Places to pray for New Year's blessings in Jiangsu

An old Chinese saying goes, "The whole year's work depends on a good start in spring". Spring is not just the time when Spring Festival falls; it is also a season where for generations Chinese have wished for blessings to bring luck and good fortune throughout the New Year. So, where are the best places for people to pray for these blessings? Below is a list of the places in Jiangsu perfect for praying for that New Year luck!

Tianfei Temple [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nanjing: Tianfei Temple

The Tianfei Temple was built in 1407, to commend famed explorer, Zheng He, after his first westward voyage. Every year on the Lunar New Year's Eve, bell ringing activities for blessings are held.

Time: Feb 7.

Yanfu Temple [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Kunshan: Yanfu (Extending Happiness) Temple

Yanfu Temple, located in Qiandeng town of Kunshan, Suzhou, has been holding bell ringing events since 2009. You can also take a walk soak up the ambient and leisurely mood of water towns.

Time: Feb 7 to 12.

Kaiyuan Temple [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wuxi: Kaiyuan Temple

Since 1985, locals and visitors come and take part in the New Year blessings at Kaiyuan Temple. The temple also houses a wide range of precious Buddha statues, temple bells and Bodhisattva portraits.

Time: Feb 7.

Kaiyuan Temple [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Yangzhou: Kaiyuan Temple

The temple was constructed during the Kaiyuan Reign (A.D. 713-741) during the Tang Dynasty, giving it the name of "Kaiyuan Temple". There are two giant bells in the courtyard, which are rung out in daily morning bell and evening drum calls, as well as New Year bell-ringing blessings.

Time: Feb 7 to 13.

Jiangnan Examination Hall [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nanjing: Jiangnan Examination Hall

Apart from ringing a bell for blessings, you can also hang a wish card at the Jiangnan Examination Hall, with your best expectations for the coming year.

Time: Feb 8 to 13.

Ming Ancestors Mausoleum [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nanjing: Ming Ancestors Mausoleum

Another special spring time tradition is offering incense to Buddha and tying yellow ribbons to trees to pray for a blessing in the New Year at the Ming Ancestors Mausoleum, the tomb of ancestors of first emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644).

Time: Feb 7 to 22.