Gaotang Temple

Gaotang Temple

Gaotang Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Gaotang Temple in Dayi County, Sichuan, was first built during the Taoyuan era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, over 1,600 years ago. It is located about 15 li west of Dayi County, within Dunyi Township, bordered by Shiba Daogou to the east, the summit of Lishan Mountain to the south, high mountains to the west, and Ligang to the north, stretching approximately five to six li. From afar, the mountaintop resembles a reclining Buddha, and the distant back mountain looks like arhats paying homage to the Buddha.

The halls are solemn and magnificent, with pavilions featuring upturned eaves. The site also includes a forest of steles, a pagoda garden, corridors, monastic quarters, guest rooms, dining halls, and a tea garden. A cement road winds up the mountain, and 286 stone steps lead directly from the Mahavira Hall to the Yinghua Hall, as if ascending into the heavens. Over 3,000 ancient and rare trees, some centuries old, stand within the temple grounds, adding to the serene and majestic atmosphere of Gaotang Temple.

Climbing 158 suspended stone steps leads to the Linggong Hall, then another 187 steps take you to the Fuhu Hall, followed by 55 more steps to reach the renowned Yinghua Hall of Gaotang Temple. The Yinghua Patriarch, posthumously honored by Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty, is buried in the main hall of Yinghua on Gaotang Mountain. Gaotang Mountain, Yinghua Peak, Yinghua Hall, and the Yinghua statue in Dayi were all built as commemorative structures in honor of Master Yinghua.

During the one-month-long Yinghua Festival held every June, visitors and devotees from over 20 counties including Meishan, Pengshan, Qionglai, and Pujiang flock to Gaotang Temple in an endless stream. At that time, tens of thousands of worshippers ascend the mountain daily, filling the air with incense smoke and the sound of temple bells. Monks chant sutras in unison, praying for universal peace and happiness.

Address: Dunyi Township, Dayi County, Chengdu City

Type: Temple

Recommended visiting time: About 2 hours

Opening hours:

Only open to visitors during the mountain-opening period from the 28th day of the fifth lunar month to the 28th day of the sixth lunar month each year; closed to the public at other times

Ticket information:

Free admission.