Ancient Temples & Historical Sites

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  Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Area

  Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Area takes its name from its twin eastern and western peaks, which resemble the horns of an ox. It is a sacred Buddhist mountain in China and the birthplace of the Niutou (Ox-Head) Chan school of Buddhism. The area's natural scenery is breathtaking, and its intricately crafted palace, pagoda, and temple complex inspires awe. The world-renowned skull relic of Shakyamuni Buddha is enshrined here for the veneration of pilgrims from around the world. Ascending the mountain and paying respects to the Buddha offers a profound experience of inner peace and spiritual serenity.

  Address:

  18 Ningdan Avenue, Jiangning District

  Admission:

  160 RMB/person

  Opening Hours:

  Jan 1–Jul 17: 8:30–17:30／Jul 18–Aug 31: Mon–Thu 8:30–17:30, Fri–Sun 8:30–20:30／Sep 1–Dec 31: 8:30–17:30

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  Grand Bao'en Temple Ruins Park

  The Grand Bao'en Temple Ruins Park has yielded a succession of world-class treasures, including the skull relic of Master Xuanzang, the Buddha's cranial bone relic, miraculous relics, relics of various saints, and the Seven-Treasure Asoka Stupa — discoveries that have astonished the Buddhist world. It is a temple of Buddhist art and a spiritual sanctuary for experiencing the culture of gratitude and devotion.

  Address:

  1 Yuhua Road, outside Zhonghua Gate, Qinhuai District

  Admission:

  90 RMB/person

  Opening Hours:

  8:30–20:00 (No closing day in summer; otherwise generally closed on the last Wednesday of each month — check official WeChat account for details)

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  Jiming Temple

  Jiming Temple is one of China's oldest Buddhist temples, celebrated as the foremost among the "Four Hundred and Eighty Temples of the Southern Dynasties" and the center of Chinese Buddhism during that era. Every spring, cherry blossoms bloom in delicate profusion, veiling the temple's thousand-year history in soft beauty. On New Year's Eve each year, people flock here to ring the bell and pray for blessings in the coming year.

  Address:

  1 Jimingsi Road, Xuanwu District

  Admission:

  10 RMB/person

  Opening Hours:

  7:30–17:30

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  Linggu Temple

  Originally named Kaishan Temple, Linggu Temple was personally renamed "Linggu Chan Temple" by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty, who also bestowed upon it the title "Foremost Zen Forest Under Heaven." It is one of the Three Great Buddhist Temples of the Ming era. The temple enshrines a seated statue of Master Xuanzang, and the Xuanzang Memorial Pagoda before it houses the master's skull relic — the temple's most treasured possession.

  Address:

  2 Linggu Temple Road, Xuanwu District

  Admission:

  35 RMB/person

  Opening Hours:

  Feb 1–Nov 30: 6:30–18:30／Dec 1–Jan 31: 7:00–17:30