Daci Temple (大慈寺), located in Chengdu, China, is an ancient Buddhist temple with a rich history spanning over a thousand years. With its splendid architecture and cultural significance, Daci Temple has become a renowned spiritual and cultural landmark in the city.
The temple was originally built during the Wei and Jin Dynasties in the 3rd century and flourished in Tang Dynasty when the Emperor Xuanzong (685 – 762) was evacuated to chengdu. Its distinctive architectural style combines traditional Chinese elements with Buddhist influences, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Within the temple complex, visitors can explore various halls, pavilions, and courtyards adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant paintings. The grandeur of the main hall, housing a magnificent statue of the Buddha, leaves visitors in awe of its beauty and spiritual aura.
Daci Temple is not only a place of worship but also a center for Buddhist learning and cultural activities. It attracts numerous devotees, tourists, and scholars seeking spiritual solace and cultural enrichment. The temple’s serene environment, along with the chanting of sutras and the aroma of incense, provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling city outside.
Visiting Daci Temple offers a glimpse into Chengdu’s rich cultural heritage and provides an opportunity to experience the profound teachings of Buddhism while immersing oneself in the captivating beauty of its surroundings.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Daci Temple
- Vlog about Daci Temple
- History of Daci Temple
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
- Attractions Near Daci Temple
- Other Temples in Chengdu
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 1.5 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30; Last admission: 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-028-86658341 |
Location and Transportation
Daci Temple is located in the heart of Chengdu. Its exact address is No. 66 Wuhouci Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. The central location makes it easily accessible by public transportation, including buses, metros and taxis.
Bus: Take bus 3, 4, 58, 98, or 138, get off at Daci Temple Stop, and you will be standing at the temple’s back.
Metro: The nearest metro station to Daci Temple is Chunxi Road (春熙路) on line 2 and line 3. After getting out of the station, walk about 400 meters to the northeast to reach the temple.
Highlights of Daci Temple
Historical Significance
Daci Temple in Chengdu holds significant historical importance as one of the oldest and most influential Buddhist temples in the region. With origins dating back to the Wei Dynasty, it played a pivotal role in the spread and development of Buddhism in China. The temple witnessed the scholarly pursuits of Tripitaka Master Xuanzang, the refuge-seeking of Emperor Xuanzong, and the survival during the suppression of Buddhism. Daci Temple’s historical significance lies in its association with prominent figures, its survival through turbulent times, and its role as a center for Buddhist teachings, cultural exchange, and artistic expression.
Architectural Splendor
Daci Temple in Chengdu showcases architectural splendor that captivates visitors with its grandeur and intricate design. The temple complex features a harmonious arrangement of magnificent structures, including the Mountain Gate Hall, Maitreya Hall, Guanyin Hall, Mahavira Hall, Dharma Hall, and Scripture Repository. Each building is adorned with elaborate carvings, vibrant paintings, and exquisite craftsmanship. The temple’s architectural style blends elements of Tang, Song, and Qing dynasties, displaying a rich cultural heritage. From the towering pagodas to the ornate rooftops, every detail reflects the mastery of ancient artisans.
Cultural Treasures
Daci Temple in Chengdu is a repository of cultural treasures that bear witness to the rich heritage of Chinese art and spirituality. Within its sacred halls, visitors can marvel at a vast collection of cultural artifacts and treasures. The temple houses ancient Buddhist scriptures, intricate Buddhist statues, and beautifully crafted Buddhist relics. Delicate murals and vivid frescoes adorn the walls, depicting scenes from Buddhist teachings and historical events. The temple also preserves valuable calligraphy works, inscribed steles, and ancient scriptures, providing a glimpse into the profound cultural and intellectual legacy of China.
Night Market
The night market of Daci Temple in Chengdu is a vibrant and bustling scene that captivates visitors with its lively atmosphere and enticing array of local delicacies and goods. As the sun sets, the market comes alive, filling the air with tantalizing aromas and the sounds of bustling crowds. Stalls line the streets, offering a diverse selection of street food, including spicy Sichuan cuisine, skewers of grilled meats, savory dumplings, and aromatic snacks. Amidst the culinary delights, visitors can explore an assortment of crafts, trinkets, and traditional Chinese souvenirs. The Daci Temple night market is a sensory delight, immersing visitors in the vibrant culture and flavors of Chengdu’s bustling nightlife.
Vlog about Daci Temple
History of Daci Temple
Daci Temple (大慈寺), located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, boasts a rich history that dates back to the Wei and Jin dynasties, reaching its peak during the Tang and Song dynasties. Revered for its cultural significance and grand architecture, it has earned the title of “the foremost forest of the East” in China. The temple’s founding dates back to the 3rd or 4th century, around 1,600 years ago, as noted in the Song Dynasty text “Five Lanterns Meeting Origin,” where the Indian monk Baozhang traveled eastward, visited Sichuan, and established the temple in honor of the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra.
Tang and Song Dynasties
In the year 618, during the Tang Dynasty’s Wude era, the famous monk Xuanzang traveled from Chang’an (present-day Xi’an) to Chengdu, accompanied by monks Bao Xian, Daoji, and Zhizhen. In 622, Xuanzang received his precepts at the Daci Temple and studied Buddhist scriptures there for several years. He became renowned for his teachings and attracted many followers. Xuanzang later embarked on his epic journey to India, ultimately bringing back the Buddhist texts that profoundly influenced Chinese Buddhism.
During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong in the Tang Dynasty, the temple gained prominence. In 756, when An Lushan rebelled and captured Chang’an, Emperor Xuanzong fled to Chengdu. Upon witnessing the charitable acts of monk Yinggan, who distributed food to the poor, the emperor was deeply moved. He inscribed the plaque for Daci Temple with the name “Dashengci Temple” and granted the temple a thousand acres of land. The temple became a royal monastery under the supervision of Master Wuxiang, a high-ranking monk from Silla (present-day Korea), who expanded the temple’s facilities significantly.
In 801, during the Zhenyuan period, Governor Wei Gao oversaw the expansion of the temple, enhancing its environment with the excavation of the Jiyu River, which flowed in front of the temple. By this time, Daci Temple had become a prestigious center for Buddhist teachings, drawing thousands of attendees for lectures. Notably, in 822, the prominent monk Zhixuan delivered sermons in the temple, attracting over ten thousand listeners daily.
Daci Temple’s artistic contributions flourished during the Tang and Song dynasties. The temple housed an abundance of murals created by renowned artists, with estimates suggesting over a thousand murals crafted by around sixty to seventy famous painters. The temple was often cited as a leading center for Tang Dynasty art, as noted in historical texts by Li Zhichun and Fan Chengda. In 1056, the famous poet Su Shi and his brother Su Zhe visited the temple, praising the exquisite murals of the Tang artist Lu Lengjia.
During this period, the temple also played a crucial role in the dissemination of Zen Buddhism. The monk Daolong, who was ordained at Daci Temple, traveled to Japan in 1246, bringing Zen teachings to the Japanese people. He eventually received an imperial audience and contributed to the construction of the Kenin-ji Temple, further establishing the presence of Zen Buddhism in Japan.
Ming and Qing Dynasties
Daci Temple experienced significant challenges during the Ming Dynasty. In 1435, the temple was destroyed by fire, and it suffered further damage at the end of the Ming Dynasty. However, during the Qing Dynasty, efforts were made to restore the temple. In the Shunzhi era, Governor Ji Yingxiong commissioned a plaque for Daci Temple, marking the beginning of its restoration.
The temple underwent another major renovation in 1867, during which several halls were constructed along the central axis, including the Mountain Gate Hall, Maitreya Hall, Guanyin Hall, Mahavira Hall, Dharma Hall, and the Sutra Repository. These buildings occupied over forty acres and were adorned with exquisite calligraphy and inscriptions by notable scholars of the Qing Dynasty.
Modern Era
In 1981, Daci Temple was designated as a cultural heritage site in Chengdu. Two years later, it was transformed into a museum, showcasing its historical and cultural significance. In 2003, the Chengdu government approved a plan for the temple’s restoration and reopening to the public. On April 8, 2004, Daci Temple was officially reopened, allowing visitors to experience its historical grandeur.
In 2005, the temple appointed Master Da’en as its first abbot since the restoration, marking a new chapter in its history. Today, Daci Temple stands not only as a spiritual center but also as a cultural landmark, attracting visitors who come to admire its ancient architecture, rich history, and vibrant Buddhist practices.
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Beautiful and Serene Atmosphere: Daci Temple is praised for its beautiful architecture, and it offers a serene and quiet environment with fewer visitors compared to famous temples like Beijing’s Yonghe Temple. It provides a peaceful space to experience the ambiance of Buddhist teachings.
Daci Tea Garden: Inside the temple, there is a Daci Tea Garden, a preferred spot for locals to enjoy tea and soak up the sun. It’s described as a more tranquil and leisurely option compared to coffee shops. Visitors can sip tea, watch solo cross-talk performances, and enjoy Sichuan opera. The tea seating fee is around 38 yuan.
Vegetarian Offerings at Daci Tea Garden: The tea garden serves vegetarian meals daily starting from 11:30 AM. Priced at around 10 yuan per portion, the menu includes items like tofu rice, tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), dumplings, as well as cold dishes like liangfen and mixed vegetables. The food is aromatic and appetizing.
