Chongqing Huayan Temple: "Temple, Cave, Tree, Lake, Flower"
Chongqing Huayan Temple is located in Huayan, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing. It is a historic temple and one of the larger temples in Chongqing. In the early 1990s, Huayan Temple already included the current main body of Huayan Temple and the Huayan Cave area. In 1998, the Seven Buddha Tower was completed and opened to the public. Around 2010, the large golden Buddha statue was built outside the main gate of Huayan Temple. Around 2020, Huayan Temple incorporated parts of the former Longmen Array Scenic Area, leading to another expansion. Around 2023, Huayan Temple underwent partial renovations, giving new life to many old relics and furnishings.
The main body of Huayan Temple is undoubtedly Huayan Temple itself. Huayan Temple consists of multiple large halls connected by main roads outside and alleys inside. Due to the large scale of the Huayan Temple area, unlike some temples that are more compact inside, there is considerable space between many of the temples within Huayan Temple, with many featuring bonsai, ponds, and greenery. However, it should be noted that the Seven Buddha Tower and its garden, completed in 1998, are special areas that ordinary visitors cannot enter directly from the main gate of Huayan Temple. Instead, they must take another main road beside the gate. Speaking of the Seven Buddha Tower, it used to be possible to climb up and overlook the entire Huayan Temple, but this is no longer allowed for unknown reasons.
Entering the main gate and walking towards the main hall of Huayan Temple, the road to Huayan Cave is on the left. The name of Huayan Temple also comes from Huayan Cave. It is called a cave because the Buddha statues and temples in Huayan Cave are built into the cliffside caves, forming a vertical area that resembles a miniature cliffside grotto. Additionally, there is almost always water dripping down from above Huayan Cave, creating a unique scenery.
Walking further into Huayan Temple, there is a shaded downhill path lined with trees on both sides, forming a forested area.
Following the downhill path leads to Huayan Lake. Huayan Lake used to be larger and even had electric boats. Dragon boat races were held during the Dragon Boat Festival, but it has seemed to shrink in recent years. The current scenery of Huayan Lake is somewhat similar to the lakes in Chongqing Garden Expo Park, but Huayan Lake is more petite, making it suitable for photography.
After incorporating parts of the Longmen Array Scenic Area, Huayan Temple transformed that area into a sea of lotus flowers. In the 1990s, there were already many lotus flowers here, but it was not part of Huayan Temple. After the recent redevelopment, pavilions and other landscapes were added, along with a mist system, creating a fairy-like atmosphere. Many Hanfu-clad ladies often take photos here. Especially in July and August, when the lotus flowers bloom, Huayan Temple holds a Lotus Festival, attracting people to visit and take photos.
However, from a promotional perspective, people generally think of Luohan Temple first when it comes to Chongqing temples. Luohan Temple, located near Jiefangbei, is similar to Jing'an Temple in Shanghai in terms of its positioning. Many film and television works have also been shot there, and it is complemented by the cyberpunk cityscape, giving it a unique charm. However, in terms of scale, Huayan Temple is unparalleled in Chongqing's main urban area. Many Buddhist institutions, such as Chongqing Buddhist Academy, are also located in Huayan Temple. Therefore, if you want to experience some Buddhist flavor in Chongqing, Huayan Temple is worth considering. Additionally, the Lotus Festival in July and August is a great time to visit the sea of lotus flowers, which is not easily found elsewhere in Chongqing and is perfect for photography.