Grand Bao'en Temple Heritage Park

Located just outside Zhonghua Gate in Nanjing, the Grand Bao’en Temple Heritage Park spans approximately 200 mu (13.3 hectares), bordered by the Outer Qinhuai River to the north, Yuhuatai to the south, the 1865 Creative Industry Park to the east and Yuhua Road to the west. This sacred ground, steeped in ancient culture, is both a cradle of millennia-old history and a beacon of Buddhist artistry.

The Grand Bao’en Temple was originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty by Emperor Yongle to honour his mother. As the second Buddhist temple established in China after the White Horse Temple in Luoyang, it stands as a monumental chapter in the history of Chinese Buddhism. From its inception, the temple captivated the world with its grand scale and exquisite craftsmanship, earning the distinction of being the foremost Buddhist temple during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its influence extended to Southeast Asian Buddhism, garnering the title “The First Temple of Ming and Qing China.”

The Glazed Pagoda: A Marvel of the Ages

The Glazed Pagoda, the iconic structure of the Grand Bao’en Temple, originally stood 78 metres tall during the Ming Dynasty and was entirely constructed of glazed tiles. Taking 17 years to complete, its unparalleled craftsmanship earned it a place among the “Seven Medieval Wonders of the World,” alongside landmarks like the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Though the original pagoda was destroyed, its modern reconstruction rises to 93.157 metres, blending advanced contemporary technology with the ancient site’s legacy, harmonising history with modern artistry.

The Underground Palace and Relics of Buddhist Radiance

Within the park, visitors can explore the underground palace that houses the sacred Buddha relics and treasures of unparalleled historical significance. Among these are the gilded sarira casket, the silver reliquary and the Seven-Jewel Ashoka Pagoda, each bearing testimony to the splendor of ancient Buddhist culture. Most remarkable is the Buddha’s parietal bone relic, the only one of its kind in the world, which continues to draw devout pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe.

Timeless Journeys at the Grand Bao’en Museum

A walk through the Grand Bao’en Temple Museum feels like a journey through time. The Time Corridor, paved with lotus designs, leads visitors into an ethereal realm where the past and present converge. At the end of this path, an extraordinary sight awaits: a 3D Buddha head, crafted from over 8,000 fibre optic strands and crystal beads, gazes in serene contemplation at a bronze statue of Master Xuanzang. This installation, symbolising a “Millennial Gaze,” evokes a profound sense of peace and reverence.

The Sutra Transformation Gallery

Another highlight is the Sutra Transformation Gallery, inspired by the Nine-Coloured Deer Jataka mural from the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang. This visual masterpiece brings to life the Buddha’s past incarnations through vivid storytelling and breathtaking artistry. The fusion of Buddhist themes with modern visual effects creates a surreal world that is both spiritually enlightening and visually mesmerising.

Under the Bodhi Tree: Reflection and Enlightenment

Under the shade of the Bodhi tree, visitors are invited to meditate and embrace the profound tranquility of Zen. Legend holds that it was beneath such a tree that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. Here, amidst the echoes of the Buddha’s wisdom, one’s spirit is stilled, offering a moment to reflect on life’s deeper truths.

A Symphony of History, Culture, and Art

The Grand Bao’en Temple Heritage Park is not only a showcase of historical and cultural heritage but also a testament to the pinnacle of Buddhist art and architecture. Whether it’s the melodic chime of wind bells, the solemnity of the ancient underground palace, or the awe-inspiring 3D Buddha installation, every corner of the park exudes cultural gravitas and artistic brilliance.

A visit to the Grand Bao’en Temple Heritage Park is a journey across a millennium, immersing guests in a cultural feast that celebrates the depth of Chinese civilisation and the boundless allure of Buddhist art.