Chongqing is a city of rich culture, and its temples offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Many of these temples welcome visitors not only for spiritual practice but also for the unique experience of enjoying traditional vegetarian meals, also known as “zhai fan 斋饭.” Here are six temples in Chongqing where you can enjoy a serene atmosphere and a nourishing meal, all while learning about the city’s spiritual heritage.
1. Huayan Temple (华岩寺)
- Meal Time: 11:30 AM
- Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: ¥8 per person
- Admission: Free
- Address: Huayan Scenic Area, Jiulongpo District
- Transportation: Take Line 5 to Huayan Temple Station (华岩寺站), Exit 3A, then walk 5 minutes.
2. Ciyun Temple (慈云寺)
- Meal Time: 11:00 AM
- Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: Around ¥10 per person
- Admission: Free
- Address: Ciyun Temple, South Bank Road, Nan’an District
- Transportation: Take Line 10 to Houbao Station (后堡站), Exit 3, and transfer to Bus 375 to Zishui Xiaodeng Station (字水霄灯站).
3. Tushan Temple (涂山寺)
- Meal Time: 12:00 PM
- Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Price: Around ¥10 per person
- Admission: ¥5 per person
- Address: 15 Zhenwu Mountain, Nanshan Street
- Transportation: Take Line 1 to Xiaoshizi Station (小什字站), Exit 5B, and transfer to Bus 346 to Chongwen Lu Kou Station (崇文路口站).
4. Hot Springs Temple (温泉寺)
- Meal Time: 11:30 AM
- Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: Pay as you wish
- Admission: Free
- Address: Beibei North Hot Springs Park
- Transportation: Take Line 6 to Beibang Station (北磅站), Exit 4B, and transfer to Bus 518 to Beiwengquan Station (北温泉站).
5. Taping Temple (塔坪寺)
- Meal Time: 12:00 PM
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Price: ¥10 per person
- Admission: Free
- Address: Tapin Temple, Jingguan Town, Beibang
- Transportation: Best visited by car; navigate to “Tapin Temple.”
6. Longfeng Temple (龙凤寺)
- Meal Time: 11:00 AM
- Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Price: ¥6 per person
- Admission: Free
- Address: 203 Zhigang Avenue, Xiejiawan Street, Jiulongpo District
- Transportation: Take Line 1 to Daping Station (大坪站), Exit 1, and transfer to Bus 420 to Zhujiang Garden Station (珠江花园站).