Dinglin Temple, Buddhist temple in Nanjing, China.
Dinglin Temple is a Buddhist temple located on Fangshan mountain, featuring multiple halls, courtyards, and a stone pagoda set among forested slopes. The layout guides you through interconnected worship spaces and gardens that create separate areas for different religious functions.
The temple was founded over 1500 years ago during the Southern Dynasties period when Buddhist master Bodhidharma conducted religious activities here. Successive generations rebuilt and renovated the structures, creating the layered architectural composition visible today.
The temple serves as an active center where Buddhist practitioners gather for daily worship and meditation in traditional surroundings. You can observe the spiritual rhythm of the community as monks move through the halls and courtyards during their routines.
The temple sits on a mountainside, so wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water for exploring the multi-level grounds. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon when light is gentler and crowds are lighter, making it easier to move between the different areas.
The stone pagoda was built in 1173 and tilts northward at about 5 degrees, a lean that exceeds the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. This unusual tilt developed gradually through soil movement and restoration work rather than from faulty original construction.
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