The Best Temples to Visit Around Chengdu

Known for its laid-back lifestyle, spicy hotpot, and adorable pandas, Chengdu is also a deeply spiritual city. Beyond the modern skyline and tea houses, the capital of Sichuan hides centuries of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions. Many of the region’s temples are not only places of worship but also living museums of Chinese philosophy and art.

Whether you seek tranquility, mountain views, or an authentic glimpse into local life, these are the best temples to visit around Chengdu.

Wenshu Monastery (文殊院) – The Spiritual Heart of Chengdu

Located in downtown Chengdu, Wenshu Monastery is the city’s most active Buddhist temple and a serene refuge amid urban chaos. Founded during the Tang Dynasty, it honors Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom.

Wenshu Monastery

Highlights:

• More than 300 Buddha statues, including rare relics from India and Myanmar.

• A beautiful tea garden where locals sip jasmine tea and play mahjong.

• Peaceful courtyards filled with incense and chanting monks.

Travel Tip:

Come early in the morning to enjoy quiet meditation time or a vegetarian breakfast in the temple’s famous restaurant.

Qingyang Palace (青羊宫) – The Taoist Sanctuary

Just west of the city center lies Qingyang Palace, one of the most important Taoist temples in China. Its name means “Green Ram Temple,” referencing two mythical goats carved from bronze that guard the main hall.

Qingyang Palace

Why Visit:

• Learn about Taoist philosophy, yin-yang balance, and the “Way of Nature.”

• Admire ancient Taoist scriptures and the Bagua Pavilion, featuring intricate Taoist cosmology.

• Stroll through ancient cypress trees and listen to priests chanting softly.

Fun Fact:

Legend says Laozi, the founder of Taoism, once preached here during his travels westward.

Daci Temple (大慈寺) – Ancient Peace in Modern Times

Nestled beside the high-end Taikoo Li shopping district, Daci Temple offers an incredible contrast between spirituality and modernity. The temple dates back over 1,600 years and once hosted the famous monk Xuan Zang, who later inspired the classic novel Journey to the West.

Daci Temple

Don’t Miss:

• The tranquil Lotus Pond surrounded by red walls and golden roofs.

• The vegetarian restaurant known for creative Sichuan-style temple cuisine.

• Evening walks as lanterns illuminate the temple grounds.

Traveler Insight:

This is the perfect place to pause and reflect after a day of urban exploration or shopping.

Baoguang Temple (宝光寺) – The Tower of Treasures

Located in Xindu District, about 18 km from downtown Chengdu, Baoguang Temple is famous for its 13-story pagoda, intricate sculptures, and extensive Buddhist art collection.

Baoguang Temple

Highlights:

• The Thousand Buddha Pagoda, originally built in the Tang Dynasty.

• Over 500 life-sized Arhat statues, each uniquely carved with expressive faces.

• Ancient stone tablets and murals that reveal Buddhist legends and history.

Best For:

Travelers interested in historical architecture and traditional Buddhist art.

Zhaojue Temple (昭觉寺) – The Temple of Enlightenment

Just north of downtown Chengdu, Zhaojue Temple is often paired with Bailin Park, forming one of the city’s greenest escapes. Founded over 1,400 years ago, it remains an active center for Buddhist study and monastic training.

Zhaojue Temple

What Makes It Special:

• It houses one of the largest Buddha halls in Sichuan.

• The Golden Buddha statue and prayer ceremonies attract both monks and lay visitors.

• Its neighboring Bailin (Cypress Forest) Park offers perfect spots for photography and relaxation.

Local Tip:

You can reach Zhaojue Temple easily by metro—ideal for a half-day cultural tour.

Wannian Temple (万年寺) – Emei Mountain’s Ancient Treasure

If you have time for a day or overnight trip, head to Mount Emei (峨眉山), about two hours from Chengdu. The mountain is one of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, and Wannian Temple is its oldest and most revered.

Wannian Temple

Highlights:

• Home to a bronze statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva riding a white elephant.

• Surrounded by misty forests and ancient pines—perfect for meditation.

• An important stop on the Emei pilgrimage trail.

Traveler’s Note:

Stay overnight at a monastery guesthouse for a truly immersive Buddhist experience.

Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠) – Where History and Faith Intertwine

Though not a temple in the traditional sense, Wuhou Shrine honors Zhuge Liang, the legendary strategist of the Three Kingdoms period. Its Confucian and ancestral elements make it a fascinating addition to Chengdu’s spiritual map.

Wuhou Shrine

Why Go:

• Explore ancient stone tablets and elegant red corridors surrounded by cypress trees.

• Learn about Chinese loyalty and wisdom through exhibits and calligraphy.

• Combine your visit with nearby Jinli Ancient Street for snacks and souvenirs.

Baoguang Temple vs. Wenshu Monastery: Which to Choose?

Conclusion

From bustling downtown temples filled with incense to mountain sanctuaries hidden in the clouds, Chengdu and its surroundings offer a journey through the spiritual soul of Sichuan. Whether you seek enlightenment, history, or simply a moment of peace, these temples welcome all with open doors and timeless wisdom.

For more inspiration and guided cultural tours across Sichuan and Tibet, visit China Dragon Travel.