Ashoka Temple

The Ashoka Temple (Ayuwang Si) sits at the southern foot of Pushan Mountain in Ningbo's Yinzhou district and ranks among China's most revered Buddhist sanctuaries. Its name traces to the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, to whom tradition attributes the transportation of a Buddha relic to the site — a stupa within the temple complex is said to enshrine it to this day, drawing pilgrims from across East Asia. Designated a protected monument of the People's Republic of China, the complex preserves several halls in traditional Chinese timber architecture set within dense woodland. Visitors encounter an active place of worship with incense offerings, prayer rituals, and a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts sharply with modern Ningbo.