Chongqing Travel | Weekend Prayers and Meditation at Huayan Temple, Free Sutra Copying and Tea

Huayan Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple in Chongqing. It is said to have been built during the Tang and Song Dynasties, and is known as the "Spiritual Realm of Bashan". Huayan Temple is divided into the large temple and the small temple. The large temple is a traditional courtyard-style brick and wood structure built in the Qing Dynasty. It is divided into the front, middle, and rear halls, namely the Mahavira Hall, Shengke Patriarch Hall, and Guanyin Hall. The Jiying Hall is on the left side of the temple. The small temple is Huayan Cave, which is separated from the large temple by a lake and is the ancestral temple of Huayan Temple. The temple also has Huayan Lake, Guanyin Courtyard, Dizang Courtyard, and other affiliated buildings. 🚶Recommended Route: Huayan Temple Gate - Outdoor Golden Buddha - Hongfa Building - Anshan Bridge, Jiying Hall - Vegetarian Restaurant - Heavenly King Hall/Ten Thousand Buddha Hall/Guanyin Hall/Medicine Master Hall - Huayan Cave - Guanyin Garden - Buyun Bridge - Qibu Lotus Pond - Return to the gate and take Line 3/Exit the West Gate Highlights 1. Vegetarian Meal: When visiting Huayan Temple, you must try the vegetarian meal, known as the "First Vegetarian Meal in Mountain City". Huayan Temple's vegetarian meal has both the traditional taste of temple vegetarian meals and a unique flavor, making it worth a try. That's why there is always a long line at mealtime. Vegetarian meals are served at 6:30 am, 11:30 am, and 5:30 pm. The price is CNY 8 per person. 2. Tea: Located in Guanyin Courtyard, you can get a cup and a teapot, and then put down your phone and have tea and chat with your friends. It is very quiet there, and you can hear birds chirping and bells ringing, which is very healing! 3. Sutra Copying: Also located in Guanyin Courtyard. I went to copy sutras after having tea. Remember to wash your hands before copying! There are hard and soft pens, and you can choose the one you like! 4. Lotus Viewing: It is winter now, but next time I will definitely go to see the lotus flowers when they are in bloom. It must be very beautiful! Tips 1. Remember to return the way you came. There is another gate, but there is no subway outside. You have to walk a long way to get to a bus stop. 2. Be sure to wear flat shoes. The scenic area is very large, with mountains, water, and many steps. The total journey takes 2 hours, with uphill and downhill sections, which is very tiring. 3. You don't need to buy incense. There is free incense in every area of the temple. Useful Information 🎫Free Admission ⏱️Opening Hours: 8:00 am–5:00 pm 🚇Transportation: Take Line 5 to Huayan Temple Station, and exit from Exit 3A or 3B. Take Bus 268, 325, 425, 499, 843, or 891 to Huayan Temple Station.