Huayan Scenic Area (华岩旅游区) is a picturesque destination composed of Huayan Temple, Huayan Cave, and Huayan Lake. This area harmoniously combines lush mountains, clear waters, ancient temples, and golden Buddha statues, creating a beautiful natural environment and exquisite architectural features. It has long been a popular site for visitors.
Huayan Temple boasts a rich history and is renowned as one of the prominent temples in Sichuan and one of the top ten forest temples in Southwest China. Known as the “Spiritual Realm of Bashan,” it is a protected cultural site at the municipal level in Chongqing. The scenic area features various historical relics, including ancient temples, pagodas, stone carvings, sculptures, and ancient bridges, all contributing to a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. Notably, “Curved Water Flowing through Clouds” is recognized as one of Chongqing’s top ten scenic spots.
In 1937, Huayan Temple established the Huayan Buddhist Academy. In May 2005, the Chongqing Buddhist Academy, the only higher religious institution approved by the State Administration for Religious Affairs in Southwest China, officially opened its doors within the scenic area.
Travel Information about Huayan Scenic Area
Tickets and Opening Hours
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: 151 Huayan Village, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing.
Transportation: Take the Light Rail Line 5, and get off at Huayan Temple Station (华岩寺站), exit 3B.
Attraction Ratings
- Features: ★★★★
- Culture: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Romance: ★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Huayan Scenic Area
Huayan Temple
Huayan Temple (华岩寺) derives its name from the mountain’s rock formations that contain caves and springs. During rainy weather, water cascades from the cave’s top, resembling scattered flowers, which inspired the ancient name.
The temple consists of two main sections: the large temple and the small temple, featuring a total of 15 courtyards and impressive scale. The architectural elements throughout Huayan Temple reflect the essence of Buddhist culture. Stone carvings flanking the temple entrance depict stories from Buddhist scriptures, and even the decorative carvings on the stone railings showcase the character for “禅.” Upon arrival, visitors are immediately enveloped in a strong atmosphere of Buddhist culture.
The main temple complex is designed in a traditional garden-style, brick-and-wood structure, divided into three main halls: the Mahavira Hall, Sheng Ke Zushi Hall, and Guanyin Hall. To the left of the main hall is the Jieyin Hall. Inside the Mahavira Hall, visitors can find sixteen wooden relief sculptures of Buddhist figures, which are quite rare in the temple. The temple also houses treasures like an Indian jade Buddha, along with statues made of bronze, jade, stone, wood, and clay, as well as a model of a grand golden stupa. The small temple, known as Huayan Cave, faces the large temple across a lake and is considered the ancestral temple of Huayan Temple.
History of Huayan Temple:
According to legend, during the peak of Buddhism in the Tang Dynasty, a monk established a hermitage in the ancient cave of Huayan, where he dedicated himself to worship and chanting. The temple was initially called “Qiaoyi Temple.” Over the years, the temple experienced various phases of prosperity and decline.
In the 15th year of the Wanli era during the Ming Dynasty, local gentry member Yang Yi invited Master Wuquan, a monk from Luzhou, to help raise funds for the temple’s restoration. They rebuilt the structures and crafted a new golden statue of Buddha, marking the beginning of the temple’s initial scale and significance.
During the Bathing Buddha Festival on the eighth day of the fourth month in the sixth year of the Kangxi era, layman Yang Jifang donated his residential land on Dailou Mountain to serve as the temple’s site. Inspired by Yang Jifang’s generosity, numerous benevolent men and women came forward to donate money for the temple’s construction. After eight years of effort, the temple was finally completed and was renamed “Huayan Zen Temple.”
Huayan Cave
Huayan Cave, also known as the small temple of Huayan, is located across the lake from the larger Huayan Temple. This cave serves as the ancestral temple of Huayan Temple and is built into a natural cave structure, facing east and built in accordance with the mountainous terrain. It is divided into two sections connected by stone steps.
