A Dream of Coloured Glaze in Jinling | A Stroll Through the Ancient Site of Dabao'en Temple
Everyone admires the grace of the Qinhuai River, yet few discover the timeless serenity hidden in southern Jinling. Nestled in Changganli, the ancient site of Nanjing Dabao’en Temple embodies a stunning blend of ancient history and modern aesthetics, preserving the legacy of an imperial Ming Dynasty temple and blooming with poetic light and shadow artistry.
Once the most prestigious imperial temple of the Ming Dynasty, it boasted a magnificent coloured glaze pagoda commissioned during the Yongle reign. Honoured as one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World, it was famed overseas as the exquisite “Nanjing Porcelain Tower”. Though centuries have passed and the original pagoda is gone, the remaining foundation ruins and coloured glaze relics still whisper tales of its grandeur and vicissitudes.
Unlike the solemnity of traditional ancient temples, Dabao’en Temple perfectly integrates profound historical heritage with modern technology, forming a unique Eastern Zen charm. Walking through the garden, the lotus-themed light trail glimmers step by step, weaving a tranquil Zen atmosphere. At the end of the corridor stands the iconic Millennium Gaze installation of Buddha and Xuanzang, a serene and healing encounter across time that has become a beloved scenic spot for visitors.
The ancient coloured glaze archway glows brilliantly, its translucent texture catching the natural light. Every shot taken here turns into an elegant ancient-style masterpiece without filters. In the relic exhibition hall, precious cultural relics including sacred Buddha relics unearthed from the underground palace and mottled glaze fragments are on display, linking thousands of years of Buddhist culture and Jinling’s heritage, allowing visitors to feel the warmth of long-buried history.
In daylight, the temple rests in quiet seclusion, with ruins and vegetation bearing the traces of time. As night falls, it unveils a breathtaking new look. The pagoda lights up layer by layer, its warm glow reflecting on the lotus pond. The shimmering lights and gentle night breeze melt away all the hustle and bustle of the city. Climb to the top, and you can overlook the old town of southern Nanjing, where mortal fireworks and ancient Zen scenery blend in perfect harmony.
Half ancient relics, half romantic radiance. There is no need to rush here. Pause and wander slowly, admire the glaze glowing under the moon, and listen to the breeze telling ancient stories. This healing journey spanning past and present holds the most tender timeless charm of Jinling.