Step into Niushou Mountain Cultural Zone-Foding Temple, where golden-roofed palaces glimmer against emerald hills like a sacred Buddhist kingdom! The world-class underground shrine housing sarira relics will leave you in awe. Hike along misty trails to discover zen at every turn, and don't miss the viral aerial view of lotus-shaped Foding Palace. Join morning bell ceremonies for soul-stirring chants—this architectural marvel blends spiritual depth with Instagram-worthy moments in Nanjing!


Everything you need to know about Foding Palace
Stay at Niushou Mountain Foding Temple Zen Retreat, a boutique sanctuary blending Jiangnan garden aesthetics with authentic Buddhist architecture. Located just steps from the main temple, it offers serene rooms designed for meditation, complete with daily chanting sessions, tea ceremonies, and guided tours. The property emphasizes spiritual immersion, providing access to exclusive morning rituals and tranquil courtyard views—ideal for travelers seeking both cultural depth and inner peace.
Take Line S6 (Ningju Line) metro to Niushou Mountain Station, then transfer to a free shuttle bus or walk 15 minutes to the temple entrance. This route takes about 40 minutes without traffic stress. If driving, park at the Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone lot—on-site electric shuttles connect all major attractions, ensuring smooth navigation through scenic trails and sacred sites.
Don’t miss the Tower of the Buddha’s Crown ascent and Vedic chanting ceremony, especially at dusk when temple bells echo through the valley, creating a profound meditative atmosphere. The site also hosts regular exhibitions on intangible heritage like Jinling woodblock printing, traditional incense art, and hand-stitched Buddhist banners—allowing guests to craft their own devotional items. Weekly night tours offer a mystical view of the ancient complex lit by soft lanterns.
Choose Niushou Mountain Foding Temple International Zen Center, located right beside the main gate. It features a dedicated pilgrimage pathway, morning meditation halls, and daily spiritual workshops. Accommodations include silent retreat suites and Hundred Hands Zen Rooms, crafted with natural wood and calming tones to support introspection. Guests also receive mindfulness coaching and personalized guidance for a transformative journey.
Absolutely. Niushou Mountain is part of a national forest park, home to ancient trees, cascading streams, and scenic spots like "Double Peaks Viewing" and "Cloud Gate Waterfall." Early mornings bring misty mountain vistas; summer offers cool forest paths perfect for hiking. Join the Nature Discovery Trail, led by expert guides who reveal hidden stone carvings and cave temples from the Southern Dynasties era—connecting nature, history, and spiritual legacy.
Nighttime transforms Foding Temple into a luminous spiritual haven. The Tower of the Buddha’s Crown uses dynamic light projection technology, changing colors with seasonal themes and displaying poetic prayers across its façade. On full moon nights, the Thousand Lantern Prayer Ceremony invites visitors to light lotus lamps and release them into a flowing stream—symbolizing the journey of compassion. The atmosphere is deeply peaceful, offering a rare chance to witness Eastern meditative beauty under starlit skies.
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