The Secret Golden City of Nanjing in Autumn Zen

When the autumn breeze 🍁 gently brushes through the cracks of the Ming city wall bricks, the deep autumn of Nanjing quietly hides in the flying eaves and dougong brackets of an ancient temple—Pilu Temple. Founded during the Ming Jiajing period, this "largest temple in Jinling" is embraced by ginkgo and red maple trees, blending a thousand years of Buddhist chants with autumn whispers into a flowing painting 🎨. From mid to late November to early December, the century-old ginkgo trees don golden armor 👑, the ancient hall’s red walls reflect the warm sun 🌞, and every step feels like stepping on the strings of time, playing the autumn Zen melody unique to Jinling city～ 🌳 Must-visit spots: The ancient temple’s autumn color trio Ginkgo Kings in front of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower (Temple’s treasure) Two ancient ginkgo trees over 400 years old 🌳 are the "soul" of Pilu Temple! Their trunks are so thick that three people are needed to embrace them, and their branches spread like giant umbrellas ⛱️ shading the sky. When the autumn wind rises, golden leaves fall like a golden snow ❄️, covering the bluestone steps and the area around the incense burner. Morning sunlight filters through the leaves 🌞, casting mottled shadows on the red walls and black tiles. The rustling sound of monks sweeping fallen leaves 🧹 and the tinkling of wind chimes 🔔 at the eaves blend together, instantly calming the mind～ Red walls and maple reflections at the Mahavira Hall (Visual feast) Several fiery red chicken claw maples 🍁 stand in front of the hall, creating a strong color contrast with the vermilion walls and gilded plaques 🎨! In the afternoon, the slanting sun stretches the maple shadows on the walls, like a natural ink painting 🖌️. Wearing Hanfu or plain-colored long dresses 👗, leaning against the wall or climbing the steps, every shot is a "classic ancient style" photo 📸～ If a monk holding a sutra walks by 📜, it adds a sense of "time travel"! Secluded path behind the Sutra Library (Hidden gem) Go north around the main hall, and a mossy stone path 🛤️ leads to the back courtyard of the Sutra Library. This quiet spot has few visitors, where several ginkgo and ancient cypress trees intertwine to form a natural archway 🌿, and fallen leaves create a "golden carpet" 🛋️. Sit on a stone bench to listen to the wind and pigeon calls 🕊️, or pick a complete ginkgo leaf as a bookmark 📖, feeling the tranquility of "great seclusion in the city"～ 📸 Photo guide: Unlock the Zen atmosphere in three scenes 1. Ginkgo rain: Stand in front of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower and have a companion sprinkle fallen leaves from the second floor 🍂, capturing the moment of "golden leaves flying." Wearing light-colored clothes looks softer～ 2. Red wall and maple shadows: Use the Mahavira Hall as the background, gently touch the maple branches 🍁 sideways, or pick up fallen leaves with your head down. The light and shadow flow on your face, full of storytelling! 3. Glance back on the secluded path: Walk away from the camera on the path behind the Sutra Library, turn back with a smile or gently touch your hair 💇♀️. The ancient trees and flying eaves in the background naturally add an atmospheric filter～ ⚠️ Practical tips: Zen and convenience combined • Best time: Mid to late November to early December 📅, quiet on weekday mornings 🌞, arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends to avoid crowds～ • Dress code: Plain cotton and linen clothes 👗, Hanfu or new Chinese style are more photogenic; flat shoes 👟 are a must as there are many stone paths in the park～ Etiquette reminder: No loud noises inside the halls 🚫, no photographing Buddha statues 📸; you may light an incense stick 🔥 to feel the ritual of incense burning and blessing～ • Nearby attractions: Pilu Temple is only 2 km from the Presidential Palace 🏛️ and Meiyuan New Village Memorial Hall 📚, perfect for a half-day "ancient temple + history" tour～ 🍵 Autumn Zen: Savor time with tea fragrance and vegetarian meals When tired, visit the temple’s "Pilu Tea House" 🍵, order a cup of Biluochun tea 🍃, watch the tea leaves unfold in the celadon cup, and listen to the ginkgo leaves whispering with the wind outside the window～ The tea house also offers vegetarian set meals 🥗, including Arhat noodles 🍜, vegetarian roast goose 🥓, and osmanthus sugar taro shoots 🍯, light but with a lasting aftertaste. Before leaving the temple, don’t forget to take a box of "Pilu Temple Ginkgo Bookmarks" 📖—pressed with fallen leaves, placing one in your book feels like keeping Jinling’s autumn forever～ Address: No. 4 Hanfu Street, Xuanwu District, Nanjing (near Xi’anmen Station on Metro Line 2) ⏰ Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30) 🎫 Admission: 20 RMB/person (includes three incense sticks) 🚗 Transportation: Exit 3 at Xi’anmen Station on Metro Line 2, 800 meters walk; parking available outside the temple 🅿️～ This autumn, no need to squeeze into crowded spots 🚶♀️, come to Pilu Temple to listen to a conversation between ginkgo and red maple 🍂🍁, let the Buddhist chants and tea fragrance soothe your restlessness, and quietly carry the thousand-year Zen spirit of Jinling city in your heart～ 🏯✨💖