Mingyin Temple in Pukou

Mingyin Temple in Pukou

Mingyin Temple in Pukou is a cultural tourism attraction.

Mingyin Temple is located at the foot of Wulong Mountain northeast of Qiaolin Town in Pukou District. It was first built in the first year of the Zhiyuan era during the Yuan Dynasty (1335), and has a history of over 600 years. The ancient name of Qiaolin Town was "Shiqi Bridge Town." It borders the Yangtze River to the east, features undulating mountains to the northwest, and is divided into northern and southern parts by the Shiqi River that runs through it. In the past, the town was filled with temples, among which Mingyin Temple was the most renowned. The original site of Mingyin Temple has been replaced by the campus of Qiaolin Middle School and Primary School, and it was relocated and rebuilt in 1997. The reconstructed Mingyin Temple covers dozens of acres and includes structures such as the Mahavira Hall, Scripture Depository, Meditation Hall, and Arhat Hall, making it grand and magnificent.

Mingyin Temple was initially built single-handedly through donations raised by Monk Zhengjian. It later became the scripture study temple of the eminent monk Feidu from Wujian County. subsequently, Master Tongming and other eminent monks from the Jiangnan region held ordination ceremonies, preached, and taught dharma here, earning widespread fame across the regions south of the Yangtze River. Later, their disciples Song Quan, Song Jing, and others, out of gratitude, raised funds to rebuild the temple. During the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty (1851–1861), Mingyin Temple unfortunately perished in war. It was rebuilt again during the Tongzhi era (1862–1874). The reconstructed temple covered dozens of acres and included buildings such as the Mahavira Hall, Scripture Depository, Meditation Hall, and Arhat Hall, making it grand and spectacular. The temple complex was so large that there was a local saying, “You can ride a horse through the mountain gate.”

In the past, Mingyin Temple was surrounded by secluded paths, towering ancient trees, and lush green grass. After the frost, the maple leaves covering the mountains turned a brilliant red like sunset clouds, making the “Autumn Scenery of Mingyin” the top sight among the “Twelve Scenic Spots of Qiaolin.” The temple enjoyed flourishing incense offerings, with worshippers coming in an endless stream to burn incense, pray, draw lots, and make wishes. During the end or beginning of the year, or on the birthdays of bodhisattvas, the gatherings of devotees would be especially immense, turning the place into a sea of people.

Scenic Area Address: Longqiao Road, Qiaolin Town, Pukou District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take buses such as Qiaohou Line or Qiaolong Line within Nanjing City and get off at Mingyin Temple Stop.

Qiaolin Subdistrict: The administrative area of Qiaolin Subdistrict Office covers 184.95 square kilometers, with a population of 67,000 people, managing 12 neighborhood committees and 11 village committees.

Qiaolin Town in Pukou District is located on the north bank of the Yangtze River, in the southwest of Pukou District, facing downtown Nanjing across the river. It serves as an important gateway for Nanjing to radiate towards northern Jiangsu, northern Anhui, and western regions.

In September 2004, Qiaolin Town was designated as one of Nanjing’s key development “Three Cities and Nine Towns.” In January 2006, the Qiaolin Industrial Zone was confirmed as a municipal-level industrial zone, and in July 2006, Qiaolin Town was confirmed... Qiaolin Subdistrict detailed information++