural craftsmanship, style, and exquisite degree, and they have unique characteristics.
🌟Tourist Tips:
①Opening hours: 9:00-16:30, the temple is closed at noon (we were asked to leave the temple at 11:30, probably open after 1 pm in the afternoon)
②Ticket: 20 yuan, please explain 20 yuan/person, no need to make an appointment
③Visit duration: 1 hour for a quick look, 2 hours or more for those who like to look at murals in detail
⚠️Tips:
The murals in the temple are not like the ones in Beijing's Fahai Temple, which are all black for full protection. They still have natural light, but they are also very dark. If you don't use a flashlight, you can only see the outline and can't see the details. The temple itself does not provide flashlights. If you ask for an official explanation, the guide will bring a cold light flashlight to view the murals. If you watch it yourself, it is recommended to bring your own cold light flashlight.
Many of the murals in the Vairocana Hall use the technique of gold leafing. You can use a flashlight to shine light from the side, and you can clearly see the raised gold line craftsmanship, but be sure not to touch the murals. Everyone has a responsibility to protect cultural relics‼️
Photography is not allowed for the murals, there are people patrolling, if you really want to take pictures, ⚠️never
Turn on the flash to protect the murals
🚗It is recommended to drive by yourself. Friends from Beijing are recommended to check in with Zhengding. Arrange a 2-day and 1-night itinerary. You can check in Hebei Museum and Longxing Temple in Zhengding. It's definitely worth the trip👍
APRIL GOODMAN
Pilu Temple | A lesser-known temple in Nanjing for check-in
Pilu Temple is a relatively lesser-known temple in Nanjing. Compared to Jiming Temple, it has a sense of being hidden in the city. Every autumn and winter, the ginkgo leaves of Pilu Temple become a popular spot for photographers.
🕙Opening hours:
Spring/Summer: 7:00-17:00
Autumn/Winter: 8:00-17:00
Ticket🎫20RMB with three incense sticks included
🚉Transportation guide:
Xi'anmen Station on Subway Line 2
🌟Highlights:
The Pilu Temple worships the Vairocana Buddha. The temple architecture🏠 is a traditional red and green combination. The ginkgo leaves in the temple are very beautiful in autumn. It feels very different from Jiming Temple and Qixia Temple. If you come to Nanjing and want to visit a temple, it is recommended to visit Pilu Temple. Pilu Temple Qixia Temple Jiming Temple
NAOMI WISE
Pilu Temple Frequently Asked Questions
What's the address of Pilu Temple?
1 Answer
What's the recommended attractions near Pilu Temple?
📍Location: No. 4 Hanfu Street, Xuanwu District, Nanjing City (near Changjiang Road)
🚇Subway: Exit 2 of Xi'anmen Station on Subway Line 2
🎫Incense Flower Ticket: 20 yuan, free to receive three incense sticks
⏰Time: All year round 9:00-16:30
🎲Counting Arhats: Solve the troubles in your heart | No logic, everything is random, you can start from any Arhat you have a connection with, you can count in order or skip, stop when you count to your actual age, note down the corresponding number (number) to draw lots; ⚠️【Scan the QR code at the front desk to pay, 20 yuan per piece, after successful payment, you can receive the corresponding single piece. The paper single piece can be taken away as a talisman, stored in wallets, mobile phones, books.】
🍜Vegetarian Meal: Hot vegetarian noodles, 15 yuan per bowl
📸Check-in: Put your hands together, wide-angle shooting.
🙏🏻Wealth Seeking: Wish for a smooth career, abundant wealth, and good luck in everything
🍂Ginkgo Viewing Period: Mid-November
📖Introduction:
Pilu Temple is a 'Golden Light Bright Dojo', inheriting the spirit of the Golden Light, the solemn land, promoting the holy religion, and standing out in the Buddhism of Jinling. Pilu Temple has established a Chinese medicine hospital, becoming the center of Chinese Buddhist research and Chinese medicine research, it has had an immeasurable impact on Chinese Buddhism, medicine, and culture, and is a symbolic dojo from traditional to modern Chinese Buddhism.
Nowadays, wandering in the smoky Pilu Temple, it is said that the two ginkgo trees planted by Zeng Guoquan himself are full of fruits, as if telling the cycle of cause and effect over the centuries. In the Great Hall of the Buddha, which was expanded in that year, the incense wood pillars transported from Nanyue are still fragrant. Under the two ancient boxwood trees behind the hall, which are 300 years old, the well water of the two ancient wells is still clear and sweet.
Passing through the ancient boxwood well, climbing up the stairs, the three golden characters of 'Ten Thousand Buddha Tower' in the flying eaves of the bucket arch are shining. The yellow walls, red windows, and glazed roof of the building fold into interest. The carved beams and painted buildings inside the building, the pearl lights and caisson ceilings are dazzling. More than 10,000 gold-plated copper Buddhas of various shapes, with thousands of golden lights, compete with the sun, and good men and women compete to offer.
xavian_3144
After another gust of autumn wind, it will be the most beautiful time at Pilu Temple
The most beautiful season of Pilu Temple in Nanjing is autumn, with a few ginkgo trees in the temple adorned with gold and green and red ribbons, making it a beautiful painting. Pilu Temple, located in the center of Nanjing with high-rise buildings, has a sense of great hidden in the city. It's ordinary on the outside, but once you enter, it's a different world. From the roof of the Wanfo Tower, you can enjoy the skyline of Xinjiekou, which is the best view for watching the beautiful sunset. There are activities of counting Arhats downstairs, counting the number of Arhat statues of your own age, which is said to be very effective. Address: No. 4 Hanfu Street, Xuanwu District 🚌 Metro Line 2 Xi'anmen Station Exit 2 Walk 570m