Huayan Temple (华岩寺), located in the serene Huayan Village of Chongqing, is more than just a traditional Buddhist temple – it’s a sprawling cultural and tourist attraction. Unlike many other temples, Huayan Temple offers numerous free activities that invite visitors to engage deeply with the temple’s spiritual atmosphere while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re looking to meditate, participate in traditional ceremonies, or simply relax, this temple provides an enriching, peaceful experience. In this guide, we’ll explore all the activities you can enjoy at Huayan Temple, from copying sacred scriptures to tea-drinking rituals, and everything in between.
1. Copying Sacred Scriptures
One of the most popular activities at Huayan Temple is the chance to copy Buddhist scriptures, a practice deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition. The temple offers free scripture copying with both hard pens (a quicker option) and brush pens (which require more time and concentration).
- Hard Pen Copying: This option takes about 20 minutes. You can do it from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Brush Pen Copying: This method requires at least one hour, and you can do it between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Before starting, you’ll need to register and clean your hands with a special water infused with flower petals – a beautiful and symbolic ritual. After finishing, you can take the scripture home. Just let a monk know, and they will help you roll it up and tie it with string.
In addition to scripture copying, the temple offers two chanting sessions per day (10:00 AM and 1:00 PM) from Tuesday to Friday. You’ll be provided with a chanting book with pinyin to follow along with the monks.
2. Enjoying Tea
At Huayan Temple, you can enjoy traditional free tea at the Guanyin Courtyard. Located next to a serene pond, this area features bamboo tables and chairs where visitors can help themselves to tea. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks to enjoy while chatting with friends in the peaceful surroundings.
Additionally, there is roasted rice available for purchase on-site, and a large screen displays live broadcasts of the monks’ chanting sessions. The atmosphere is both tranquil and modern, offering a unique experience of blending tradition with the present day.
3. Ringing the Temple Bell
Unlike many other temples that charge for bell-ringing, Huayan Temple offers this experience for free. Ringing the bell is not only a spiritual act but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of the temple.
4. Enjoying Vegetarian Meals
At Huayan Temple, you can enjoy vegetarian meals for just ¥8 per person. The meals are simple but tasty, and if you’re still hungry, you can go back for more or get new dishes. After eating, you’ll be expected to clean your own dishes in the back courtyard. The vegetarian food is reasonably priced, and although it’s simple, it’s a great way to experience the temple’s communal dining spirit.
If you’re looking for a wider variety, there are also vegetarian restaurants and noodle shops available near the temple. These don’t require waiting in line, and while they’re priced similarly to regular restaurants outside the temple, they come highly recommended for their taste.
5. Autumn Leaves and Nature Walks
Huayan Temple is located in an area surrounded by lush greenery, peaceful lakes, and towering trees. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, the temple is a beautiful place to enjoy nature. The lotus pond in the area is particularly beautiful, though by the time you visit, you may only see remnants of the lotus flowers, covered by floating pondweed, which offers a poetic kind of beauty.
Locals often visit Huayan Temple to stroll, jog, or practice tai chi, making it a hub for outdoor activity. It’s a wonderful place to simply relax and enjoy the serenity of the landscape.
6. Volunteering Experience
Huayan Temple offers a unique opportunity for visitors to volunteer for a day without needing a reservation. There are various tasks that volunteers can help with, such as cleaning, preparing ingredients, maintaining order during meal times, and serving food. Volunteering at Huayan Temple is a rewarding experience, allowing you to contribute to the temple’s daily activities while learning more about its culture.
7. Incense Offering
While Huayan Temple provides free incense for visitors to offer at the temple, there is no need to bring your own. The act of offering incense is a traditional Buddhist ritual that symbolizes respect and devotion, and it’s an essential part of the experience at the temple.
8. Hanging Prayer Tablets
At various locations throughout the temple complex, there are places where you can hang prayer tablets. These tablets are used by visitors to write their wishes and prayers, which are then hung up as offerings to the gods. This is a spiritual activity that many visitors find meaningful, as it allows them to make personal wishes for health, happiness, or other aspects of life.
Practical Information
- Address: No. 151, Huayan Village, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing (重庆市九龙坡区华岩村151号)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Public Transport: Take the Light Rail Line 5, and get off at Huayan Temple Station (华岩寺站), exit 3B.