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Porcelain Tower of Nanjing Bao'ensi

4.5
·72 reviews·Nan Jing Shi, China

A dazzling modern reconstruction of a legendary Ming Dynasty pagoda, famed for its intricate porcelain and breathtaking night illuminations.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Magical illuminations

CrowdMedium
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Porcelain Tower of Nanjing Bao'ensi - Image 1

Porcelain Tower of Nanjing Bao'ensi

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Magical illuminations

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dazzling modern reconstruction of a legendary Ming Dynasty pagoda, famed for its intricate porcelain and breathtaking night illuminations.

4.5
(72 reviews)

"It feels like those illusion museums in Europe but taken to the next level and mixed with religion and history."

Vertical photo
TIP

✨ Evening Light Show

Don't miss the spectacular evening light show; it's a highlight that truly makes the tower shine!

🎧 Audio Guide Recommended

Rent the audio guide for an immersive experience with RFID tags that trigger stories at different spots.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 72 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Illuminated Porcelain Tower

The Illuminated Porcelain Tower

Main Pagoda

Witness the pagoda come alive at night with dazzling, colorful illuminations that transform it into a breathtaking spectacle.

Recreated Buddhist Pathways

Recreated Buddhist Pathways

Grounds

Experience serene pathways replicating Buddhist birth stories, perfect for quiet contemplation and stunning photography.

Artifacts and Exhibitions

Artifacts and Exhibitions

Museum Sections

Explore displays of the original pagoda's remnants and various Buddhist art, offering deep historical and cultural insights.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

To avoid crowds and fully appreciate the intricate details of the Porcelain Tower, consider visiting during weekdays, especially in the late afternoon. This allows you to witness the transition from daylight to the magical evening illuminations. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, though not always strictly necessary, to save time.

Understanding the Tower's Significance

The current Porcelain Tower is a modern reconstruction of the 15th-century Great Bao'en Temple's pagoda, a marvel of its time. While the original was destroyed, the rebuilt structure honors its legacy with stunning light displays and artifacts, offering a unique blend of history, religion, and modern technology.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Magical illuminations
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Daylight and sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

'นานกิง' โศกนาฏกรรมที่โหดร้ายที่สุดในโลก #นานกิง #จีน #เที่ยวไปเรื่อย #เที่ยวรอบโลก #เที่ยวต่างประเทศ #เที่ยวคนเดียว #ไอโรมอโลน #iroamalone #china #nanjing
@mint.iroamalone
172.2K likes • 2.3M views

✨ Evening Light Show

Don't miss the spectacular evening light show; it's a highlight that truly makes the tower shine! Instagram

🎧 Audio Guide Recommended

Rent the audio guide for an immersive experience with RFID tags that trigger stories at different spots. Reddit

#TourWithCSCEC 🌸Experience the Beauty of Spring in #Nanjing! #ChinaTravel 🌿 Walk through Lishui Wuxiang Town → Climb Niushou Mountain → Wander through Jinling Xiaocheng →Visit Nanjing Museum. #ChineseGardenMagic #240Hours #CityWalk #RenewRebuildRevive
@chinastateconstruction
52.7K likes • 1.2M views
The illuminating Porcelain Tower and Nanjing City Wall adorned with lanterns form a picturesque painting that can only be seen in Nanjing. #chinatravel #chineseart #chinatour #chinatrip #chinatrips #chinalife #chinastyle #chinesestyle #chinagram #nanjing #nanking #nanjingchina #nanjingcity
discover_nanjing
1.3K likes • 0 views

📸 Photography Paradise

Bring your camera! The tower and its grounds offer countless opportunities for stunning photos, especially at night. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Take time to wander through the recreated Buddhist pathways; they are peaceful and visually captivating. Reddit

The Porcelain Pagoda in Nanjing glittering at night. #chinatravel #chineseart #chinatour #chinatrip #chinatrips #chinalife #chinastyle #chinesestyle #chinagram #nanjing #nanking #nanjingchina #nanjingcity #azure #azuresky
discover_nanjing
170 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

✨ Evening Light Show

Don't miss the spectacular evening light show; it's a highlight that truly makes the tower shine! Instagram

🎧 Audio Guide Recommended

Rent the audio guide for an immersive experience with RFID tags that trigger stories at different spots. Reddit

📸 Photography Paradise

Bring your camera! The tower and its grounds offer countless opportunities for stunning photos, especially at night. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Take time to wander through the recreated Buddhist pathways; they are peaceful and visually captivating. Reddit

⬆️ Elevator Access

An elevator is available to take you to the 8th level for panoramic city views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(72 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently amazed by the Porcelain Tower, often calling it a highlight of their travels. The modern reconstruction, especially its spectacular nighttime illuminations, is frequently praised for its beauty and innovative approach to preserving history. While the entrance fee is noted, many feel the unique experience and photographic opportunities justify the cost.

