"Changzhou Tianning Temple: A Zen Journey Through a Millennium-Old Ancient Temple"

Changzhou Tianning Temple is a famous Buddhist sacred site in southeastern China, attracting numerous visitors with its long history and profound cultural heritage. Here is a detailed travel guide to help you deeply experience the Zen journey of this millennium-old ancient temple.

🗺️ Address & Opening Hours
- Address: No. 636 Yanling Middle Road, Tianning District, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province.
- Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30).

🎫 Ticket Information
- Temple Admission: 20 RMB.
- Pagoda Admission: 60 RMB (free for children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70).
- Combo Tickets: Temple + Pagoda adult ticket 65 RMB, concession ticket 35 RMB.

🚗 Transportation Guide
- Subway:
- Line 1/Line 2 to Wenhuagong Station Exit 7, 5-minute walk.
- Line 1 to Hongmei Park Station Exit 2, 10-minute walk after exiting.
- Bus:
- Direct routes: B12, 3, 7, 11, 53, 220 to Tianning Temple Station.
- Nearby stops: Hongmei Bus Center Station (routes 7, 17, 19, 23, 53, 78).
- Driving:
- Navigate to "Tianning Temple," nearby parking lots (Yanling Middle Road, Luohan Road) 10 RMB/hour, limited spaces, early arrival recommended.
- Train/Bus Station:
- 500 meters walking distance; with a train ticket, enjoy ticket discounts at Changzhou Station inquiry desk and take a free shuttle directly to the temple.

🌟 Must-See Attractions & Activities

🌟 Tianning Pagoda
- Highlights: The world's tallest Buddhist pagoda (153.79 meters), offering panoramic views of the Grand Canal and Hongmei Park.
- Activities:
- Elevator to the 12th floor, walk to the 13th floor to see the crystal Buddha statues (treasures of the pagoda).
- Descend floor by floor to admire jade Buddha statues, wood carving exhibits, and enjoy the corridor wind chimes creating an ancient atmosphere.
- Tips: Pagoda admission requires a separate ticket; morning visits are recommended for softer light and fewer crowds.

🌟 Mahavira Hall
- Highlights: A 33-meter-high hall enshrining the Three Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future, backed by a sea island Guanyin sculpture group, with vivid Twenty Heavenly Protectors on both sides.
- Experience: Listen to the resonant sounds of a 4-ton giant bell and a 2-meter drum, feeling the millennium-old Zen spirit.

🌟 Zen Experience
- Sutra copying/Tea ceremony: Calmly write in the Zen hall or savor a pot of Zen tea.
- Vegetarian meals: Ruyi Vegetarian Restaurant (20 RMB per person) recommends Luohan vegetarian dish and vegetarian goose; opens at 11:30, must-try mountain delicacy soup.

🌟 Hongmei Park Corridor
- Highlights: A 2-minute walk from the temple exit, featuring small bridges and flowing water alongside the ancient temple, capturing the poetic scenery of Jiangnan.

🍲 Food Recommendations
- Tianning Temple Vegetarian Restaurant: 20 RMB per person, recommended Luohan vegetarian dish and vegetarian goose; opens at 11:30, must-try mountain delicacy soup.
- Nearby shopping district: Nandajie shopping area offers affordable milk tea and snacks.

🏡 Accommodation Options
- Home Inn Chain Hotel: Opposite the south gate, 5-minute walk.
- Golden Hotel: Adjacent to the temple, 2-minute walk.

🕑 Recommended Itinerary

🕑 Morning
- Pray at the Heavenly King Hall → Feed fish at the Koi Pond → Hang blessing ribbons at the God of Wealth Hall.
- Climb Tianning Pagoda for panoramic views.

🕑 Afternoon
- Worship at Mahavira Hall → Luohan Hall (500 golden Luohan statues, "point a Luohan" by age to test fortune).
- Handcraft blessing stamps at Pagoda Square (parent-child interaction).
- Walk to Hongmei Park to enjoy the hydrangea sea.

💡 Practical Tips
- Clothing: Climbing the pagoda requires ascending 13 floors of spiral stairs; wear comfortable sports shoes.
- Etiquette: No photography inside the main hall; respect Buddhist worship rules.
- Shopping: Prices at the "Consecration and Dharma Goods Distribution" shop at the exit are inflated; recommended to buy souvenirs inside the temple.
- Sun protection: During the May Day holiday, temperatures range from 18-28°C; wear a sun hat (umbrellas are prohibited inside halls).

📌 Nearby Attractions
- Qingguo Lane (Ming and Qing dynasty ancient street, 2 km, subway accessible): Rainy alley stone paths with a strong artistic atmosphere.
- Banshan Bookstore (popular bookstore, cultural creativity + coffee, overlooking street views): A must-visit for literary youth.

Changzhou Tianning Temple is not only a historic Buddhist sacred site but also a tourist destination full of Zen and cultural atmosphere. Whether you come to pray, worship, or experience Zen life, it can meet your needs. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Tianning Temple and feel the unique charm of this millennium-old ancient temple.