Huiji Temple Ruins Park

Introducing Huiji Temple Ruins Park

Located in Tangquan Subdistrict, Pukou District, Nanjing, Huiji Temple, also known as the Ancient Huiji Temple, was built during the Southern Dynasties and originally named Tangquan Zen Temple. During the Liu Song Dynasty, Emperor Wu of the Southern Dynasties, Liu Yu, visited here with his imperial chariot. During the Liang Dynasty, Crown Prince Xiao Tong studied here. It was destroyed by war during the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty. Parts of it were rebuilt during the Guangxu reign, but the scale was far smaller than before.

The temple's three rare ancient ginkgo trees, each over 1,500 years old, have been designated a "Classical Chinese Garden Scene" and a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Site. Crown Prince Xiao Tong of the Southern Liang Dynasty studied here and planted them himself. These trees, nicknamed "Millennium Weeping Breast," "Supporting the Sky and Covering the Earth," and "Thunderstruck Resurrection," continue to flourish, pollinate, and bear fruit. Their ginkgo nuts, naturally ripe, are known as "Buddha's Sacred Fruit."

In 2014, the restoration project for Huiji Temple began. This project, primarily designed in the Tang Dynasty architectural style, will expand the site from its current 30 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) to 150 mu (approximately 1,000 acres). The overall reconstruction will be completed in three phases: Phase I will include the construction of the main buildings, including the nursing home, dining hall, Main Hall, and Samantabhadra Hall. Phase II will include the Zen Meditation Center, Purification Hall, Abbot's Court, and Bell and Drum Tower. Phase III will include the Heavenly King Hall, Manjusri Court, Guest House, and Sutra Library. Upon completion, views from Laoshan will reveal the temple's elegantly arranged roofs, majestic and varied silhouette, and lush greenery. This will bring the ancient Jiangnan temple back to life, and Huiji Temple will become one of the few remaining Tang Dynasty-style architectural complexes in China.

Climate and best time to travel

The temperate humid climate is characterized by the presence of three thousand-year-old ginkgo trees in Huiji Temple, which have been listed as "Chinese Classical Garden Scenery" and a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Unit. It is suitable for all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The Huiji Temple ruins are now a Nanjing-level cultural relic protection site and a park open to the public. The park's main cultural relics include foundation stones, inscriptions, and ancient trees. There are two types of foundation stones: one is a basin-shaped column base carved with patterns of peony, grape, and lotus, conveying a sense of wealth, prosperity, and peace. Judging from the shape and carving techniques, it likely originated from Tangquan Monastery in the Southern Tang Dynasty or Huiji Monastery in the early Song Dynasty, and was later used by Huiji Temple. The other type, a plain basin-shaped column base, dates back slightly later and may be a relic of the Chakravartin Hall, built in the third year of Yuanyou (1088) at Huiji Temple.

There are many surviving steles in Huiji Temple. Among them, the oldest and most famous is the "Stele of Tangquan Zen Temple" erected in the Southern Tang Dynasty. The stele is made of bluestone, supported by a tortoise shell. The top of the stele is semicircular with a coiled dragon relief on it. The six characters "Stele of Tangquan Zen Temple" are inscribed in seal script in a vigorous and powerful style, which shows the handwriting of a famous calligrapher.

It is recommended to play for 3 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

---

Most Popular FAQs for Huiji Temple Ruins Park

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Huiji Temple Ruins Park is the site of the ancient Huiji Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty. The temple was an important Buddhist center in Nanjing. Today, the ruins provide a glimpse into ancient Buddhist architecture and the religious history of the region.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The temple ruins are located in the northern part of Nanjing. Visitors can take a taxi, bus, or metro to the nearest station, and from there, it's a short walk to the park. The closest metro station is Xianlin Avenue Station.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and comfortable.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance to the park is free. However, there may be small fees for specific exhibitions or events within the park. Tickets can be bought on-site at the entrance.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No, advance booking is not necessary for general entry. Tickets are available on-site, and the park generally doesn't require reservations unless there's a special event.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You can explore the park and temple ruins in about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you want to take your time to learn about the history and enjoy the natural surroundings, consider spending up to 3 hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The main highlights include the temple ruins, the historical inscriptions, and the peaceful surroundings of the park. The layout of the ancient temple and the beautiful nature around it are also key attractions.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in Chinese and English are available for visitors wishing to explore on their own.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The temple ruins, surrounded by the park's lush greenery, offer excellent photography opportunities. The elevated viewpoints around the site give you a good view of both the ruins and the surrounding landscape.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance, explore the central ruins of the temple, then wander through the surrounding parkland. Make sure to visit the cultural exhibition areas to learn more about the history of the site.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, there are no special night visits or light shows at the park. The park is open during daylight hours, and any special tours are usually scheduled during the day.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The park is not usually crowded, especially during weekdays. Weekends and public holidays can see more visitors, so visiting early in the morning on a weekday is the best option for a peaceful experience.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The park has basic facilities, including public toilets, rest areas, and drinking water. However, there are no major food stalls or shops inside the park. It is recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The park is fairly accessible for elderly and children, though the paths around the ruins may be uneven. Some parts of the park may not be fully wheelchair accessible, so it's advisable to check for specific accessibility details if needed.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted for any services. It is always a good idea to carry some cash, but cards are generally not needed inside the park.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no restaurants inside the park. However, there are several dining options nearby, including local Chinese restaurants and cafes in the Xianlin area.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at many of the nearby restaurants. Halal food may be limited, but it’s possible to find suitable options in the city center of Nanjing.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near the site, including budget and mid-range options. Popular choices include hotels in the Xianlin area or Nanjing's city center, which is a short taxi ride away.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, the Ming Tombs, and the Nanjing Museum. These sites can easily be combined for a full day trip in Nanjing.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir stalls near the entrance of the park selling local handicrafts, traditional arts, and Buddhist-related items. Typical souvenirs include small statues, postcards, and traditional paper crafts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

From the park, you can take a taxi or bus back to the city center. The Nanjing metro system is also a convenient option to reach other parts of the city, including shopping areas and historical landmarks.