Niushou Mountain, Nanjing – Ticket Price, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights

The Foding Palace has served as a revered site for the preservation of Buddhist relics over the years. It spans an impressive length of 220 meters, a width of 160 meters, and reaches a total height of 89.3 meters, encompassing a substantial building area of approximately 136,000 square meters. Its external space is divided into three distinct sections: the grand dome, the smaller dome, and the Foding cliff statues. Internally, the palace consists of nine levels, including three above ground and six underground, featuring the Zen Grand View, the Relic Hall, and the Relic Treasury. Beyond its primary role in safeguarding the relic of the Buddha’s skull and welcoming the devotional visits of believers, the Foding Palace also serves as a cultural exhibition venue, showcasing the rich heritage of relics, global Buddhist traditions, and Zen culture through diverse artistic techniques.

The Foding Pagoda, an exquisite example of Tang-style architecture, stands proudly at a height of 88 meters and occupies an area of 4,677 square meters. It holds a significant place among the revered structures within the Foding Sacred Ground. The pagoda features a remarkable design with nine levels, each facing all four cardinal directions. Notably, the eighth level is home to a magnificent fully copper-cast Vajra bell, known as the Foding Bell, adorned with the complete text of the Diamond Sutra, meticulously inscribed by the renowned monk Longxiang. As one ascends to the ninth level, the tranquil ambiance is enhanced by the presence of a seated statue of Vairocana Buddha, the principal deity enshrined within the Tathagata Hall.

The history of temples on Niushou Mountain dates back to the early years of the Northern Dynasty. During the Southern Song Dynasty, it was renamed Hongjue Temple. Regrettably, it suffered destruction during the warfare of the Southern Song Dynasty but was later restored during the Ming Dynasty. However, in 1856, the temple faced devastation once again during the Taiping Rebellion, leading to a century-long hiatus in its religious activities. In 2012, a reconstruction project commenced, and by 2015, the temple was fully completed. It was bestowed the name Foding Temple, in honor of the Unisa enshrined in the underground palace of Niushou Mountain. Foding Temple stands as a prominent structure on Niushou Mountain, spanning an area of 68 acres, with a building area of nearly 40 acres. It follows the architectural style reminiscent of the Tang Dynasty, featuring a traditional axial layout.

The Zen Grand View is an expansive space that stretches 112 meters from north to south and spans 62 meters from east to west. With an impressive interior height of approximately 41.2 meters, it encompasses three levels above ground. Covering a vast area of over 6,000 square meters, its elliptical shape captivates the eye. The harmonious color palette of yellow, white, and gray masterfully evokes the essence of earthly landscapes, inviting visitors to embark on a Zen-inspired journey as they stroll through. The Zen Grand View consists of three distinctive sections: the Zen Garden, which beautifully portrays the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha, and the central Lotus Theater. Together, they vividly depict the remarkable life journey of the founder of Buddhism.

The Relic Hall, also known as the Buddha Hall, stands proudly 33 meters above the ground, encompassing the first, second, and third levels of the underground palace. It can be further divided into the Thousand Buddha Hall and the Ten Thousand Buddha Corridor, immersing visitors in a mystical and extraordinary world of Buddhism. Drawing inspiration from the mythical Mount Sumeru, its design incorporates elements from the gilded Seven-Jeweled Stupa of the Great Bao’en Temple and the central pillar of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. Symbolizing the purity and magnificence of the Huazang world, the tower spire features a core crystal Muni pearl, representing the samadhi of the Great Sun Tathagata. Below the pearl, an awe-inspiring golden-winged bird, the Garuda, clutches a jeweled necklace in its beak, symbolizing longevity and loyalty.

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