Jiming Temple Nanjing
A 700-year-old Buddhist temple in Nanjing, offering serene grounds, stunning city views, and a famous vegetarian restaurant.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Jiming Temple Nanjing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 700-year-old Buddhist temple in Nanjing, offering serene grounds, stunning city views, and a famous vegetarian restaurant.
"A serene escape in downtown Nanjing! This 1,700-year-old Buddhist temple offers stunning city views."
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture the temple from the City Wall for iconic skyline shots.
🌸 Springtime Beauty
Visit during cherry blossom season for stunning floral scenery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Rooftops & City Views
Temple grounds
Stunning contrast of traditional golden rooftops against Nanjing's modern skyline. Perfect for photos!
City Wall Vantage Point
Nanjing City Wall (near the temple)
Capture breathtaking panoramic views of Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake from atop the ancient city walls.
Cherry Blossom Spectacle
Temple grounds
During spring, the temple grounds burst with vibrant cherry blossoms, creating a magical and picturesque scene.
Baiweizhai Vegetarian Restaurant
Within the temple complex
Savor delicious vegetarian dishes and enjoy scenic views, with a chance to spot the famous temple cat, Shan Xi.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture the temple from the City Wall for iconic skyline shots.
🌸 Springtime Beauty
Visit during cherry blossom season for stunning floral scenery.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entrance fees are very reasonable, often around 10-15 yuan.
📱 QR Code Payments
Have a translation app ready; QR code payments may be tricky for some.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spots
Capture the temple from the City Wall for iconic skyline shots.
🌸 Springtime Beauty
Visit during cherry blossom season for stunning floral scenery.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entrance fees are very reasonable, often around 10-15 yuan.
📱 QR Code Payments
Have a translation app ready; QR code payments may be tricky for some.
🐱 Meet Shan Xi
Look for the famous temple cat at Baiweizhai Vegetarian Restaurant!
🚶♀️ Temple Walk
The temple requires some climbing; consider mobility if needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Jiming Temple is praised as a serene and historically rich Buddhist site in Nanjing, offering beautiful views and an affordable experience. Visitors appreciate the stunning architecture, especially the golden rooftops, and the picturesque setting, particularly during cherry blossom season. While it can get crowded, the peaceful atmosphere and the unique charm of the vegetarian restaurant and its famous cat add to its appeal.
"A serene escape in downtown Nanjing! This 1,700-year-old Buddhist temple offers stunning city views, especially during cherry blossom season. The golden rooftops against modern skyscrapers create perfect photo contrasts. Entrance ¥15 (includes incense)"
Hoai My Vu
"A peaceful escape right in the city, full of history, culture, and a very calm, sacred atmosphere. I went there during the summer, and although the heat and humidity were quite intense, the experience was still worth it.
The entrance fee was just 10 yuan, which I found very reasonable.
I bought a jade bracelet from one of the small shops inside the temple complex. It wasn’t too expensive, just a nice souvenir to brought home with.
The temple was quite crowded, especially near the main prayer areas, but it didn’t ruin the experience for me. People were generally respectful and quiet.
The lady at the gate didn’t speak fluent English, but she was super kind and tried her best to help. I recommend having a translator app ready just in case, but honestly, navigating the temple is pretty intuitive.
Overall, Jiming Temple is a must visit if you're in Nanjing, especially if you love spiritual or historical places
If I'm going back to China again, I'll definitely visit more of Jiming temple"
Che
"One of the nicest temple in China that I've visited that doesn't cost alot. Entrance fee is merely 10YUAN.
Architecture wise, it's a beautiful temple that requires you to climb up. Not so elderly or disabled friendly. Kinda commercialised buts that's the trend now, else how would the temple survive?
There is a vegetarian restaurant at the end of the walk and price is quite reasonable. If you manage to find a tblr near the window, will have a good view of the famous wall as well."
mesh potato
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Jiming Temple is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the Nanjing Metro Line 1 to Jiming Temple Station, which is conveniently located near the temple entrance. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, Jiming Temple is located right next to Xuanwu Lake, making it easy to combine a visit to both attractions.
Absolutely! The Nanjing City Wall is adjacent to Jiming Temple, and the Taicheng section offers excellent views of the temple and Xuanwu Lake.
Many visitors enjoy walking between Jiming Temple, Xuanwu Lake, and the City Wall. Consider comfortable shoes for exploring these interconnected sites.
Besides Xuanwu Lake and the City Wall, other popular Nanjing attractions like the Presidential Palace and the Nanjing Museum are within a reasonable distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Jiming Temple is very affordable, typically around 10-15 yuan. This often includes a bundle of incense.
Generally, advance booking isn't required for Jiming Temple. However, during peak seasons or holidays, it's always a good idea to check for any specific entry requirements.
Jiming Temple typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to verify the exact hours closer to your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
The entrance fee usually includes a small bundle of incense. Additional offerings or souvenirs can be purchased inside the temple complex.
Information on specific discounts can vary. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival or check the temple's official website if available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the serene temple grounds, admire the traditional architecture, and enjoy the panoramic city views. You can also pray, ring the bell, and visit the vegetarian restaurant.
The temple involves some climbing and uneven paths, which might be challenging for some elderly visitors or those with mobility issues.
Photography is generally allowed within Jiming Temple, but always be respectful of worshippers and sacred areas. The views from the City Wall are particularly popular for photos.
While there isn't a strict dress code, it's recommended to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available within the temple complex. It's always a good idea to carry your own water, especially during warmer months.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Jiming Temple has a well-known vegetarian restaurant called Baiweizhai, offering delicious meat-free dishes.
Baiweizhai serves traditional Chinese vegetarian cuisine. It's a popular spot for both temple visitors and locals.
The prices at Baiweizhai are generally considered reasonable, offering good value for the quality and experience.
If you can secure a table near the window, you might get a good view of the surrounding area, including parts of the city wall.
The area around Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake has various local eateries and snack vendors offering different types of Chinese street food and casual dining.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are from the Nanjing City Wall overlooking the temple, and within the temple grounds, especially during cherry blossom season.
Late afternoons during the golden hour offer beautiful lighting. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light.
The intricate details of the temple's golden rooftops, prayer halls, and pagodas are highly photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites and historical areas. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the temple with its surroundings from the City Wall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
This ancient temple offers a serene escape from the bustling city, providing a space for reflection and spiritual practice. Its enduring presence makes it a vital part of Nanjing's cultural heritage, attracting visitors interested in history, architecture, and Buddhist traditions.
Photography Hotspots
During spring, the temple grounds transform into a vibrant spectacle of cherry blossoms, creating an idyllic setting for photography. The delicate pink and white blooms against the temple's ancient structures offer a picturesque scene. Visitors also find excellent photo opportunities within the temple complex itself, focusing on the intricate details of the prayer halls, pagodas, and serene courtyards. The late afternoon 'golden hour' is particularly recommended for its soft, warm light that enhances the temple's beauty.
Culinary Delights at Baiweizhai
Beyond the delicious food, Baiweizhai offers a pleasant ambiance, and if you're lucky enough to snag a window seat, you might enjoy views of the surrounding area, including parts of the ancient city wall. The restaurant is also famously home to Shan Xi, an internet-famous cat that has become a beloved mascot of the temple. Meeting Shan Xi adds a unique and charming element to the dining experience, making it a memorable part of any visit to Jiming Temple.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit