
Pilu Temple
A serene Buddhist temple in Nanjing, offering a peaceful escape with a unique Arhat counting ritual and beautiful lotus ponds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience peace with fewer crowds

Pilu Temple
Best Time
Experience peace with fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple in Nanjing, offering a peaceful escape with a unique Arhat counting ritual and beautiful lotus ponds.
"A very nice and peaceful Buddha temple. It totally worth the 20 rmb ticket."

🎟️ Entrance Fee & Incense
The entrance ticket is 20 RMB and includes three incenses for making wishes.
🚶♀️ Arhat Counting Tutorial
Start counting from an Arhat that resonates with you in the Arhat Hall for a unique spiritual experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Arhat Hall Counting
First floor behind the Wanfo Building
Engage in a unique spiritual practice by counting Arhats for blessings and insights. A truly memorable experience.

Lotus Pond Serenity
Temple grounds
Admire the beauty of lotus flowers up close, offering a moment of peace and stunning photo opportunities.

Panoramic City Views
Top of the temple
Climb to the top for a fantastic panoramic view of Nanjing, blending the old temple with the modern cityscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Understanding the Arhat Counting Ritual
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Entrance Fee & Incense
The entrance ticket is 20 RMB and includes three incenses for making wishes.
🚶♀️ Arhat Counting Tutorial
Start counting from an Arhat that resonates with you in the Arhat Hall for a unique spiritual experience.
📸 Capture the Vivid Colors
Pilu Temple is known for its vivid colors, especially during autumn. Don't miss capturing its beauty.
🙏 Find Inner Peace
This temple offers a serene escape from the city bustle, perfect for reflection and finding peace.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Entrance Fee & Incense
The entrance ticket is 20 RMB and includes three incenses for making wishes.
🚶♀️ Arhat Counting Tutorial
Start counting from an Arhat that resonates with you in the Arhat Hall for a unique spiritual experience.
📸 Capture the Vivid Colors
Pilu Temple is known for its vivid colors, especially during autumn. Don't miss capturing its beauty.
🙏 Find Inner Peace
This temple offers a serene escape from the city bustle, perfect for reflection and finding peace.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pilu Temple is praised as a beautiful and peaceful Buddhist sanctuary, offering a serene escape within Nanjing's bustling city center. Visitors appreciate the unique Arhat counting ritual and the lovely lotus ponds. While some find it a bit similar to other temples, its historical significance and tranquil ambiance make it a highly recommended spot for reflection and cultural immersion.
"A very nice and peaceful Buddha temple. It totally worth the 20 rmb ticket 🎫. You will get three incenses to make a wish in the temple. This is the first time I am so close to lotus 🪷 so so pretty. 🤩 you can climb to the top of the temple and the view is fantastic! The combination of the old and new. 🆕 Highly recommended this place."
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"Come with the Presidential Palace. For people only have limited time visiting Nanjing, it is safely to skip this place. For me this is just one of the buddhism temples that do not stand out so much. Plus it will take you quite a long time to visit Presidential Palace. (4 hours for me)"
Yumeng Zhao
"Beautiful Temple. Met some lovely people here who let us sit in with their Buddhist teachings on a Saturday morning. The temple had a beautiful feel and worth checking out if you are looking for a place to find some peace."
Nicola McIntosh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pilu Temple is located in the city center of Nanjing, often described as a 'hidden gem' surrounded by residential buildings. It's accessible by public transport, with local buses being a common option. Many visitors combine their trip with the nearby Presidential Palace, so planning your route to include both is efficient.
While nestled in the city center, it can feel like a hidden gem. Keep an eye out for signage, and consider using a navigation app. Its central location makes it relatively straightforward to reach once you're in the right area.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Nanjing and can take you directly to Pilu Temple. It's a convenient option if you prefer direct transport.
Nanjing has a good public transportation system, including subways and buses. For attractions like the Presidential Palace, it's often walkable or a short bus ride away. Taxis are also a convenient option for inter-attraction travel.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card with data for easy navigation. Public transport is generally efficient and cost-effective for exploring Nanjing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance ticket for Pilu Temple is 20 RMB. This fee often includes three incenses for visitors to use within the temple.
Pilu Temple is typically open from 09:00 to 16:30. It's always a good idea to double-check the exact hours before your visit, as they can sometimes vary.
Advance booking is generally not required for Pilu Temple, especially on weekdays. However, during peak seasons or holidays, it might be advisable to check for any specific booking recommendations.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival or check the official temple website if one is accessible.
