Ancient Mountain Temple, Legacy of Eminent Monks, and Handwritten Plaques

Located on Mount Fengqi in Jiezi Town, Chongzhou City, Chengdu, lies the thousand-year-old Guangyan Chan Temple. 1. Gateway to Time: A Historical Journey Through Guangyan Chan Temple Built during the Jin Dynasty, the temple was originally named Changle Temple. Through centuries of ups and downs, it has remained standing. Known as the "First Temple of Western Sichuan" for its magnificent architecture and precious cultural relics👍 During the Tang Dynasty, Indian monk Shanwusi fled to Sichuan to escape war and eventually passed away here, leaving behind a spiritual pagoda filled with faith and wisdom. In the Southern Song Dynasty, the renowned monk Ji Gong left precious handwritten plaques, adding a touch of legend to this ancient temple😉 The temple shares deep connections with the Ming Dynasty. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang's youngest uncle once served as the abbot, and the emperor's stone inscriptions still remain today. Legend has it that the Jianwen Emperor sought refuge here and spent his remaining years at the temple. After Emperor Yongle ascended to the throne, he bestowed the name "Guangyan Chan Temple" and gifted the precious "Hongwu Southern Buddhist Canon." The temple entrance plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty and the "Sutra Repository" calligraphy by Yu Youren on the back wall of the Main Hall further enriched the temple's cultural heritage🖌️ 🖋️ Upon entering, a 1,700-year-old Nanmu tree from the Jin Dynasty stands on the left, like a silent elder telling the temple's history. The temple, nestled among rare trees, features striking eaves and cliffs in a serene setting. The Lower and Upper Temples showcase different styles - the Lower Temple maintains its ancient charm with age-old structures, while the Upper Temple has been modernly restored. The exquisite reliefs, stone carvings, and murals throughout the temple demonstrate the remarkable craftsmanship of ancient artisans🎨 2. Getting There: Various Transportation Options Driving🚗 The most convenient way is to drive directly to Guangyan Chan Temple. Parking costs only CNY 10. Public Transportation🚄🚌 Take Subway Line 2 to Gaotie Xipu Station, then take a high-speed train to Qingcheng Mountain Station. From there, take Bus 102 to Jiezi Ancient Town Station, then a minibus to the temple. Take a coach from Chengdu Jinsha Bus Station to Jiezi Ancient Town, then transfer to a minibus to the temple. From Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station, take a bus to Chongzhou, then transfer to Jiezi Ancient Town, and finally take a minibus to the temple. 3. Exploring the Temple: Discovering Every Beautiful Corner Follow the route "Kang Path → Huilong Temple → Xixin Pool → Wanggui Terrace → Guangyan Chan Temple." The shaded Kang Path offers a refreshing walk. Huilong Temple is peaceful, while the crystal-clear Xixin Pool seems to wash away worldly troubles. The panoramic views from Wanggui Terrace are captivating, leading visitors naturally to the temple's entrance. 4. Dining Options: Savoring Simple Temple Cuisine The temple's vegetarian restaurant, located to the right of the main entrance, offers affordable and delicious vegetarian dishes. Vegetable dishes are CNY 15 per serving, tofu pudding CNY 10, and rice CNY 2, creating memorable flavors from simple ingredients🥗 5. Nearby Attractions: Discovering More Beauty The surrounding area offers numerous attractions: the bustling Jiezi Ancient Town, the scenic Kang Path on Mount Fengqi for walking and exercise, the magnificent Dujiangyan irrigation system, the beautiful Qingcheng Bay Wetland, and the solemn Puzhao Temple🏞️ With just a CNY 2 cleaning fee for admission, Guangyan Chan Temple offers exceptional value💰 Come experience the charm of this thousand-year-old temple and embark on a soul-cleansing journey🌈