"Absolutely amazing! I've visited 55 countries, and the porcelain tower has to be one of my favorite experiences. It feels like those illusion museums in Europe but taken to the next level and mixed with religion and history. The original porcelain tower was burned down, but it is a nice tribute to the original and to Buddhism."

galo

"Grand Baoen Temple 大报恩寺. RMB90 entrance fee and RMB30 for their audio guide device which plays back thru RFID tagging at the location, I like this kind.

Another museum built upon the original site, incorporating modern technologies alongside ancient structures. Here is where one can find the 琉璃拱门 (we saw a replica of this in the Nanjing National Museum on the first day) and 七宝阿育王塔. The original glazed Pagoda was an architecture symbol at that time, but unfortunately destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion. This modern one rebuilt in 2007 now includes a lift (yay) that brings one to Level 8 where you get an all-round (but not very clean/clear) view of the city.

In the first section, they recreated a pathway, replicating 释迦牟尼佛诞生,一步一莲花,七步生莲的意境. This place will be great for people with an interest in Buddhism or photography, with many spots for the trigger-happy."

Daphne Yeo

"One has to visit the Porcelain Tower to truly understand its charm."

Zahir Akhtar Ahmed

What People Like

Spectacular night illuminations
Unique blend of history and tech
Photographic opportunities

What People Dislike

Entrance fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Porcelain Tower is conveniently accessible by metro. Take Line 3 to the Daxinggong Station and then transfer to Bus 1 or 3 to reach the tower. Many visitors also find it a pleasant part of a 'city walk' in Nanjing. Reddit

Yes, it's a prominent landmark. Public transport options like buses and metro lines make it straightforward to reach from various parts of Nanjing. Reddit

Taxis are readily available in Nanjing and can take you directly to the Porcelain Tower. It's a good option if you prefer direct transport. TikTok

Nanjing has an efficient metro system and extensive bus routes. For attractions like the Porcelain Tower, metro access is usually the most convenient. TikTok

The Porcelain Tower is part of Nanjing's rich historical landscape. Nearby, you can explore other historical sites and museums that contribute to the city's deep history. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is typically around RMB 90. There's an additional charge of RMB 30 for the audio guide device. Reddit

While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance online can save you time, especially during peak seasons. Check official ticketing platforms for availability. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours and into the evening to showcase the light displays. It's best to check the most current hours before your visit. Instagram

Yes, the audio guide is an optional rental for an additional RMB 30, and it enhances the experience by providing context through RFID tagging. Reddit

Information on specific discounts for students or seniors is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter upon arrival. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The tower is stunning during the day, but the evening illuminations are truly magical for photography. Late afternoon allows you to capture both daylight and the start of the light show. Instagram+1

Tripod policies can change, but generally, they are allowed in most outdoor areas. It's advisable to check with on-site staff if you plan to use one, especially during busy periods. Reddit

You can capture the intricate details of the pagoda, the surrounding gardens, Buddhist art, and the breathtaking night illuminations. The recreated pathways also offer unique photo opportunities. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around major tourist attractions in China, including the Porcelain Tower, for safety and privacy reasons. TikTok

The base of the tower offers great perspectives, and the elevated platforms provide wider city views. The recreated Buddhist pathways also have many picturesque corners. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ History & Culture

The current tower is a modern reconstruction of the 15th-century Great Bao'en Temple's pagoda, a significant architectural marvel of the Ming Dynasty. The original was largely destroyed during the Taiping Rebellion. Instagram+1

The tower is a tribute to Buddhism and honors religious figures. The grounds feature recreated Buddhist narratives, such as the 'one step, one lotus flower' concept. Reddit

While it's a modern reconstruction of a historical temple, it functions more as a cultural and historical attraction with strong Buddhist elements, rather than an active place of worship for the general public. Reddit

The Porcelain Tower itself is not directly related to the Nanjing Massacre. However, Nanjing is home to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, which is a separate, somber site dedicated to remembering that tragic event. TikTok

The site displays artifacts related to the original pagoda, Buddhist exhibitions, and replicas of significant items like the 'Porcelain Gate' and the 'Seven Treasures Pagoda'. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a vegetarian restaurant located within the complex, offering a dining experience amidst the cultural surroundings. Reddit

The restaurant typically serves vegetarian cuisine, aligning with the Buddhist theme of the site. Reddit

Like many tourist attractions in China, there are souvenir shops where you can purchase mementos of your visit. Reddit

While the immediate vicinity might have standard tourist fare, exploring slightly further out or asking locals can lead you to authentic Nanjing snack vendors. TikTok

It's a convenient option if you're already at the site, offering a unique ambiance. For a wider variety of local flavors, consider dining in other parts of Nanjing. Reddit

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