The temple’s eaves soar high, rising above the mist and clouds, creating a breathtaking spectacle. On the right side of the upper section, the rock wall features an inscription that reads “有龙则灵”, which translates to “Where there is a dragon, there is spirit.” The inscription is vigorous and majestic, remaining remarkably intact over time, adding to the wonder of the site.
Huayan Lake
Huayan Lake is long and winding, resembling a river more than a traditional lake. Lush green mountains line both sides, and the surface of the water glistens in the sunlight. White egrets gracefully take flight, while waterfowl leisurely paddle about, creating a serene and thriving ecological environment.
Beneath the blue sky and fluffy clouds, the golden roofs of the temple peek through the greenery, reflecting beautifully on the lake’s surface. This picturesque scene enhances the natural harmony of the surroundings, lending an air of solemnity and sanctity to the area.
Qiren Qicai Art Museum
The Qiren Qicai Art Museum (奇人奇才) is located next to the north gate of Huayan Temple in the Huayan Scenic Area of Chongqing. The museum gathers a collection of exceptional artists renowned for their unique styles in calligraphy and painting. These artists have gained recognition both domestically and internationally, achieving remarkable accomplishments in their fields.
The museum is characterized by a serene and elegant environment, infused with a rich cultural atmosphere. The artworks displayed, created by these extraordinary artists, reflect the profound cultural heritage of traditional Chinese art while showcasing the resilient spirit of the artists, who strive for independence and self-improvement despite challenges.
The museum promotes the spirit of perseverance and moral integrity among disabled artists, emphasizing the pursuit of high-quality calligraphy and painting. It aims to establish itself as a leading cultural and artistic brand in the realm of unique talents and skills in China.
Three Gorges Strange Stones Museum
The world is well aware of the magnificent landscapes of the Three Gorges, but few recognize the extraordinary beauty of its stones. Known as a “natural geological museum,” the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River is a vibrant world of colorful rocks, bestowed by nature. The unique shapes and forms of the stones along the riverbanks contribute to the rich historical and cultural tapestry of the region.
One of the most famous features is the “Xianfu Stone,” which originally consisted of various lengths and thicknesses of stone pillars embedded in the rock. As the boatmen pulled their ropes, the friction between the ropes and the stone pillars carved deep grooves into the rock over time.
These varying depths of grooves tell the stories of the survival of the early inhabitants of the gorges, serving as a testament to the struggles and hardships faced by the boatmen over centuries, as well as the challenges of water transport on the Yangtze River.
Visitor Guide for Huayan Scenic Area
Cuisine: Vegetarian Meals at Huayan Temple
The vegetarian restaurant at Huayan Temple offers a diverse selection of dishes on its first floor. Besides popular options like fresh vegetables, vegetarian dishes, and mock meat dishes, the restaurant is also famous for its snacks, including purple sweet potato mini cups, pineapple pastries, and sago balls. Many visitors who come to enjoy the vegetarian meals at Huayan Temple are often families or groups of friends.
Things to Do at Huayan Scenic Area
Buddha Stone Art and Culture Festival: This unique festival in China combines Buddhist philosophy with stone culture art. It enriches cultural tourism through stone collection art, attracting numerous industry experts and enthusiasts of stones and paintings. The event has gained popularity among an increasing number of local citizens.
Rowing on Huayan Lake: Enjoying a boat ride on Huayan Lake is a highlight of visiting Huayan Temple. The calm waters reflect the red walls and green tiles of the temple, creating a serene atmosphere. Gentle breezes create ripples on the surface, while bamboo groves and willows line the shores. The sounds of temple bells, wooden fish, and chanting enhance the peaceful experience, allowing visitors to relax and clear their minds.
Longmen Zhen Resort (Water and Land Theme Park): Adjacent to the scenic area, this theme park is the only one in China that combines local culture with top-notch international amusement rides. It features over 20 attractions, including China’s first multi-dimensional rolling ride, “Wave Roller,” and the first stacked rotating ride, “Millstone Flyer.” This resort offers a mountain-top dreamland filled with local charm.