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24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Linggu Temple, Nanjing Attractions
Breif Introduction
Linggu Temple is a Buddhist temple in Nanjing. It used to lie at the northeast foot of Mount Zhongshan, ie. where Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum now lactes, since since Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang chose the place to be his mausoleum and then the temple was moved to the present place. The temple was named by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang himself.
Linggu Temple is famous in Chinese history, it was described as "the best Buddhist temple in the world". It is said that in the Ming Dynasty, Linggu Temple flourished. Crowds filled the place to burn joss sticks. It is said that it could hold 1,000 monks at that time. The environment here is very pleasant. The Linggu Temple is surrounded by aged dark green trees and a large park, . The sweet fragrance of flowers pervades, and the sound of the bell is melodious. The forest and springs around add vitality and wild pleasure to the temple.
Linggu Temple has the history of over 1,500 years. Originally constructed in 515 CE, the temple was moved here during the early days of the Ming Dynasty so Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang's tomb could receive the good fengshui of the temple's setting. Wuliang (Beamless) Hall, made without a single piece of wood or a nail, was chosen in 1931 to be the shrine to the over 30,000 soldiers who died in the Northern Expedition War (1926-1928). The Monk Xuanzang, immortalized in Journey to the West for crossing the Himalayas to bring back Buddhist scriptures to the Tang Court, is also memorialized here. Linggu Pagoda sits nearby the temple.
History of Linggu Temple
The temple was first built in 515 during the Liang dynasty (502-557). It used to lie at the northeast foot of the Purple Mountain, i.e. where the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is located, since the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) chose the place to be his mausoleum and then the temple was moved to the present place. The temple was named by the Hongwu Emperor himself. It used to be large and covered an area of over 300,000 square metres. Later it was destroyed in warfare during the reign of the Xianfeng Emperor in the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) and rebuilt during the reign of the Tongzhi Emperor. In the temple, except for buddhas and bodhisattvas, Xuanzang and his relics were enshrined and worshipped.
What to see in Linggu Temple
Wuliang Hall
Wuliang Hall is 22 meters high and 53.8 meters wide. It was constructed in 1381, The hall enjoys high reputation for its special architectural techniques. The structure was built with bricks from the bottom to the top entirely, without a piece of wood or a single nail. Thus it was called Wuliang Hall, since Wuliang means beamless. It happens that the hall originally enshrined Amitayus (Buddha of Infinite Life) whose Chinese name pronounces the same with Wuliang.
Later in 1928, the hall was turned into the memorial hall of soldiers who lost their lives in the War of Northern Expedition (1926–1927). More than 30,000 soldiers were enshrined. Linggu Pagoda was built in 1929 as a sign of remembrance for those soldiers. The 9 stories pagoda stands 60.5 metres high. Speeches made by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen and epigraphs of Chiang Kai-Shek were inscribed on the tower.
Linggu Pagoda
Linggu Pagoda is part of the Linggu Temple Scenic Area in Zhongshan Mountian National Park. This is a spacious temple complex with a few attractions, namely this 7-tiered pagoda but also the Linggu Temple and The Tomb og Tai Yankai. The pagoda itself might be enough to draw you here anyway, but nevertheless the combination of surrounding sites makes for a very pleasant and mostly peaceful trip outside of downtown Nanjing.
Linggu Pagoda is not connected with the temple, but was designed by American architect Henry K Murphy and built between 1930 and 1932 as a sign of remembrance for the soldiers. The nine-story-tall pagoda stands 60.5 metres high. Speeches made by Sun Yat-sen and epigraphs of Chiang Kai-shek were inscribed on the tower.
In the temple, there is also a Three Superb Tablet, on which a painting of Baozhi painted by Wu Daozi, a famous painter; a memorial poem written by Li Bai, a Tang dynasty poet; calligraphy written by Yan Zhenqing, a well-known Tang dynasty calligrapher, is inscribed. Since the three were all masters in their own field in the Tang dynasty, the tablet was considered Three Superb Tablet. Unfortunately, the original tablet was broken in warfare, the present one is a duplicate made during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing dynasty.
