Daming Temple travel guide: the ancient architecture of Qiling Archway, Mahavira Hall, Jianzhen Memorial Hall and Pingshan Hall

Daming Temple blends solemn Zen spirit with Jiangnan elegance. Follow this Daming Temple route guide to explore its distinctive ancient architecture. Entering the temple, you'll first see the Qiling Ruins Archway, a signature photo spot. Further in is the Mountain Gate, the main entrance, which enshrines Maitreya Buddha, the Four Heavenly Kings and Skanda, serving as both gateway and hall. The Mahavira Hall is the temple's core building, rebuilt during the Qing dynasty; the characters for "favorable weather" on the front and "national peace" on the back are especially striking. The Jianzhen Memorial Hall was designed by Liang Sicheng in the style of Japan's Toshodai-ji Temple, blending Chinese and Japanese architecture, while the stele pavilion and monument record Jianzhen's voyage to Japan. Pingshan Hall, built by Northern Song scholar Ouyang Xiu, offers sweeping views and, together with Gulin Hall and the Ouyang Shrine, reflects the refined taste of Jiangnan literati. The landmark Qiling Pagoda is a nine-story Tang-style Buddhist pagoda, rebuilt following the original Sui-dynasty design—climb it for a panoramic view of Yangzhou. With its rich variety of buildings, the entire temple showcases the architectural heritage and cultural charm of this thousand-year-old monastery.