Guangyan Chan Temple

Guangyan Chan Temple

Guangyan Chan Temple, also known as "Ancient Temple," is located on Fengqi Mountain in Jiezi Town, Chongzhou, Sichuan. The ancient temple was first built during the Jin Dynasty. Over the dynasties, it has suffered several major damages and undergone multiple reconstructions. Due to its long history and age, later generations commonly referred to it as the Ancient Temple. Over time, the nickname became the official name, while the original name, Guangyan Chan Temple, is seldom mentioned.

Guangyan Chan Temple is nestled within an ancient forest, surrounded by nearly a thousand acres of towering ancient cypresses, nanmu trees, firs, and ginkgos—rare and precious trees that create a natural oxygen bar. In summer, the average daily temperature here is 4 to 5 degrees lower than in the plains, making it the closest large forested area to Chengdu. It is also an ideal destination for monastics, devotees, and tourists seeking spiritual practice, rest, and sightseeing. Below the temple lies the Meihua Village leisure resort, where various varieties of red and black plum blossoms bloom vibrantly in winter, adding a unique solemnity and spirituality to the ancient temple hidden among the fragrant plum blossoms. The temple features double-eaved, gracefully designed pavilions and halls, exuding an elegant and rustic charm. The plaque hanging above the temple gate, inscribed with “Guangyan Chan Temple,” was personally written and bestowed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. The Zen-inspired couplet by Governor-General of Sichuan, Jiuchangheng, and the cursive calligraphy “Scripture Depository” by Yu Youren are well preserved. The temple is famed for possessing three treasures: the earliest carved Southern Buddhist Canon, palm-leaf manuscripts in Sanskrit, and imperial-bestowed top-grade relics, earning it the title of “The Foremost Sacred Site in Western Sichuan.”

Nowadays, Guangyan Chan Temple mainly consists of the Lower Ancient Temple, as the Upper Ancient Temple was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. However, under the efforts of the current abbot, Venerable Shi Yongyi, who raised funds through various means, the main hall of the Upper Ancient Temple has been rebuilt. The ancient temple now boasts a renewed look and warmly welcomes Buddhists and visitors from all directions.

Deep within the forests of Fengqi Mountain, standing tall amidst towering trees, is a three-bay antique-style memorial archway inscribed with “Guangyan Chan Temple” and “Fairyland on Earth,” written by Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China. Guangyan Chan Temple is the so-called Ancient Temple. Originally built during the Sui Dynasty and initially named Chang Le Temple, it was destroyed during the reign of Emperor Wuzong of Tang. In the fifth year of the Xiantong era (864 AD) under Emperor Yizong of Tang, it was reconstructed by Monk Shansi, dating back over 1,100 years. During the Song Dynasty, it was called Cuiwei Temple, and later also known as Chang Le Temple. In the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, to avoid the use of the character “Le” (which was taboo), Prince Zhu Chun of Shu petitioned for an imperial decree to rename the temple “Guangyan Chan Temple,” hence it was also called Guangyan Temple. By the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi specially bestowed a plaque inscribed with “Guangyan Chan Temple” upon the temple, which is the one currently hanging above the main gate. Due to its long history and age, later generations commonly referred to it as the Ancient Temple. Over time, the nickname became the official name, while the original name, Guangyan Chan Temple, is seldom mentioned.

Address: Fengqi Mountain, Jiezi Ancient Town, Chongzhou City, Chengdu

Type: Temple

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Opening hours:

8:00-18:00

Ticket information:

Free admission.