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Visit the historic Wuxi Nanchan Temple, a major cultural and architectural landmark. Explore its beautiful ancient architecture, serene courtyards, and the famous Nanchan Temple Bell. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the temple’s peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reflection and photography.
Wuxi Nanchan Temple is a temple with a long history. It is located in the central area of Liangxi District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province. It is a unique ancient temple building in the southern corner of Wuxi and on the bank of the ancient Grand Canal. It is one of the 480 temples in the Southern Dynasties, dating back 1,450 years.
It was first built during the Taiqing period of Emperor Wu of Liang. It is grand in scale and unparalleled among the famous temples of the Southern Dynasties. It is known as "the most magnificent temple in Jiangnan."
Miaoguan Pagoda is located on the east side of the temple. It is 43.3 meters high and was built during the Yongxi period of the Northern Song Dynasty, more than a thousand years ago.
The ancient tower is a seven-story, eight-sided attic with copper bells hanging from the eaves. It is known for its beauty that “the sound of the golden bell can be heard ten miles away, and a jade dragon flies down from the sky in mid-air.” It is one of the famous Eight Scenic Spots in Wuxi.
Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
Best time to travel: All seasons
Ancient Grand Canal
After entering the Nanchan Temple scenic area, the pier is on the east side of the gate. You can buy a boat ticket to cruise the ancient canal and experience the unique scenery of the ancient city on the water.
South Chang Street
Wuxi Ancient Street, the quaint Nanchang Street is gentle and long, standing quietly in the city center with high-rise buildings.
Qingming Bridge
The Qingming Bridge Historical and Cultural District in Nanchang Street is a typical Jiangnan water town on the banks of the Grand Canal. It is known as the "Jiangnan Water Alley and the Rare Place on the Canal."
Recommended play time: 4-5 hours
Admission: Free
Transportation Ticket (Jiangnan Ancient Canal Cruise Highlights Cruise Nanchan Temple Pier Ticket):
Adult ticket: 70 yuan
Family ticket (1 adult and 1 child): 115 yuan
Family ticket (2 adults and 1 child): 180 yuan
All day
Some attractions are open from 9:00 to 17:00
Wuxi Nanchan Temple is a historically significant Buddhist temple dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD). It is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist sites in the region, with its architecture reflecting traditional Chinese temple styles. The temple is renowned for its ancient statue of Sakyamuni and the Nanchan Temple Bell, an iconic artifact of the temple.
Wuxi Nanchan Temple is located in the heart of Wuxi city, Jiangsu Province. It can be easily reached by taxi or public transport. The Wuxi Metro Line 1 stops nearby at the Nanchang Road station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the temple.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late afternoon, especially on weekdays.
The entrance fee is around 20 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased at the temple entrance or through various online platforms for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons or weekends. You can book tickets online a few days in advance to avoid long lines.
It takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore the temple thoroughly, including walking through its courtyards and admiring the ancient artifacts. If you’re interested in taking part in a religious ceremony or enjoying the tranquil surroundings, you may want to allocate more time.
Key highlights include the Nanchan Temple Bell, the Sakyamuni statue, and the central hall with its beautiful architecture. The tranquil courtyard and the intricate carvings on the temple’s pillars are also worth a look.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available at the temple. Audio guides in English and Mandarin are also available to help visitors understand the history and significance of the temple’s features.
The best photography spots include the central hall, the front courtyard with its ancient trees, and the Nanchan Temple Bell. The temple’s architecture, especially its intricate carvings, provides a great backdrop for photography.
Start your visit at the main entrance, explore the central hall where the Sakyamuni statue is located, then visit the bell and surrounding courtyards. Don’t forget to walk around the temple’s perimeter to appreciate the intricate details of the architecture.
The temple is not open for night visits, and there are no light shows. However, special Buddhist ceremonies may take place during certain times of the year, which can offer a unique experience for visitors.
The temple is generally less crowded early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially on weekdays. Weekends and public holidays tend to see more visitors, so visiting during off-peak hours is ideal for a more peaceful experience.
The temple has basic facilities including toilets, rest areas, and a small shop selling religious souvenirs. There are also local eateries nearby where you can enjoy traditional Chinese food.
The temple is accessible for elderly and children, but some of its ancient structures may have narrow passages or uneven surfaces, so visitors with mobility challenges may find it difficult to navigate certain areas.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are widely accepted at the temple’s entrance and the nearby shops. Cash is also accepted.
There are a few small tea houses and restaurants near the temple that serve traditional Chinese snacks and meals. For a wider range of dining options, you can head to Wuxi city center, just a short drive away.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants, especially those catering to Buddhist traditions. Halal food may be available in Wuxi city center.
There are several hotels in Wuxi city center, including mid-range and luxury options like the Wuxi Grand Hotel and Jinling Hotel, which are just a short drive from the temple.
Nearby attractions include the famous Taihu Lake, Liyuan Garden, and the Wuxi Museum. You can easily combine a visit to the temple with these attractions for a full day of sightseeing in Wuxi.
There are small souvenir shops around the temple selling items such as incense, prayer beads, Buddhist statues, and traditional Chinese crafts.
Taxis and buses are readily available to take you to other attractions in Wuxi. For further travel, you can also access the Wuxi railway station or the city’s bus terminal for regional connections.
