Visited Tianning Temple 4 times, finally figured it out!

📍 Address

No. 636 Yanling Middle Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province (near the south gate of Hongmei Park).

🚇 Transportation

1. Subway: Take Line 1 or Line 2 to "Wenhuagong Station" Exit 7, then a 5-minute walk to the west gate of the scenic area.
2. Bus: Routes B12, 3, 7, 11, 53, 220, etc. go directly to "Tianning Temple Station."
3. Self-driving: Navigate to "Tianning Temple Parking Lot." Nearby Ximinoong and Wenhuagong underground parking lots charge 10 RMB/hour (parking spaces are limited, early arrival is recommended).
4. Train/Bus Station: Changzhou Station is a 500-meter walk away. Train ticket holders can enjoy ticket discounts and free shuttle bus service.

🌟 Introduction

Tianning Temple was founded in the Tang Dynasty (627 AD) and is known as one of the "Four Great Zen Monasteries" along with Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang and Tiantong Temple in Ningbo. Emperor Qianlong visited three times during his six southern tours and inscribed the plaque "Dragon City Elephant Teaching."

- Five Major Features: Large halls (Main Hall is 33 meters high), large Buddha (33-meter Guanyin statue), large bell (4-ton giant bell), large drum (2-meter Dharma drum), and large treasure cauldron.
- Tianning Pagoda: The world's tallest Buddhist pagoda (153.79 meters), with 13 floors housing treasures like crystal Buddhas and jade carvings. The top offers panoramic views of the Grand Canal and Changzhou city.

🗺️ Travel Tips

1. Tickets:
- Temple admission: 20 RMB, Pagoda climb: 60 RMB, Combined ticket: 80 RMB (includes temple + pagoda).
- Children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 years old enter free.
2. Opening Hours: Temple 7:00-17:00, Pagoda 8:30-17:00 (last entry at 16:30).
3. Must-visit route: 👣 Heavenly King Hall (Four Heavenly Kings) → Main Hall (Three Buddhas) → Arhat Hall (500 golden Arhats "Dotting Arhats to test fortune") → Tianning Pagoda (climb to see crystal Buddha + city panorama) → Zen Hall (experience scripture copying/tea ceremony).
4. Hidden experiences:
- Buddhist chanting: Attend the morning Dharma assembly to listen to the "Southern Buddhist Chanting Representative" music.
- Sundial stone: Qing Dynasty astronomical instrument, rare nationwide.

⚠️ Tips for Visiting

1. Wear comfortable sports shoes 👟: Climbing the pagoda requires ascending 13 floors of spiral stairs.
2. Climb the pagoda in the morning: Soft light, fewer people, great for photos 📸.
3. Etiquette: No photography, flash, or umbrellas inside the main hall.
4. Avoid overpricing: The "Consecration Ritual Goods" shop at the exit sells overpriced items; it’s better to buy souvenirs inside the temple.

🍜 Food Recommendations

1. Vegetarian meals inside the temple: Ruyi Vegetarian Restaurant, about 20 RMB per person, recommended dishes include Arhat vegetarian meal, vegetarian goose, and mountain delicacy soup (served from 11:30).
2. Nearby snacks:
- Changzhou sesame cake: Crispy crust with sweet and savory fillings.
- Silver thread noodles: Thin as hair, with delicious broth.
- Wenhuagong business district: South Street offers cost-effective milk tea and snacks.

🛏️ Accommodation Recommendations

1. Golden Hotel: Next to the temple, 2-minute walk, ideal for early morning worship.
2. Home Inn Chain Hotel: Opposite the south gate, 5-minute walk, economical and convenient.

🌆 Nearby Attractions

1. Hongmei Park: 2-minute walk, enjoy plum blossoms, scenic views, and boat rides on the ancient canal, free admission.
2. Qingguo Lane: Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient street (2 km away), stone pavements, celebrity residences, a perfect spot for artistic photos.
3. Banshan Bookstore: Popular bookstore with cultural products, coffee, and city viewing platform, great for an afternoon break.
4. Dongpo Park: Take a boat tour on the ancient canal and experience the charm of Jiangnan water town.

💎 Summary: Tianning Temple combines a thousand years of Zen spirit, architectural wonders, and local life. Climb the pagoda for city views, listen to Buddhist chanting, enjoy vegetarian meals, then stroll through Hongmei Park—this is the perfect route to unlock the essence of Changzhou!