The Grand Bao'en Temple Ruins Museum

The Grand Bao'en Temple Ruins Museum
南京大报恩寺遗址博物馆

Address: No 1 Yuhua Road, Qinhuai district, Nanjing, Jiangsu province
Opening hours: 8:30 am-7:30 pm (last entry at 7 pm)
General admission: 90 yuan ($12.36)
Tel: (+86-25) 52009999

The Grand Bao'en Temple Ruins Museum in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu province, is the most significant and well-preserved ancient temple site in China. Known for its grandeur and historical importance, it represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese temple architecture.

Construction of the temple began in 1412. Its intricate design, meticulous craftsmanship, and imposing scale make it an unrivaled masterpiece. The temple's iconic nine-story glazed pagoda – the Porcelain Tower of Nanjing – epitomized the zenith of traditional Chinese pagoda construction techniques.

Upon its completion, the temple, along with its magnificent pagoda, quickly became a landmark of national significance. During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), European merchants, travelers, and missionaries visiting Nanjing listed it as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Porcelain Tower of Nanjing also emerged as a celebrated symbol of Chinese architecture and culture, gaining widespread renown across Europe at that time.

Tragically, the temple was destroyed in the mid-19th century during war. However, between 2007 and 2010, extensive archaeological excavations were conducted in the temple ruins. Based on these findings, the Grand Bao'en Temple was reconstructed, and the museum officially opened to the public at the end of 2015.

Visitors can explore the underground palace, climb the rebuilt pagoda, admire treasures unearthed from the underground palace, and watch exhibits that highlight the site's historical and cultural significance in the museum.

As of August 2024, the museum has introduced ticket machines designed to enhance convenience for tourists. These machines, available in multiple languages including Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Thai, allow international visitors to buy tickets on-site with ease.