Nanchan Temple of Wuxi

Introducing Nanchan Temple of Wuxi (from chinadaily & ChinaCulture)
Nanchan Temple is one of the most famous temples in the regions south of the Yangtze River. The temple was built in the Southern Dynasties, and the Miaoguang Tower located inside the temple was built in the Northern Song Dynasty (AD420-589) and was named by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty. It is now a national historical and cultural relic preserved by local government. And it is a famous cultural mall in Wuxi. People may visit it, buy some antiques and have some snacks in daytime. At night, the lightened tower is a landmark along the ancient canal.

Nanchan Temple of Wuxi Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Nan Chan Si 南禅寺
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Buddhism, Lights, Architecture
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: No. 32 Xiangyang Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Nanchan Temple of Wuxi

Miaoguang Tower
Miaoguang Tower is one of Wuxi's Buddhist landmarks located in the downtown. Located inside Nanchan Temple, the octagonal seven-floor tower was built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and was named by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty. The tower was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and is reputed as one of the top eight views of Liangxi River. In 1983, Miaoguang Tower was added to the list of municipal protection heritages. However, the temple has suffered severe damage by visitors over many years. Therefore, visitors have not been allowed to go inside the tower since 2017. Wuxi cultural relics department started repairs on the tower. One of the highlights of these repairs is the new colorful lights on the tower. With different displays at different times, the lighted tower is expected to be a nighttime landmark along the ancient Grand Canal. Visitors may boat on the canal and enjoy the sceneries at the side of Nanchan Temple.

  

Nanchan Temple Area
Nanchan Temple Area is a is a large-scale cultural market along the Grand Canal. Visitors can buy traditional handicrafts and antiques, enjoy the local snacks, and appreciate the beautiful flowers and sceneries here. There is also a set of cultural exhibitions showed on the fair.

How to get to Nanchan Temple of Wuxi
• Take Metro Line 1 and get off at Nanchan Temple.
• Take bus 3, 12, 25, 40, 67, 79, 81, 118, 135, 201, 508, 703 and get off at Chaoyang Square.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Wuxi to Nanchan Temple.

Additional travel advice on Nanchan Temple of Wuxi
• Please dress and behave appropriately in the temple.