A century-old temple hidden in the bustling city, the tranquility and depth of Pilu Temple are far more moving than imagined

I always thought the temples in Nanjing were crowded with people until I visited this century-old temple deeply tucked away on Hanfu Street—Pilu Temple—and finally understood what it means to be "a great hermit hidden in the city." Unlike the bustling Jiming Temple and Linggu Temple, Pilu Temple has no noisy tourists, no towering entrance fees, only the quiet and profound atmosphere shaped by the vicissitudes of time. As soon as you enter the mountain gate, it feels like the mute button is pressed instantly; the sounds of the busy city are cut off, replaced by the rustling of ancient trees and the lingering echoes of bells and chimes. This was once the "National Buddhist Center" during the Republic of China period, with an extremely rich historical background. The Mahavira Hall is majestic and solemn, and the huge ginkgo tree in front of the hall is said to have been planted a hundred years ago. In the golden autumn, the tree is covered in golden leaves, with fallen leaves carpeting the ground, as beautiful as an oil painting. Although I didn’t visit in autumn, looking up at the towering ancient trees, I could still feel the weight of history. What surprised me the most was the Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower! Inside, there are tens of thousands of golden Buddhas in various postures, dazzling and magnificent. Stepping inside, a sense of reverence arises immediately. Sunlight streams through the high windows, making the golden statues shimmer, with light and shadow interweaving, evoking a sacred feeling. The temple is not large, but every corner exudes simplicity and tranquility. I sat quietly by the release pond for a long time, watching koi swim and monks sweep fallen leaves, feeling an unprecedented peace within. There is no commercial hustle here, no stalls for fortune-telling or drawing lots, only a pure atmosphere of spiritual practice. Tips: Pilu Temple is free to enter; you just need to register with your ID card, which is very considerate. It’s easy to find, just a few minutes’ walk from Xi’anmen Station on Metro Line 2. Avoid weekend mornings; weekdays or afternoons are less crowded and better for experiencing the Zen atmosphere. You can bring some vegetarian food or fruit to have a simple meal inside the temple and experience the modest temple life. If you are tired of crowded tourist spots and want a place to clear your mind, I highly recommend visiting Pilu Temple. It is not flashy, yet it shines with its own light; it is not lively, yet it touches the heart directly. Here, time seems to slow down, perfect for daydreaming alone or quietly strolling with a few friends, feeling that long-lost tranquility and inner peace.