Chaotian Gong
One of the earliest documented sites in Nanjing, this former foundry and soldier training ground during the Spring and Autumn Period (722-481 B.C.) was a temple used by the Hongwu emperor (1382-98) as a ceremonial place of worship, hence Chaotian or "heaven-worshiping." The place was rebuilt in the Qing dynasty as a Confucian temple and academy. Today, the main hall, Dacheng Dian, houses a fascinating Six Dynasties museum. Exhibits include a locally unearthed Roman glass, a compass vehicle, and immortality pills, which obviously didn't work. The English explanations are quite good. Outside of the temple, an antiques market sells jade knickknacks and Mao posters.
One of the earliest documented sites in Nanjing, this former foundry and soldier training ground during the Spring and Autumn Period (722-481 B.C.) was a temple used by the Hongwu emperor (1382-98) as a ceremonial place of worship, hence Chaotian or "heaven-worshiping." The place was rebuilt in the Qing dynasty as a Confucian temple and academy. Today, the main hall, Dacheng Dian, houses a fascinating Six Dynasties museum. Exhibits include a locally unearthed Roman glass, a compass vehicle, and immortality pills, which obviously didn't work. The English explanations are quite good. Outside of the temple, an antiques market sells jade knickknacks and Mao posters.
