Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺) perches on a steep hill overlooking Xuanwu Lake, making it one of the most scenically located temples in the city. The current buildings date from the early 20th century but the site has been a Buddhist temple for over 1,600 years. The main complex is compact and easily climbed in under half an hour.
The temple's vegetarian restaurant, open daily from 8am to 5:30pm, is well regarded and inexpensive. The cherry trees lining the approach path bloom spectacularly in late March and early April, when the temple becomes one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Nanjing. On weekday mornings outside blossom season, the temple is quiet and good for contemplation.