Jiming Temple

A venerable Buddhist nunnery on a low hill beside the city wall in Nanjing, tracing its lineage to temples founded in the fourth century and often called the first monastery of the ancient southern capital. Its terracotta-walled halls climb the slope to a slender pagoda overlooking Xuanwu Lake and the ramparts, a favorite vantage when spring cherry blossoms line the approach. The temple is known for its vegetarian noodle hall run by resident nuns. Visitors ascend the stepped courtyards, burn incense and take in the view from the pagoda terrace.