Huayan Temple is located in Huayan Village, Huayan Town, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Huayan Temple has a long history and a large architectural scale, covering an area of 160,000 square meters. Huayan Temple is renowned for its unique Buddhist culture and beautiful natural scenery. The architectural style within the temple is simple and elegant, with numerous halls, monk quarters and other buildings. Huayan Temple is backed by the mountains of the Huayan Scenic Area, and the surrounding landscape features mountains and waters in harmony, presenting a beautiful scenery. It is a tourist destination that integrates Buddhist culture, natural scenery and cultural landscapes.
History and Culture
There are different statements about the construction time of Huayan Temple. Generally, it is believed to have been initially built during the Tang and Song dynasties, with a history of over a thousand years. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Huayan Temple continued to expand in scale and became an important Buddhist holy site in eastern Sichuan. Throughout history, Huayan Temple has undergone several renovations and expansions. During the reigns of Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, Huayan Temple reached its peak of development, with many eminent monks and virtuous masters residing and preaching here.
Since modern and contemporary times, while maintaining its Buddhist traditions, Huayan Temple has actively carried out cultural exchanges and social welfare activities. During the Anti-Japanese War, Huayan Temple served as a refuge, providing shelter for many people. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Huayan Temple received attention and protection from the government. In recent years, continuous renovations and maintenance have been carried out, allowing its Buddhist culture and architectural art to be passed down and developed.
Main Attractions
The Mahavira Hall of Huayan Temple
The Mahavira Hall of Huayan Temple is the core building within the temple, with a magnificent appearance. The hall adopts a traditional Chinese architectural style, featuring upturned eaves and interlaced brackets. Inside the hall, solemn Buddha statues are enshrined, with exquisite shapes and superb craftsmanship. The Mahavira Hall is a place where major Buddhist activities are held in Huayan Temple, and many believers and tourists come here to pay homage and visit every day.
Huayan Lake
Huayan Lake is located beside Huayan Temple. The lake water is clear, and there are shady green trees around. There are various fish and water birds in the lake, presenting a pleasant scenery. Tourists can take a stroll along the lakeside, enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain views, and also take a rest in the pavilions by the lake. Huayan Lake and Huayan Temple set each other off, forming a beautiful landscape painting.
The Seven Buddha Pagoda
The Seven Buddha Pagoda is one of the landmark buildings of Huayan Temple, with a height of about 26 meters. The pagoda body is exquisitely carved, and seven Buddha statues are enshrined inside. The Seven Buddha Pagoda has a simple and unsophisticated shape and high artistic value. Tourists who climb the Seven Buddha Pagoda can overlook the scenery of Huayan Temple and its surroundings, enjoying a broad view.
Delicacies
Vegetarian Dishes of Huayan Temple
The vegetarian dishes of Huayan Temple are characteristic delicacies of the temple. These vegetarian dishes are made from various vegetarian ingredients and unique cooking techniques. The dishes are rich and diverse, including mock meat dishes such as mock chicken, mock duck, mock fish, as well as various vegetarian vegetables. The vegetarian dishes of Huayan Temple have a light taste and rich nutrition. They can not only satisfy the taste buds of tourists but also enable them to experience Buddhist food culture.
Chongqing Noodles
Chongqing noodles are a characteristic delicacy of Chongqing, and authentic Chongqing noodles can also be tasted around Huayan Temple. The noodles are chewy, and the soup is spicy and fragrant. With ingredients such as peas, minced meat sauce, and vegetables added, the taste is rich and diverse. The flavor of the noodles can be adjusted according to personal preferences, making it a delicacy that tourists should not miss when visiting Huayan Temple.
Spicy Chicken
Spicy chicken is a classic delicacy of Chongqing. The spicy chicken around Huayan Temple is made from fresh chicken. After being cut into small pieces and fried until golden brown, it is stir-fried with seasonings such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. The chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a spicy and delicious taste, and it is a very popular dish to go with alcohol and a snack.
Ticket Information
There is no entrance fee for Huayan Temple, and tourists can enter and visit for free. However, certain fees may be charged for some activities or areas, subject to the official announcement of the scenic area.
Opening Hours
Huayan Temple is open throughout the year, from 08:00 to 17:00. During special festivals or major Buddhist events, the opening hours may be adjusted. It is recommended that tourists pay attention to the official announcements of the scenic area in advance.
Itinerary for the Visit
After entering the Huayan Temple scenic area, tourists can first visit the Mahavira Hall to learn about Buddhist culture and architectural art. Then, go to Huayan Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and take a stroll and rest by the lake. After that, go to the Seven Buddha Pagoda and climb to the top to overlook the scenery of the scenic area. Later, tourists can visit other halls in Huayan Temple, such as the Avalokiteshvara Hall and the Arhat Hall. After the visit, taste the vegetarian dishes of Huayan Temple and other delicacies inside the temple or around it.
Transportation
- By Bus: You can take bus routes such as No. 203, No. 204, No. 222, No. 223, No. 224, No. 268, No. 425, No. 428, No. 469, No. 843, etc., and get off at the Huayan Temple Station.
- By Subway: Take Rail Transit Line 5 and get off at Huayan Temple Station, then walk to the scenic area after exiting from the corresponding exit.
- By Self-driving: Navigate to "Huayan Temple". There are parking lots around the scenic area, but parking spaces may be in short supply during holidays or when there are many tourists.
Must-visit Attractions
- The Mahavira Hall of Huayan Temple: As the core building of the temple, the Mahavira Hall is magnificent, and the Buddha statues are solemn. It is a must-visit place for learning about Buddhist culture and admiring architectural art.
- Huayan Lake: The lake water is clear, and the surrounding scenery is beautiful. It is a great place for tourists to relax and enjoy the natural scenery. You can take a stroll by the lake and feel the tranquil atmosphere.
- The Seven Buddha Pagoda: With a height of about 26 meters, it has a simple and unsophisticated shape and exquisite carvings. Climbing to the top allows you to overlook the scenery of Huayan Temple and its surroundings, having high artistic and ornamental value.
Visiting Suggestions
- When entering Huayan Temple, dress appropriately and avoid wearing overly revealing or inappropriate clothing to show respect for Buddhist culture and the religious place.
- Keep quiet during the visit and do not make loud noises to avoid disturbing other tourists and believers.
- Some areas in Huayan Temple may prohibit photography. Tourists should abide by relevant regulations and do not take photos casually.
- When tasting the vegetarian dishes of Huayan Temple, order according to your needs to avoid waste and experience the spirit of frugality in Buddhism.
- If you want to participate in Buddhist activities in the temple, learn about the activity time and requirements in advance and participate according to the regulations.
Notes
- Huayan Temple is a religious activity place. Tourists should respect Buddhist beliefs and religious customs and do not engage in behaviors that show disrespect for religion.
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol or eat meat-based food in the temple to maintain the purity and cleanliness of the temple.
- During the visit, take good care of the cultural relics, historical sites and public facilities in the temple, and do not touch or damage them casually.
- Follow the guidance and arrangements of the staff and abide by the rules and regulations of the scenic area.
- If you encounter problems or need help in the scenic area, you can consult or seek help from the staff.