Qixia Temple
Temple Historic Buddhist temple in Nanjing, famous for foliage
Hillside Buddhist complex on Qixia Mountain near Nanjing, noted for pagodas, stone inscriptions and autumn maple foliage. Pilgrims and daytrippers visit for temple architecture and hillside walks.
Qixia Temple is a Buddhist temple complex on Qixia Mountain in the eastern suburbs of Nanjing, Jiangsu province. The site is known for its temple halls, historic buildings and a hilltop setting that attracts visitors for both religious practice and sightseeing.
The complex includes multiple halls, courtyards and a pagoda as part of a traditional temple layout. It is particularly popular in autumn when surrounding maple and deciduous trees produce notable fall colours.
The temple traces its origins to early medieval foundations and has been rebuilt and expanded across successive dynasties, with major rebuilding and repairs in later periods. It remains an active religious site and a focus of local conservation and tourism.
Qixia Temple sits on Qixia Mountain in Nanjing’s Qixia District, east of the city centre, accessible by local roads and public transport from Nanjing.
- Autumn foliage and hillside location: Located on Qixia Mountain to the east of Nanjing's urban centre and noted for autumn foliage and religious architecture.
How to Get to Qixia Temple #
From Nanjing Railway Station or Xinjiekou, take Metro Line 2 to Qixia Temple Station (栖霞寺站). The temple is a short walk from the station; local buses and taxis also serve the Qixia Mountain area.
By car, follow signs to Qixia Mountain Scenic Area on the eastern side of Nanjing; parking is available near the entrance.
Tips for Visiting Qixia Temple #
- Visit early in the morning when incense smoke and chanting are more likely to be part of the atmosphere.
- Look for the stone inscriptions and carved eaves-they are often overlooked but reveal the temple's Ming and earlier layers.
- Combine the trip with a visit to nearby Jiming Temple and the city's purple-gold dawn over Xuanwu Lake.
Best Time to Visit Qixia Temple #
Autumn is the standout season when the maple and ginkgo on Qixia Mountain turn color; mornings are best for fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Qixia Temple #
Qixia Temple's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1029 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (203 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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