Travel Guide
Admission Fee: CNY 32
Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30
Time for Visit: 2-3 hours
Best Season for Travel: Spring & Autumn
Address: Linggusi Road, Zijin Shan, Nanjing
Tel: +86 25 8443 7786
How to get to Linggu Temple
Bus route: take bus No 202 and get off Linggusi (Linggu Temple) stop
Metro route: take Metro line 2 and get off Zhonglingjie and get out from exit 1 and you will reach to Linggu Temple
Duration：6-8 hours
Attractions(Cities)：Nanjing Massacre Museum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Confucius Temple
Tour Style：This one-day Nanjing private tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Your day begins at Sun Yat-Sen’s Mausoleum, nestled against the stunning backdrop of Purple Mountain, where you’ll learn about the legacy of modern China’s founding father. Next, visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the burial site of the first Ming emperor, famous for its grand architecture and tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, head to the Confucius Temple, a serene cultural site set along the lively Qinhuai River, where you can immerse yourself in both the spiritual significance and local charm of Nanjing’s historic heart. Finally, explore the Nanjing Ming City Wall, a well-preserved fortress offering panoramic views of the city. This thoughtfully crafted itinerary offers a comprehensive look at Nanjing’s iconic landmarks, combining rich history with scenic landscapes for an enriching and memorable experience.
Duration：6-8 hours
Attractions(Cities)：Sun Yet-Sen Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Lingu Temple, Confucious Temple
Tour Style：Make the most of your time to get a unique travel experience in Nanjing on a full-day Nanjing tour. Served as the capital city of ancient China, Nanjing is endowed with profound history and cultural sites. With your knowledgeable and historical guide, you'll visit the majestic Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum, marvel at the Presidential Palace, explore the peaceful Lingu Temple, and follow in the paths of emperors on a relaxing Qinhuai River cruise near the Confucius Temple. This tour combines rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful natural surroundings, offering you an immersive experience of Nanjing's culture and heritage. It is a perfect private-designed tour to lead you through Nanjing's timeless landmarks with comfortable city transfer, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable journey.
Duration：6-8 hours
Attractions(Cities)：Niushoushan
Tour Style：Join us for a Niushou Mountain One Day Tour from Nanjing, where you’ll immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heritage of this renowned Buddhist site. This private tour takes you to the stunning Usnisa Palace, home to the sacred Usnisa Relic, and several ancient temples scattered across the mountain. You’ll also have the chance to hike scenic trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, providing a peaceful and reflective experience. Explore the historical significance of Niu Shou Mountain, known for its deep connections to Buddhist culture and history, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere that has attracted visitors for centuries. Learn about the traditional architecture of the temples and pagodas while discovering the rich cultural background of this sacred place. With a knowledgeable guide and smooth transportation, this stress-free tour allows you to fully appreciate the beauty, significance, and serenity of Niu Shou Mountain in just one day—an ideal experience for those seeking a cultural, spiritual, and scenic journey in a peaceful and awe-inspiring setting.
Duration：2 Days, 1 Nights
Attractions(Cities)：Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, Linggu Temple, Zijinshan Mountain, Meiling Palace, Presidential Palace, Ming City Wall, Confucius Temple
Tour Style：Embark on the Best Nanjing Tours with our 2-Day Private Nanjing Highlights Tour, an itinerary for travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of one of China’s most historically rich cities. Over two unforgettable days, you'll explore Nanjing’s imperial past, revolutionary legacy, and cultural treasures. Visit the majestic Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, a symbol of China’s modernization, and experience the serenity of Linggu Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples. Hike through Zijinshan Mountain, known for its historical significance and stunning views. Explore the Meiling Palace, once home to Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mayling, and marvel at the Presidential Palace, a testament to Nanjing’s role in modern Chinese history. Walk along the ancient Ming City Wall, a massive fortress that has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, and immerse yourself in the charm of the Confucius Temple. This private tour blends historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural insight, perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with Nanjing’s past and present.
Duration：2 Days, 1 Night
Attractions(Cities)：Lingering Garden, Hanshan Temple, Panmen Gate, Pingjiang Road Historic Street, Suzhou No.1 Silk Mill, Dr.Sun Yat-Sen’s Mausoleum, Linggu temple, President Palace, Confucius Temple
Tour Style：Book a two days private Suzhou and Nanjing tours for a personalized journey through the ancient culture and history of these two iconic cities. In Suzhou, you'll explore the UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden, with its masterful combination of architecture and nature, and visit the historical Panmen Gate, offering views of ancient city defenses. Discover the tranquility of Hanshan Temple, made famous by a Tang Dynasty poem, and stroll down Pingjiang Road Historic Street, where you’ll experience traditional Chinese architecture and local snacks. Learn about Suzhou’s silk heritage at the Suzhou No. 1 Silk Mill, where the city’s long-standing silk production legacy is showcased. On the second day, head to Nanjing to visit the grand Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a tribute to the founding father of modern China, followed by the peaceful Linggu Temple, an ancient Buddhist site surrounded by nature. The tour continues at the Presidential Palace, a key historical landmark in China’s political history, and concludes at the Confucius Temple area, where you’ll explore traditional shops and enjoy local snacks. With your expert guide sharing fascinating insights, this tour offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and charm of Suzhou and Nanjing.
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