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Pilu Temple

3.8
·8 reviews·Nan Jing Shi, China

A serene Buddhist temple in Nanjing, offering a peaceful escape with a unique Arhat counting ritual and beautiful lotus ponds.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Experience peace with fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Pilu Temple - Image 1

Pilu Temple

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Experience peace with fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Buddhist temple in Nanjing, offering a peaceful escape with a unique Arhat counting ritual and beautiful lotus ponds.

3.8
(8 reviews)

"A very nice and peaceful Buddha temple. It totally worth the 20 rmb ticket."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Entrance Fee & Incense

The entrance ticket is 20 RMB and includes three incenses for making wishes.

🚶‍♀️ Arhat Counting Tutorial

Start counting from an Arhat that resonates with you in the Arhat Hall for a unique spiritual experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Arhat Hall Counting

Arhat Hall Counting

First floor behind the Wanfo Building

Engage in a unique spiritual practice by counting Arhats for blessings and insights. A truly memorable experience.

Lotus Pond Serenity

Lotus Pond Serenity

Temple grounds

Admire the beauty of lotus flowers up close, offering a moment of peace and stunning photo opportunities.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of the temple

Climb to the top for a fantastic panoramic view of Nanjing, blending the old temple with the modern cityscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

Pilu Temple can get busy, especially on weekends. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to experience its peaceful ambiance with fewer crowds. Weekends offer a chance to join local Buddhist teachings, but expect more visitors.

Understanding the Arhat Counting Ritual

A unique experience at Pilu Temple is the Arhat Hall. Visitors can choose an Arhat based on personal connection and count them to receive a blessing or insight. It's a spiritual practice that adds a layer of engagement to your visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Experience peace with fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Join local Buddhist teachings
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#fyp #china #nanning
@xiaaji
219.8K likes • 1.3M views

🎟️ Entrance Fee & Incense

The entrance ticket is 20 RMB and includes three incenses for making wishes. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Arhat Counting Tutorial

Start counting from an Arhat that resonates with you in the Arhat Hall for a unique spiritual experience. Instagram

At Pilu Temple in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, learning about Shakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, and the figures by their side. ☸️ 🇨🇳 #2025石家庄国际旅行者欢乐季 #shijiazhuang #hebei #chinareels #chinatravel #china #travelchina #visitchina #travelreels #temple #buddha #buddhism #culture
bradkib
58 likes • 934 views
Nanjing | Pilu Temple #travel #traveltochina #chinatravel #trip
_chinatraveler
5 likes • 144 views

📸 Capture the Vivid Colors

Pilu Temple is known for its vivid colors, especially during autumn. Don't miss capturing its beauty. Instagram+1

🙏 Find Inner Peace

This temple offers a serene escape from the city bustle, perfect for reflection and finding peace. Reddit

📍Pilu Temple, Nanjing 💳 entrance ticket 20元 ⏰ operational hour 09.00-16.30 ✨Tutorial on counting Arhats 1. Enter the Arhat Hall: The first floor behind the Wanfo Building is the Arhat Hall. 2. Select the starting Arhat: This step depends entirely on fate! You can start with the one that you like the most among the many Arhats. 3. Count to the corresponding Arhat: Count according to your age, on...
catheriinep
49 likes • 902 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Entrance Fee & Incense

The entrance ticket is 20 RMB and includes three incenses for making wishes. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Arhat Counting Tutorial

Start counting from an Arhat that resonates with you in the Arhat Hall for a unique spiritual experience. Instagram

📸 Capture the Vivid Colors

Pilu Temple is known for its vivid colors, especially during autumn. Don't miss capturing its beauty. Instagram+1

🙏 Find Inner Peace

This temple offers a serene escape from the city bustle, perfect for reflection and finding peace. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(8 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Pilu Temple is praised as a beautiful and peaceful Buddhist sanctuary, offering a serene escape within Nanjing's bustling city center. Visitors appreciate the unique Arhat counting ritual and the lovely lotus ponds. While some find it a bit similar to other temples, its historical significance and tranquil ambiance make it a highly recommended spot for reflection and cultural immersion.

