Wenshuyuan
» Chengdu, Si Chuan

文殊院 川西四大丛林之一

Wenshu Monastery

Wenshuyuan (Wenshu Monastery) stands in the northern part of Chengdu City. It is the home of the Buddhist Association of Sichuan Province and Chengdu. Perhaps the best thing about the monastery is the bustling crowd of worshippers who flock to the place. Together with the exquisite relief carvings that decorate many of the buildings in the complex, they render the temple well worth a visit.

What it used to be

Initially built in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), Wenshuyuan was once called Xinxiang Monastery. In 1681, during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), Cidu, an accomplished Buddhist monk, came to the monastery. He built a simple hut between two trees and for several years lived an ascetic life there.

Legend has it when Cidu was being cremated; the statue of Wenshu (Bodhisattva Manjusri in Sanskrit) appeared in the flames, staying for a long time. So people regarded Cidu as the reincarnation of the Bodhisattva Manjusri. Thereafter, Xinxiang Monastery became Wenshuyuan.

A look at the Monastery

It covers an area of 11,600 square meters. The present halls date from 1691. The most important buildings are Tianwang Hall, Sandashi Hall, Daxiong Baodian Hall, Shuofa Hall, and Cangjing Tower.

The more than 100 bronze Buddhist figures in the monastery are especially worth seeing; most of them were cast during the Qing Dynasty. Shuofa Hall contains 10 iron figures from the Song Dynasty. Besides, Wenshuyuan also collected many valuable relics and Buddhist sutras, copies of the literature.

Cultural relics

Cultural relics are the highlights of Wenshuyuan. Since the Tang and Song Dynasties, over 500 pieces of painting and calligraphy by celebrities have been stored here. In the Sutra-Preservation Pavilion, many famous handwriting exhibits, paintings, and artwork are restored. These precious works of art were created by renowned Chinese painters and calligraphers, including Zhang Daqian, Zheng Banqiao, and Feng Zikai.

The rarest masterpieces

Of all the precious relics, a piece of the broken skull of Xuan Zang, a renowned monk of the Tang Dynasty, is the rarest. Another treasure is a delicate jade Buddha statue brought from Burma to China in 1922 by Xing Lin, a Buddhist monk who walked the whole distance.

In addition, the monastery houses some 300 Buddha statues of various materials including iron, bronze, stone, wood, and jade, some gloriously painted. These masterworks of art of both ancient and contemporary China, serve as a testimony to her friendly exchanges with the world.

Peace Pagoda of A Thousand Buddhas

The newly built Peace Pagoda of A Thousand Buddhas has 11 stories with a height of 22 meters, and decorated with a small yellow bell hung on each of the six upturned corner eaves of every story. Blown by the wind, the bells give out melodious sounds. It is the tallest iron pagoda casted in China.

Enjoy leisure time

In addition to its cultural relics, Wenshuyuan is famous for its exquisite garden and solemn halls. Tourists and locals can enjoy tea in the Teahouse while listening to music by folk artists. Wenshuyuan is the oldest and largest monastery in Chengdu City and is usually bursting with lively atmosphere.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 8:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.

Getting there

By bus: 16, 55, 64.

Attractions around » Chengdu, Si Chuan

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

Garden & Park

Garden & Park

  Weather

  1. What about climate in Chengdu?
  2. What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?
  3. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

  Food

  1. What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?
  2. What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

  Shopping

  1. What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

  Travel

  1. What are entertainments in Chengdu?
  2. I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba is located?
  3. Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?
  4. What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?
  5. Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

    6.   Customs

    1. What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

      Other Hints

    1. What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?
    2. What's the city code of Chengdu?

    • What about climate in Chengdu?

      The climate of Chengdu is mild and humid with distinct four seasons and plenty of rainfall. It is a city with the early spring, hot summer, cool autumn and warm winter.

      The annual average temperature is 16 degree Celsius. January is the coldest season when the average temperature is approximately 5 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter. Summer is hot and humid. July is the hottest season when temperatures can be almost 35 degree Celsius.


    • What's the best season for traveling in Chengdu?

      The best time to visit is between March and June or between September and November. In the hottest seasons of July and August, you can summer at the nearby Mt. Qingchengshan or Xiling Snow Mountain. When snow in winter, you can enjoy the nice snow scenery at Xiling Snow Mountain and Longchi Forest Park.


    • Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area lie in Aba, what about the climate here? What's the best season here?

      Aba has a continental plateau climate. So visiting Aba, including Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area, spring or autumn clothing is necessary in summer for the temperature varies greatly during a day.

      The spring of Aba is from June to July. And the winter is from December to March and April of the next year. Some people say that paradise is distributed everywhere in Aba. The fact is different sceneries of Aba show their best in different seasons.

      The best time to Huanglong is from April to November, to Jiuzhaigou is from September to October. During the high tourist seasons such as International Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), there are a lot of visitors here. So the prices of the hotel, food and transportation in this period are very high. You'd better avoid the high tourist seasons.


    • What are the characteristics of Chengdu snakes? Could you introduce some unique dishes?

      Chengdu snacks enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad with their unique colors, aromas, shapes and tastes. It covers the essence of Sichuan cuisine.

      You can taste some famous dishes such as the Long Wonton Soup, Mapo Doufu, Hot pepper, and so on. There are many foods with the unequal characteristics in Chengdu. Although you can buy some from Beijing, such as beef jerky and dehydrated bean curd, the varieties and taste are not more than original place.

