Luojiang Wanfo Temple

Luojiang Wanfo Temple

Luojiang Wanfo Temple is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Wanfo Temple is located at the western foot of Da Huo Mountain in Luojiang County, historically known as "Luozhen Guan." Surrounded by a tranquil environment and lush forests, it’s an ideal summer retreat. The temple complex follows the mountain’s contours, standing majestically. Originally built during the reign of Emperor Xianzong of Tang (812 AD), it experienced several periods of prosperity and decline across the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, before being destroyed in warfare during the late Ming period. During the Kangxi era, a Guanghan monk named Yunhai, carrying his master’s ashes, arrived at Da Huo Mountain and settled at Luozhen Guan. He cleared the land through sheer determination, practiced asceticism, and raised funds to build the Wanfa Hall, after which the temple was renamed Wanfo Temple, a name it still bears today. The temple complex spans five halls: the Three Gates Hall, the Bodhisattva Hall, the Seven Buddhas Hall, the Mahavira Hall, and the Western Trinity Hall.

The temple’s mountain gate and stone staircase originally had 53 steps, symbolizing the 53 visits of Sudhana. Later, they were changed to 81 steps, representing the eighty-one trials in Buddhist tradition. With steep terrain and many steps, please walk carefully—but also remember not to fear hardship, as sincerity brings blessings: “The most magnificent views lie atop perilous peaks.” Ahead stands the red screen wall in front of the temple, bearing the couplet: “Cultivate vast fields of merit, ascend together to longevity.” It reminds us to pursue both material and spiritual advancement. The wall also features teachings for righteous living, such as: “All bodhisattvas who cultivate the sacred path must understand these four essential methods.” This distills wisdom from past sages, advising people to associate with good companions, avoid wicked ones, and discern truth from falsehood. Behind the wall reads: “Do not dismiss small evils, thinking they bring no harm—though a single drop is tiny, it can fill a great vessel. All evils accumulate gradually from the small. Do not undervalue small good deeds, thinking they bring no blessing—though a single drop is tiny, it can fill a great vessel. All blessings accumulate bit by bit.” Thus, every act that benefits humanity, no matter how small, is worth doing.

[Three Gates Hall]

The first hall, the “Three Gates Hall,” enshrines Maitreya Buddha at its center, smiling warmly to welcome all visitors. Born in the late Tang Dynasty in Fenghua, Zhejiang, Maitreya is depicted with an iconic couplet: “A vast belly that embraces heaven, earth, and all people; laughter that laughs at the past, present, and everything.” This teaches how to face life’s challenges. Flanking him are the Four Heavenly Kings—Dhritarashtra (East), Virudhaka (South), Virupaksha (West), and Vaishravana (North). Have you noticed they appear in nearly every temple, usually in the first hall? Historically, they heard the Buddha’s teachings, practiced selflessness, and were rewarded with heavenly status for their good deeds. Grateful to the Buddha, they vowed to protect all temples—hence their name.

[Bodhisattva Hall]

Ascending the stone steps, you’ll reach the second hall—the “Bodhisattva Hall.” On the left sits Manjushri, riding a blue lion and holding a wish-fulfilling scepter, symbolizing wisdom. Known as the foremost in wisdom among buddhas, he’s often visited by those seeking insight. On the right is Samantabhadra, seated on a white elephant and holding a lotus, representing universal virtue and benevolence. Many come here to pray for peace and success.

[Seven Buddhas Hall]

Welcome to the “Seven Buddhas Hall.” The plaque above, inscribed by Luojiang’s Qing-era magistrate Mian, originally read “Flying Ancient Buddhas”—but the original statues were lost in turmoil, later replaced with seven buddhas, hence the new name. Nearby are two invaluable steles: one bears poems by Li Tiaoyuan, a renowned scholar of Qing-dynasty Leshan, written during his 1790 visit with monk Huiji. The other is a Ming Dynasty epitaph by Guangxi official Zhang Su, mourning the late Wu Baiya. Both are treasured relics of Luojiang.

[Mahavira Hall]

At the heart of the complex lies the “Mahavira Hall,” built in Ming-style grandeur with resplendent golden rooftops. It serves as the monks’ daily practice hall and a site for Buddhist memorial rites. The central statue is Shakyamuni Buddha, teaching virtue and compassion. Surrounding him are 18 uniquely posed arhats. Walk further back to find Guanyin Bodhisattva, modeled after the South Sea Goddess. Why is she associated with the South Sea? A legend explains: during Buddhism’s peak in Tang China, Japanese envoys sought to bring a revered bronze Guanyin statue home, but storms forced them to shelter at Mount Putuo—where they built a temple, dubbing her the “Unwilling-to-Sail Guanyin.”

[Western Trinity Hall]

The final hall, the “Western Trinity Hall,” houses the three saints of the Pure Land. Behind it lie serene stupas commemorating past eminent monks. Notice how the temple structures rise tiered along the mountain—a local belief holds this symbolizes career advancement or business prosperity, depending on your path.

[Arhat Cave]

Stretching 125 meters, the Arhat Cave houses 500 marble arhat statues—said to be selected disciples of the historical Buddha. A fun tradition: count from a random statue until you reach one matching your age—that’s your “true form.” Explore and see which deity aligns with your fortune.

[Jade Buddha Cave]

Inside the Jade Buddha Cave rests a serene jade Buddha, carved from genuine Burmese jade. Its purity enhances the temple’s spiritual aura. A moment of quiet reverence here calms the mind.

[Ginkgo Tree]

This ancient ginkgo, over 1,900 years old and planted in the Han Dynasty, stands 32 meters tall with a 12-meter trunk. Its hollow core can fit an eight-person dining table, earning it the title “First Tree of Bashu.” Legend says it survived three fires, miraculously regrowing each time. One tale recounts a wandering monk witnessing a white-clad woman vanishing behind the tree—prompting a fire that destroyed it. After monks prayed and watered it with blessed springwater, new sprouts emerged, cementing its legendary status.

1. Wanfo Temple

Protected area: 5 meters beyond temple walls on east, south, and north; 5 meters west of the “Da Huo Mountain Wanfo Temple” archway.

Construction control zone: 50 meters east of protected area; 50 meters south; 100 meters west; 100 meters north.

2. Penglai Stone Archway

Protected area: 5 meters beyond the archway base.

Construction control zone: 50 meters beyond protected area.

Source: Public Information Network of Luojiang County People’s Government

Further reading:

· The Eighth Batch of Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units