"A very nice and peaceful Buddha temple. It totally worth the 20 rmb ticket 🎫. You will get three incenses to make a wish in the temple. This is the first time I am so close to lotus 🪷 so so pretty. 🤩 you can climb to the top of the temple and the view is fantastic! The combination of the old and new. 🆕 Highly recommended this place."

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"Come with the Presidential Palace. For people only have limited time visiting Nanjing, it is safely to skip this place. For me this is just one of the buddhism temples that do not stand out so much. Plus it will take you quite a long time to visit Presidential Palace. (4 hours for me)"

Yumeng Zhao

"Beautiful Temple. Met some lovely people here who let us sit in with their Buddhist teachings on a Saturday morning. The temple had a beautiful feel and worth checking out if you are looking for a place to find some peace."

Nicola McIntosh

What People Like

Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Unique Arhat counting ritual
Beautiful lotus ponds

What People Dislike

Can be similar to other temples
Some areas under renovation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pilu Temple is located in the city center of Nanjing, often described as a 'hidden gem' surrounded by residential buildings. It's accessible by public transport, with local buses being a common option. Many visitors combine their trip with the nearby Presidential Palace, so planning your route to include both is efficient. Reddit

While nestled in the city center, it can feel like a hidden gem. Keep an eye out for signage, and consider using a navigation app. Its central location makes it relatively straightforward to reach once you're in the right area. Reddit

Yes, taxis are readily available in Nanjing and can take you directly to Pilu Temple. It's a convenient option if you prefer direct transport. Instagram

Nanjing has a good public transportation system, including subways and buses. For attractions like the Presidential Palace, it's often walkable or a short bus ride away. Taxis are also a convenient option for inter-attraction travel. Reddit

Consider purchasing a local SIM card with data for easy navigation. Public transport is generally efficient and cost-effective for exploring Nanjing. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance ticket for Pilu Temple is 20 RMB. This fee often includes three incenses for visitors to use within the temple. InstagramReddit

Pilu Temple is typically open from 09:00 to 16:30. It's always a good idea to double-check the exact hours before your visit, as they can sometimes vary. Instagram

Advance booking is generally not required for Pilu Temple, especially on weekdays. However, during peak seasons or holidays, it might be advisable to check for any specific booking recommendations. Instagram

Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival or check the official temple website if one is accessible. Instagram

Mobile payment options like WeChat Pay or Alipay are commonly accepted in China, including at many tourist attractions. It's advisable to have these apps set up or carry some cash as a backup. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Arhat Hall features numerous Arhat statues. Visitors select an Arhat that resonates with them and then count them sequentially to receive blessings or insights. It's a unique spiritual practice. TikTokInstagram

You can explore the beautiful temple grounds, admire the lotus ponds, participate in the Arhat counting ritual, and climb to the top for panoramic city views. It's a place for peace and reflection. InstagramReddit

Yes, Pilu Temple offers many picturesque spots, especially its vivid colors and architectural details. The lotus ponds and the city views from the top are also great for photos. Instagram+1

Some visitors have reported attending Buddhist teachings on Saturday mornings. This offers a deeper cultural and spiritual experience. Reddit

While it's a peaceful place, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are typically no extensive dining facilities within Pilu Temple itself. However, being in the city center, numerous restaurants and eateries are available in the surrounding areas. Instagram

Nanjing offers a wide variety of Chinese cuisine, from local specialties to regional dishes. You'll find everything from street food stalls to sit-down restaurants. Instagram

Given the prevalence of Buddhist culture in China, vegetarian options are often available, especially in restaurants near temples or in dedicated vegetarian eateries. Instagram

Nanjing is known for dishes like Salted Duck, Duck Blood Soup with Vermicelli, and various stir-fried dishes. Exploring local markets and restaurants will give you a taste of the region. Instagram

