Travel Through a Millennium and Explore Nanjing's Grand Baoen Temple

Besides Jiming Temple, Grand Baoen Temple is also a must-see in Nanjing! As the first Buddhist temple in the Jiangnan region, it boasts a rich history, with every corner whispering tales of bygone eras. 📜Historical Origins Grand Baoen Temple's history can be traced back to the tenth year of Chiwu in the Eastern Wu Dynasty, when Sun Quan built Jianchu Temple for a high-ranking monk. It has undergone multiple destructions and reconstructions throughout history. During the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Di built Grand Baoen Temple and the Glazed Pagoda to commemorate his parents. Its extravagance was hailed as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Medieval World." Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed by fire during the Taiping Rebellion. The current steel and glass pagoda is a modern reconstruction, yet it still retains the charm of the past. 🎈Highlights - Glazed Pagoda: Formerly one of the Eight Wonders of the Medieval World, the current glass pagoda was rebuilt on the original site. The lights turn on at 6:30 pm in winter, with different colors each day and special colors for special holidays. If you want to climb the pagoda, arrive before 5:30 pm. You can visit the 2nd, 8th, and 9th floors. Take the elevator from the 2nd floor to the 8th-floor ventilation layer to enjoy the city view, then walk to the enclosed 9th floor. At the base of the pagoda is the millennium-old underground palace, which displays precious relics such as sarira and the parietal bone of the Buddha, showcasing the beauty of Buddhism. - Millennium Gaze: The Buddha statue and other sculptures gaze at each other, creating a Zen-filled Buddhist aesthetic that invites contemplation. - Bodhi Tree: A popular photo spot, especially among young women, with a high success rate for stunning photos. - Sutra Repository of the Grand Baoen Temple: Don't miss the exhibitions in this museum, especially the unforgettable smiling Buddha statue. - Perfume River Bridge Ruins: Located at the entrance, with detailed information alongside, it takes you back in time. 🍦Tips - Tickets: Purchase online or on-site. Online tickets are more affordable if bought a day in advance. No ticket collection is required; simply scan the QR code to enter. - Time: It's recommended to arrive around 4:30 pm to enjoy the Grand Baoen Temple in the sunset and witness the lighting ceremony at 6:30 pm after your visit. - Other: Lockers are available until 7:30 pm. Volunteers and audio guides are also available for rent. The gift shop is well-stocked, and you can get free stamps, so bring a small notebook.