Chaotian Palace (Nanjing Municipal Museum)
朝天宫
The largest surviving official Ming-Qing architectural complex in Jiangnan. Originally an imperial Taoist temple and Confucian temple, it now houses the Nanjing Municipal Museum.
Chaotian Palace is said to be where King Fuchai of Wu smelted iron. In the Ming dynasty it was an imperial Taoist temple where officials rehearsed court ceremonies, hence the name 'Chaotian' ('Audience with Heaven'). In the Qing it was converted into the Confucian temple of Jiangning Prefecture. Its palace-style buildings, including the Lingxing Gate, Hall of Great Achievement and Hall of Exalted Sages, remain intact. It is now the Nanjing Municipal Museum, displaying Six Dynasties celadon, Ming gold and silverware, and exhibitions on the city's history. Admission is free with a reservation (some special exhibitions are charged), and it is closed on Mondays. Antiques and secondhand goods are sold in the square on weekends. It is next to Chaotian Palace station on Metro Line 2.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Mochou Lake Park
- Ganxi Mansion
- Librairie Avant-Garde
- Zhan Garden
- John Rabe House
- Yu Garden (Hu Family Garden)
- Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River
- Jiangnan Examination Hall (China Imperial Examination Museum)