Hongjue Temple Pagoda

Introducing Hongjue Temple Pagoda

The Hongjue Temple Pagoda is located on the southern slope of Niu Shou Mountain's eastern peak in Jiangning District, Nanjing, at an elevation of 180.50 meters. Construction began in the ninth year of the Dali reign of the Tang Dynasty (774 AD). Legend has it that it was built by Emperor Daizong of Tang, Li Yu, in response to a dream. It was later destroyed, and the current pagoda was rebuilt in the early Ming Dynasty. The pagoda is approximately 40 meters tall, constructed of seven brick stories and eight sides. Each side features a pot-shaped door, two small windows, and carved wooden eaves, creating an elegant and rustic style.

In 1958, a gilded Lama stupa, a golden reclining Buddha, and a blue and white porcelain jar were discovered beneath the stone cappings on the pagoda's ground floor. Over 70 inscriptions are found on the pagoda's third to seventh floors, the earliest dating from 1440, the fifth year of the Zhengtong reign of the Ming Dynasty. The pagoda survived wars and was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty. While the pagoda remains largely intact, its lower portion is over 10 meters buried, making it the oldest surviving brick pagoda in Nanjing. The Hongjue Temple Pagoda is the most majestic surviving brick, imitation-wooden pavilion-style pagoda in Nanjing. Climbing the pagoda offers sweeping views of the surrounding scenery.

The brick pagoda of Hongjue Temple is located on the southern slope of the eastern peak of Niu Shou Mountain. During the Southern Dynasties, a distinguished monk named Pizhi cultivated himself in a cave beneath the two peaks of Niu Shou Mountain. This cave later became known as "Pizhi Cave." Legend has it that Pizhi achieved enlightenment and ascended to heaven here, leading to the cave's nickname, "Xianku Cave." Hongjue Temple was originally named Foku Temple and was founded by Minister of Works Xu Du in the second year of the Tianjian reign of the Liang Dynasty (503). The Southern Tang emperor changed the name to Hongjue Temple. In the second year of the Song Dynasty's Taiping Xingguo reign (977), it was renamed Chongjiao Temple. In the early Ming Dynasty, it was renamed Foku Temple, and during the Zhengtong period, it was renamed Hongjue Temple. In the Qing Dynasty, the name was changed to Hongjue Temple to avoid taboos.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate; Hongjue Temple Pagoda is the most majestic brick imitation wooden structure pavilion-style ancient pagoda in Nanjing. It is also the oldest and largest brick pagoda in Nanjing. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

9:00-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Hongjue Temple Pagoda

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

The Hongjue Temple Pagoda is an important Buddhist site in Nanjing, with a rich history that dates back centuries. It is dedicated to preserving Buddhist teachings and scriptures and is an architectural landmark in the region.

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

The Hongjue Temple Pagoda is located in Nanjing. You can reach it by taxi or bus from the city center. Public transport options are limited, so taking a taxi or hiring a private vehicle is recommended for convenience.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Hongjue Temple Pagoda is typically open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler, and the site is less crowded.

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

The entrance fee for the Hongjue Temple Pagoda is about 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be bought on-site, though it is also possible to purchase them online via local ticketing platforms.

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

Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but recommended during busy tourist seasons or on weekends. You can book tickets a few days in advance if you prefer to secure entry without waiting.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You can fully explore the Hongjue Temple Pagoda in about 1-2 hours. If you wish to spend more time walking around the grounds and learning about the temple's history, allocate around 2-3 hours for the visit.

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

Key highlights include the pagoda's stunning architecture, the Buddhist statues and artwork, the peaceful courtyards, and the panoramic views of the surrounding area from the top of the pagoda.

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

Guided tours in Mandarin are available on-site, and some tour guides may offer English-language explanations. Audio guides in Chinese and English are also available for rent.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints are from the top of the pagoda, offering sweeping views of the temple grounds and surrounding mountains. Other great photography spots include the intricate carvings on the pagoda and the peaceful gardens.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the base of the pagoda and its gardens. Climb to the top of the pagoda for the best views, then descend to explore the courtyards, Buddhist statues, and surrounding temple buildings.

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

Night visits and light shows are not available at the Hongjue Temple Pagoda. The site closes at 5:00 PM, and nighttime activities are not offered.

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

The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, particularly during the off-peak season (autumn and winter).

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

Facilities include toilets, a small shop selling souvenirs, and water stations. There are no large restaurants within the temple, but you can find food and drink near the entrance or in nearby areas.

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

The temple is relatively accessible, but elderly and disabled visitors may find it difficult to climb the stairs to the top of the pagoda. The lower levels and gardens are more easily accessible for all visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used and accepted for purchasing tickets and souvenirs.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no cafes or restaurants directly inside the temple, but several local restaurants and tea houses are located near the entrance or in nearby areas. You can find a variety of local Chinese dishes and snacks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal food may be more difficult to find, so it's best to check in advance or consult local guides for specific recommendations.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several mid-range and budget hotels near the Hongjue Temple Pagoda. Some hotels offer convenient access to the temple, with easy walking or taxi rides to the site.

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 Xiaoling Mausoleum, and the Nanjing Museum. These can all be visited in a day trip along with the Hongjue Temple Pagoda.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops offering items like Buddhist statues, prayer beads, incense, and traditional Chinese handicrafts. You can also purchase local arts and crafts as mementos.

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

After visiting, you can continue your trip by taxi, metro, or bus to other attractions in Nanjing. The city's public transport system makes it easy to reach other landmarks.