Neijiang Shengshui Temple

Neijiang Shengshui Temple

Neijiang Shengshui Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Introduction to Neijiang Shengshui Temple Located in the suburbs of Neijiang City, Sichuan Province, Shengshui Temple is one of the eight major Buddhist monasteries in Sichuan, renowned as the “Foremost Zen Forest in Central Sichuan.” With its long history, abundant historical relics, and a legacy of eminent monks, it holds a revered status in Sichuan’s Buddhist community. It now serves as the headquarters of the Neijiang Buddhist Association. The temple was initially constructed during the Xiantong era of the Tang Dynasty (860–870 AD). It was first named Xingci Chan Monastery in the Song Dynasty. Later, due to a spring that flowed year-round from behind the mountain, producing clear, sweet, and refreshing water regarded as sacred, the temple was renamed “Shengshui Temple” (Sacred Water Temple).

Covering an area of 20,000 square meters with a construction area of over 8,000 square meters, Shengshui Temple consists of more than 200 temple buildings and houses a resident monastic community of 50-plus monks. It offers well-equipped accommodation and dining facilities. The temple complex follows a mountain-style, courtyard-based layout. It is divided into four main courtyards: along the central axis from west to east are the Yuange Lou (Hall of Perfect Enlightenment), the Scripture Depository, the Mahavira Hall, and the Heavenly King Hall—all in Ming and Qing architectural styles. Flanking the central axis are corridors housing rooms such as the Guest Hall, the Five Contemplations Hall, the Meditation Hall, and the Buddha-Recitation Hall. To the left of the temple are the Jade Buddha Hall, the Three Saints Hall, and the Medicine Buddha Hall; further left are the Guanyin Hall and the Ksitigarbha Hall. On the right side of the temple, the Ancestral Master Hall forms an independent courtyard. The temple currently houses 67 stone niches with over 450 carved figures, stretching over 60 meters in total. These carvings can be categorized by dynasty into groups from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods. In terms of content, they include teachings, the propagation of Buddhist doctrines, moral instruction, and inspirations for making vows and prayers. Subject-wise, they feature both religious and secular themes. Among them, the Thousand-Handed Guanyin carving and the Twelve Enlightened Ones in Yuange Lou represent the distinct sculptural styles of the Tang and Song dynasties, respectively. Additionally, the stone arch bridge and the Liberation Pond built during the Ming Dynasty, as well as the inscribed stupa in front of the Scripture Depository, hold significant historical value. The temple is also celebrated for its rich collection of calligraphy, especially the bold, elegant inscriptions “Shengshui Temple” and “Shengshui Rock Inscription” penned by the Ming Dynasty scholar Zhao Zhenji, which are highly valued for their artistic merit.

Protective Boundary: Defined by the existing perimeter wall.

Construction Control Zone: East to 77 meters beyond the mountain gate to Binjiang Road; South to 20 meters outside the outer wall of the Ancestral Master Hall; West to 20 meters outside the outer wall of Yuange Lou; North to the line along the railway hospital and the former Armed Police building cliff to Binjiang Road.

Address: Shengjiang Road, Shizhong District, Neijiang City

Type: Temple

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Opening Hours: 8:30–17:00

Ticket Information: Door Price: 1.0 RMB

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units