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