It's generally recommended to eat before or after your visit, as the temple is primarily a place of worship and reflection. The surrounding areas offer plenty of dining choices. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Arhat Hall, the vibrant temple architecture, the lotus ponds, and the panoramic city views from the top are all excellent for photography. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas and public spaces within the temple. However, always be respectful and check for any signs indicating restricted photography zones, especially in prayer halls. Instagram

Morning light can be soft and beautiful for capturing the temple's details. Late afternoon can also offer warm, golden light. Consider the autumn season for particularly vibrant colors. Instagram+1

Focus on capturing the vivid colors, intricate details of the architecture, and the serene atmosphere. The contrast between the temple and the surrounding modern city can also make for interesting shots. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites and within city limits due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pilu Temple offers a peaceful environment that can be a good change of pace for families. The Arhat Hall's counting ritual might engage older children with its interactive nature. The lotus ponds can also be a point of interest for younger ones. Instagram

Keep in mind that it's a place of worship, so maintaining a respectful demeanor is important. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the temple grounds offer space for gentle exploration. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and make the experience more manageable for children. Reddit

🧘 Solo Travelers Seeking Peace

For solo travelers looking for a tranquil escape, Pilu Temple is an excellent choice. Its serene atmosphere provides a perfect setting for quiet reflection and meditation, away from the city's hustle. Reddit

The Arhat counting ritual offers a personal spiritual practice, and the panoramic views from the top provide a moment of contemplation. You might also have the chance to join local Buddhist teachings, offering a deeper cultural immersion. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Pilu Temple is a visual delight for photographers. The vivid colors, especially during autumn, the intricate architectural details, and the serene lotus ponds offer numerous opportunities for stunning shots. Instagram+1

Don't miss the chance to capture the contrast between the ancient temple and the modern Nanjing skyline from the top. The Arhat Hall also presents unique photographic subjects with its detailed statues. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spiritual Significance of Pilu Temple

Pilu Temple, once Nanjing's largest temple, holds significant historical and religious importance. It served as a crucial center for Chinese Buddhist studies and was the birthplace of Buddhism's transition from a monastic focus to a broader religious order. It was also the former headquarters of the Buddhist Association of China. Reddit

Despite being nestled in a modern urban landscape, it retains its spiritual aura. The temple's history as a hub for Buddhist scholarship and its role in the development of Buddhist organizations in China make it a site of deep cultural resonance. Visitors often find it a place of profound peace and reflection, contrasting with the bustling city outside. Reddit

Today, while some areas may be undergoing renovations, the temple's elegant atmosphere and historical weight continue to draw visitors seeking a connection to China's rich Buddhist heritage. The unique Arhat counting ritual further enhances its spiritual appeal, offering a personal engagement with Buddhist traditions. Reddit

Experiencing the Arhat Hall

A truly unique aspect of visiting Pilu Temple is the opportunity to engage with the Arhat Hall. This hall houses numerous statues of Arhats, enlightened disciples of the Buddha. The experience is not just about observation but active participation. Instagram

The ritual involves selecting an Arhat that you feel a personal connection with, often described as a matter of 'fate.' Once chosen, you proceed to count the Arhats sequentially. This practice is believed to bring blessings or offer insights, making it a deeply personal and spiritual moment for visitors. Instagram

This interactive element sets Pilu Temple apart, offering a more engaging way to connect with Buddhist practices than simply viewing static displays. It's a practice that resonates with many, providing a sense of purpose and reflection during their visit. TikTokInstagram

Pilu Temple's Autumn Charm

While Pilu Temple is beautiful year-round, the autumn season brings a special kind of magic to its grounds. The vibrant colors of fall foliage create a stunning backdrop for the temple's architecture, enhancing its visual appeal. Instagram+1

Visitors often share photos and videos highlighting the rich reds, oranges, and yellows that adorn the temple surroundings during this time. The contrast between the warm autumn hues and the temple's traditional structures creates a picturesque scene, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. Instagram+1

If you're planning a visit and appreciate natural beauty intertwined with cultural heritage, consider timing your trip for the autumn months to experience Pilu Temple in its most colorful glory. Instagram

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