Top 4 Buddhist Temples in Chengdu

Baoguang Temple is composed of 16 courtyards, 5 halls and one pagoda. Along the central axis, Buddhist can explore from the Screen Wall of Fu (lucky) Character, the Gate to the Monastery, the Hall of Heaven Kings, the Dagoba, Hall of Seven Buddha, Depository of Buddhist Sutras and Zixia Mountain. Also, wander and see a bell tower, a drum tower, the Hall of the Arhats, meditation room, and other Buddhist buildings in sequence. In the Hall of Arhats, there are 518 statues of arhats with different and vivid figures. Buddhist who come to Baoguang Temple should have a look at “Pagoda”, “Arhats” and “Three Cultural Treasures” – Buddha’s relics, palm leaf manuscript, Magnolia delavayi.

Daci Temple is located in the downtown area, next to Chunxi Road and Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li. It is a Buddhist temple in large-scale with long history about 1600 years. The famous monk – Xuan Zang (600-664) in Tang Dynasty came from Chang’an (Xian today) to Chengdu to learn Buddhism. He was ordained in Daci Temple in 622 and became Bhikkhu. Through five years’ learning, Xuan Zang still confused about some teachings and he decided to leave Chengdu and get back to Chang’an.

Daci Temple has the Gate, Maitreya Hall, Avalokitesvara Hall, Daxiong Hall, Shuofa Hall, Depository of Buddhist Sutras and Ordination Hall, Meditation Hall, Guest Room, Vegetarian Restaurant, etc. It is a nice choice to pay a visit to Daci Temple, an island of tranquility in the chaos of Chengdu center. You can visit the Buddhist architectures, enjoy vegetarian food and drink a cup of Zen tea and worship here.

Zhaojue Temple is located in the north of Chengdu, very close to Chengdu Zoo, 5 kilometers from downtown area. It is reputed as the First Buddhist Temple in West China. It was first named “Jianyuan Temple” and later given “Zhao Jue” in Tang Dynasty.

Zhaojue Temple has a very complete layout. Travelers can explore along the central axis, from the Gate, Octagonal Pavilion, Tianwang Hall, Daxiong Hall to Depository of Buddhist Sutras, as well as Avalokitesvara Pavilion, Yushu Tower, Stone Buddha Hall, Dashi Hall, Xianjue Hall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Yuantong Grand Hall, Meditation Hall, Monk Hall, Vegetarian Restaurant, Free Life Pond, etc. If you are a Buddhist, it is a good choice to go and pray and meditate in the peaceful environment.