Mobile payment options like WeChat Pay or Alipay are commonly accepted in China, including at many tourist attractions. It's advisable to have these apps set up or carry some cash as a backup.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Arhat Hall features numerous Arhat statues. Visitors select an Arhat that resonates with them and then count them sequentially to receive blessings or insights. It's a unique spiritual practice.
You can explore the beautiful temple grounds, admire the lotus ponds, participate in the Arhat counting ritual, and climb to the top for panoramic city views. It's a place for peace and reflection.
Yes, Pilu Temple offers many picturesque spots, especially its vivid colors and architectural details. The lotus ponds and the city views from the top are also great for photos.
Some visitors have reported attending Buddhist teachings on Saturday mornings. This offers a deeper cultural and spiritual experience.
While it's a peaceful place, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no extensive dining facilities within Pilu Temple itself. However, being in the city center, numerous restaurants and eateries are available in the surrounding areas.
Nanjing offers a wide variety of Chinese cuisine, from local specialties to regional dishes. You'll find everything from street food stalls to sit-down restaurants.
Given the prevalence of Buddhist culture in China, vegetarian options are often available, especially in restaurants near temples or in dedicated vegetarian eateries.
Nanjing is known for dishes like Salted Duck, Duck Blood Soup with Vermicelli, and various stir-fried dishes. Exploring local markets and restaurants will give you a taste of the region.
It's generally recommended to eat before or after your visit, as the temple is primarily a place of worship and reflection. The surrounding areas offer plenty of dining choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The Arhat Hall, the vibrant temple architecture, the lotus ponds, and the panoramic city views from the top are all excellent for photography.
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas and public spaces within the temple. However, always be respectful and check for any signs indicating restricted photography zones, especially in prayer halls.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful for capturing the temple's details. Late afternoon can also offer warm, golden light. Consider the autumn season for particularly vibrant colors.
Focus on capturing the vivid colors, intricate details of the architecture, and the serene atmosphere. The contrast between the temple and the surrounding modern city can also make for interesting shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites and within city limits due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that it's a place of worship, so maintaining a respectful demeanor is important. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the temple grounds offer space for gentle exploration. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and make the experience more manageable for children.
🧘 Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
The Arhat counting ritual offers a personal spiritual practice, and the panoramic views from the top provide a moment of contemplation. You might also have the chance to join local Buddhist teachings, offering a deeper cultural immersion.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to capture the contrast between the ancient temple and the modern Nanjing skyline from the top. The Arhat Hall also presents unique photographic subjects with its detailed statues.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Pilu Temple
Despite being nestled in a modern urban landscape, it retains its spiritual aura. The temple's history as a hub for Buddhist scholarship and its role in the development of Buddhist organizations in China make it a site of deep cultural resonance. Visitors often find it a place of profound peace and reflection, contrasting with the bustling city outside.
Today, while some areas may be undergoing renovations, the temple's elegant atmosphere and historical weight continue to draw visitors seeking a connection to China's rich Buddhist heritage. The unique Arhat counting ritual further enhances its spiritual appeal, offering a personal engagement with Buddhist traditions.
Experiencing the Arhat Hall
The ritual involves selecting an Arhat that you feel a personal connection with, often described as a matter of 'fate.' Once chosen, you proceed to count the Arhats sequentially. This practice is believed to bring blessings or offer insights, making it a deeply personal and spiritual moment for visitors.
This interactive element sets Pilu Temple apart, offering a more engaging way to connect with Buddhist practices than simply viewing static displays. It's a practice that resonates with many, providing a sense of purpose and reflection during their visit.
Pilu Temple's Autumn Charm
Visitors often share photos and videos highlighting the rich reds, oranges, and yellows that adorn the temple surroundings during this time. The contrast between the warm autumn hues and the temple's traditional structures creates a picturesque scene, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
If you're planning a visit and appreciate natural beauty intertwined with cultural heritage, consider timing your trip for the autumn months to experience Pilu Temple in its most colorful glory.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit