Huayan Temple (华岩寺), nestled in the scenic landscapes of Chongqing, derives its name from the Huayan Cave located to the south of the temple grounds. Steeped in legend, this temple’s origins are believed to date back to the Tang and Song dynasties, with subsequent expansions and renovations over the centuries. The Ming and Qing dynasties witnessed significant restoration work, preserving the temple’s architectural features in the Ming and Qing styles. Huayan Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple, with its lineage tracing back to the Linji sect, which has spanned over 32 generations. The “Ba County Chronicle” records that “Huayan Temple’s spiritual lineage has flourished across the land.”
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Huayan Temple
- Vlog about Huayan Temple
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions in Jiulongpo District
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-023-65254808 |
Location and Transportation
Huayan Temple is situated in the southwestern part of Chongqing, near Chongqing West Railway Station. Its precise address is 151 Huayan Village, Jiulongpo District. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 268, 325, 425, 499, 843, or 891 and get off at Huayan Temple Stop (华岩寺站).
Metro: The closest metro station to the attraction is Huayan Temple (华岩寺) on line 5. After getting out of the station from Exit 3B, you will be standing right at the entrance.
Highlights of Huayan Temple
Pilgrimage Site
Huayan Temple is renowned far and wide, attracting notable scholars and luminaries from different eras who visited and left behind a treasure trove of calligraphy and poems. Devotees and travelers from across the world are drawn to this place of pilgrimage to admire the priceless artifacts and scriptures preserved within the temple. The monks of Huayan Temple faithfully follow their practices, with uninterrupted rituals, cultivating a vibrant Zen spirit.
Vegetarian Cuisine
The temple’s vegetarian cuisine is a standout feature. Adjacent to the temple’s Introductory Hall and in front of the Pure Heart Garden, you’ll find an ancient and picturesque palace-style building known as the “Xiang Ji Chu,” with its red walls, green tiles, intricately carved beams, and vibrant colors. This 700-square-meter restaurant is Huayan Temple’s vegetarian kitchen. Visitors over the age of 60 often fondly recount the temple’s famous “sesame oil guoba” dishes served in the past, celebrating their delicious taste. In the post-liberation period, former monks who returned to secular life created the renowned “sesame oil vegetarian noodles,” gaining widespread acclaim.
Lotus Festival
The Chongqing Lotus Festival has been celebrated here for eight editions, and in recent years, it has evolved into an annual “Lotus and Dragon Boat Arts Festival” that coincides with the Dragon Boat Festival. During this period, the radiant lotus blossoms in the temple’s pond, resembling fairytale maidens descending to Earth, and the lush green leaves appear as auspicious clouds. The thousands of potted lotus flowers come in a myriad of shapes and colors, competing to captivate the onlookers.
Magnificent Buildings
Huayan Temple is a vast and imposing complex, boasting grandeur and historical significance. The temple features halls like the Hall of the Heavenly King, the Scripture Hall, and the Guanyin Hall. Inside, there are statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and a rock-carved image of Bodhidharma. The temple also houses a collection of over 700 volumes of scriptures. The Huayan Lake, spanning 7.5 hectares, is surrounded by lush forests and bamboo groves, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere. In the middle of the lake stands the Lakeside Pavilion. Additionally, there are accommodations, teahouses, and boat rides, making Huayan Temple an ideal destination for sightseeing, boating, fishing, and leisure vacations.
Vlog about Huayan Temple
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
No Ticket or Reservation Needed: Visitors can enter the temple directly without purchasing tickets or making reservations. This makes it convenient for spontaneous visits.
Avoid Buying Incense by the Roadside: It’s advisable not to purchase incense from vendors along the roadside as it cannot be brought inside the temple premises. Additionally, each hall within the temple provides complimentary incense for visitors to use.
Feeding the Fish and Turtles: Visitors can bring a small amount of fish food to feed the goldfish and turtles in the temple’s ponds. This can add to the experience and provide an opportunity for interaction with the temple’s wildlife.
Vegetarian Meals (Zhai Fan): Huayan Temple offers vegetarian meals for visitors at a cost of 8 yuan per person. The meals are served with utensils provided by the temple (though visitors can bring their own). There are three meal times: 6:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 5:30 PM. Visitors are expected to line up in advance and are required not to leave any leftovers. After finishing the meal, visitors are responsible for washing their own bowls.
Complimentary Tea at Baba Tea House: Near the Guanyin Hall, visitors can enjoy complimentary tea at the Baba Tea House. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a seat as it may get crowded later in the day.
