Wenshu Temple

Wenshu Temple in Chengdu is the largest and best preserved Buddhist Temple in the city. The Temple was originally called Xinxiang Temple and was built during the Tang Dynasty (618-90). It was rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and was renamed in dedication to the incarnation of wisdom, Manjusri Bodhisatva (Wenshu).

The temple has attracted Buddhist pilgrims for hundreds of years and visitors come to see its classical architecture and cultural relics. Some of the buildings, which make up the temple, include the Scriptures Hall, Daxiongbaodian (Precious Hall of Sakyamuni), Shuofatang (The Buddhist Lecture Hall) and The Hall of Lokapala.

There are many carvings and statues in the temple including 400 Buddhist statues made of materials such as iron, clay, bronze, stone and wood. Some examples of the temples most prized artifacts are a Jade Buddha carried there by a monk from Burma and the skull of a monk named Xuanzang from the Tang Dynasty. Also housed here are a lot of works by famous painters and calligraphers, but these are just a few of its vast collection.

You will see monks at everyday life and other worshippers here. It is common to burn incense and you can do so too. There are many stalls also selling paper money to burn and souvenirs. Worth a visit is one of Chengdus most famous teahouses which is in the temple and it is also known for its vegetarian restaurant. A modern attraction is its bell covered Iron Pagoda which stands 22 meters tall and is the tallest Iron Pagoda in China.

The Temple is a nice place to go to both relax and see some wonderful ancient culture while in Chengdu.