Huayan Temple lies at the foot of Dalaoshan (Big and Old Mountain) in the west of Chongqing. The temple was built around a cave in the mountain cliff. Water from the mountain stream splashes all year round just like scattering flowers--the image is rooted in the ancient Chinese word for flower, which is hua--and thus the temple is named Huayan Temple. The temple area is composed of three parts: the Huayan Cave, the Reception Hall, and the imposing Sakyamuni Hall. This is a solemn area, appropriately; even the Buddhist figures are stately and respectful.

The origins of the temple are lost in mystery. Extant historical records indicate the beginnings of religious activities in 1599 during the Ming Dynasty. These activities increased during the Qing Dynasty when many considerably prestigious monks from around the country gathered here to practice Buddhist rituals and gradually formed a religious community. Master Shengke became the first abbot of this community at Huayan Temple.

Since its formal foundation in the Qing Dynasty, the temple has had 64 abbots who directed the work here. Over the intervening years, religious activities have reflected the prosperity that came from donations of thousands of Buddhist worshipers. The temple now has a rich store of relics, musical instruments (for religious purpose), Buddhist classics, poems and paintings by famous personages, embroidered horizontal inscribed boards, and couplets written on scrolls among its treasures.

The temple itself as well as the temple area generally are strikingly magnificent and splendid. There are numerous vivid old Buddhist figures inside the temple. Outside, the temple is sheltered by countless big and old trees, and the overall view is just like a picture. The eight scenes of "Moonlight on the Pond." "Pines on the Paling Hill," "Evening Bell from the Temple," "Night Rain in the Trees," "Verdant Twin Peaks," "Rosy Glows on the Winding Stream Water," "White Snow on the Cliff," and "Sounds by Fishes in old Cave" may overwhelm the visitor with their beauty. Nearby is the newly built Huayan Lake, 250 meters wide and one kilometer long, which is like a reflecting mirror--not even a single ripple! The water view and the mountain scenery commingle to create a vision of heaven on earth. Birds are flying, fluttering and singing in the woods, and spring water flows joyfully in the little gully among the bushes. It is also possible to swim to your heart's content in Huayan Lake.

Address: Huayan Temple Scenic Area, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing

Hours: 08:00 - 18:00

Price: 15RMB per person

Getting there: Take bus No.203, 204, 263, 268, 269 to Huayan Temple