Nanjing - Temple of the Valley of Spirits Linggu Si

The Temple of the Valley of Spirits (Linggu Si) is situated to the east of the Mausoleum of Sun-Yat-sen. Founded in the 6th C, it originally stood on the site now occupied by the Tomb of the first Ming Emperor. When the latter sought a site for his mausoleum, the temple was moved to its present position in 1381. It owes its fame primarily to the Hall without Balcomy (Wuliang Dian), still well preserved, which is remarkable for having no beams.

Only bricks were used in the temple's construction and these, skillfully interlocked, support the ceramic tiled roof with its double ledge. The central and largest of the five arches which divide up the pavilion is 14m/46ft high and 11m/36ft wide.