      You can buy the typical Sichuan seasoning in the local market. In a word, you will come back with fruitful results.


    • What eating-taboos need we pay attention to in the Tibetan region - Aba?

      The Tibetan food and Sichuan cuisine are popular in Aba. But there are some Muslim foods. So you can have your meals in Aba County or some bigger towns. However, you need to take along some food with you.


    • What souvenirs can we buy for friends and relatives in Chengdu?

      There are a few good local specialties which are worth having a look at even if you don't want to make a purchase!

      Shu Embroidery is an interesting example of exquisite workmanship and detail. And it is one of the four best and most famous brocades in China along with Nanjing Brocade, Suzhou Brocade and Guangxi Brocade.

      Silk Tapestry is also one of your best choices. The tapestry is smooth and sleek and to touch it feels soft and springy and this makes a lovely souvenir.

      Equally impressive are the beautiful Silverware pieces and Qingcheng Silk Tapestries.

      All kinds of Bamboo craftwork and lacquer ware are also worthy to buy some for your friends and relatives as the decent gifts.


    • What are entertainments in Chengdu?

      The main form of entertainment in Chengdu is Chinese traditional opera C Sichuan opera. It is a great place to see some authentic Chinese art on stage such as facial makeup, fire-spitting, the long flowing silk inner sleeves, spirals-lifting.

      When you are in Chengdu, you will see teahouses everywhere on the streets. Teahouses sprawl over Chengdu sidewalks, public parks, main scenic spots, in back-alley sections and suburbs. You can enjoy your pastimes and stay in theses teahouses all day!


    • I know Jiuzhaigou scenic areas lie in Aba County. Could you tell me where the Aba located is?

      Aba is situated in northwestern Sichuan Province. Aba County is well connected to many provincial towns and cities such as Garz, Liangshan and Yaan City. It is bounded on the famous Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a special region. We need to follow the customs and habits of the local people.


    • Can I do the self-serve traveling in Aba?

      Aba is surely one of incredibly amazing places in China people want to visit. It is a place with a lot of splendid scenic spots and with the unique culture. Its beauty bears no comparison with other places from home and abroad. There are so many snow mountains in the large area of Aba.

      You may meet some troubles when you do the self-serve traveling in the remote and undeveloped area. So transportation, hotel, food here are all not convenient. It's recommended to well plan this trip before you rock this place.

      If you have time, give yourself at least couple days to explore this place with the help of some professional person or tour guides.


    • What are the items to be aware of when traveling in Jiuzhaigou?

      There are some hidden washrooms and dustbins in the main scenic spots of Jiuzhaigou. You need to collaborate with the tour guide and to protect the environment during the trip.

      Do not feed the fish in Jiuzhaigou. Do not pick the wild fruit and some fungus to avoid being food poisoned. Follow the tour guide to avoid some accidents. Do not stay overnight in Jiuzhaogou and live in the hotel outside of Jiuzhaigou after one day's trip.


    • Can we enjoy some typical performances in Jiuzhaigou?

      Yes, your first choice is to enjoy the performance of Tibetan servant-girl. It is the best time to display the local customs for travelers all over the world.

      At the same time, we can eat the typical snacks and take part in the singing and dancing party with local minority peoples around a campfire.


    • What are the minority residents in Sichuan? What taboos need we pay attention to in Sichuan?

      Sichuan is one of the multi-ethnic provinces in the country. In addition to the Han people, there live another 52 ethnic groups, including the Tibetan, Qiang, Miao, Tujia, Naxi, Manchu, Dai, Zhuang, Bai minority peoples.

      Most of the minority residents live in the northwestern part of Sichuan. There have established three autonomous prefectures: Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.The famous scenic resorts such as Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huanglong Scenic Area are located in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.

      This is a multiethnic reign; you need to follow the customs and habits of the local people, in order not to trouble yourselves. It is more suitable to gain their permission if you want to have a photo taken with the local people.


    • What need we prepare if we visit the plateau region?

      The Plateau is an area with high altitude, thin oxygen and intensive sunshine. The temperature here varies greatly during a day. So you need to take along with some clothes such as jacket, sweater, etc.

      At the same time, you need to take the sunglasses, sun hat, suntan lotion, lip balm, cold tablets, and stomach tablets.

      In high Plateau, you can't do the labor work and you need to avoid doing some intense exercise like walking quickly, especially running. Drink less and eat more vegetable and fruit to avoid altitude sickness. So it is better for you with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Plateau tours.

      And it is necessary for you to take some drugs for routine (Medication to help your headache, diarrhea, stomach-ache, cold and altitude sickness).

      Most Plateau tours are not highly demanding physically. However, the travelers need to be in good conditions and able to walk up and down moderate hills on a daily basis.

      If you feel out of breath or your chest feels tight, you need to transfer to the lower altitude place to have rest as soon as possible. And it is better for the old and infirm to take along with a small oxygen cylinder.


    • What's the city code of Chengdu?

      Chengdu's City Code: 028


Located at No. 15 Wenshu Yuan Street, Chengu, Sichuan Province, Wenshuyuan is the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu. The more than 100 bronze Buddhist figures and valuable over 500 pieces of cultural relics such as paintings and calligraphy by celebrities in Wenshuyuan are worth seeing.

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