This temple on Qīxiá Mountain , 22km northeast of Nánjīng, was founded by the Buddhist monk Ming Sengshao during the Southern Qi dynasty, and remains an active place of worship. Long one of China’s most important monasteries, even today it’s still one of its largest Buddhist seminaries. Relics believed to be part of the skull of Gautama Buddha were unveiled and interred here. The mountain's maple trees are a major draw in spring when the hills are splashed in crimson and bronze.
There are two main temple halls: the Maitreya Hall , with a statue of the Maitreya Buddha sitting cross-legged at the entrance; and the Vairocana Hall , housing a 5m-tall statue of the Vairocana Buddha.
Behind Qīxiá Temple is the Thousand Buddha Cliff (Qiānfó Yá ). Several grottoes housing stone statues are carved into the hillside, the earliest of which dates as far back as the Qi dynasty (AD 479–502). There is also a small stone pagoda, Shělì Pagoda (舍利; Shělì Tǎ ), which was built in AD 601, and rebuilt during the late Tang period. The upper part has engraved sutras and carvings of Buddha; around the base, each of the pagoda’s eight sides depicts Sakyamuni.
Continue northwards to admire lovely views in the scenic area behind the temple. The steep path meanders via an array of pavilions and rocky outcrops: it's serene, so consider bringing lunch and spending time here.
Get to the temple from Nánjīng by public bus (南上, Nán Shàng , ¥2.50, one hour) from a stop by Nánjīng Train Station. When you get off the bus, you will be approached by motorcycle taxis that will offer to take you into the temple the ‘back’ way for ¥10. Be warned, it’s an arduous hike up and down a large hill to the temple if you do this.
