Huayan Tourism Scenic Area

　　The Huayan Scenic Area is situated in the southwestern suburbs of Chongqing in Jiulongpo District, approximately 23 kilometers from the city. It integrates temples, lakes, gardens, forests, mountains, and caves, offering serene and uniquely beautiful scenery. It’s an ideal destination for worshippers to pray and meditate, as well as for travelers and tourists to enjoy the landscape.
　　Huayan Scenic Area is a classic temple garden. Huayan Temple is one of the famous temples in eastern Sichuan and among the top ten monasteries in Southwest China, with a history of over 330 years and 62 abbots. The temple halls are magnificent and grand, with flourishing incense and solemn Buddhist statues. It is also renowned for eight scenic spots: Moon Over Heavenly Pond, Pine Waves on Paling, Distant Buddhist Bells at Dusk, Rain in Sparse Woods, Twin Peaks in Emerald, Ancient Cave with Fish Sounds, Winding Stream and Flowing Sunset, and Cold Cliff Spouting Snow. These poetic and picturesque scenes are rich in Zen inspiration, forming a magnificent spectacle. Among them, “Winding Stream and Flowing Sunset” is listed as one of Chongqing’s Minor Ten Scenic Spots. The ancient architecture within the scenic area is grand in scale, featuring painted beams and carved railings, and is a key cultural relic protected by Chongqing Municipality. The gardens in the area are uniquely charming, with rolling hills, secluded paths, ancient trees, murmuring springs, misty lakes, and lotus flowers drinking dew, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere.
　　Huayan has been widely known since ancient times and has attracted a gathering of literati and dignitaries throughout history. Numerous scholars, poets, officials, and celebrities have visited, either seeking serenity and ancient charm or to converse with monks on Zen. They have left behind hundreds of precious poems, plaques, couplets, calligraphy, and inscriptions. There are also many fascinating legends and captivating stories that leave a lasting impression.
　　Huayan Temple has a long history and is one of the famous temples in Shu region and among the top ten monasteries in Southwest China, known as the “Sacred Realm of Bashan.” It is a municipal-level cultural relic protection unit in Chongqing. Also called Huayan Temple, or Flower Rock Temple, it earned its name because rainwater from the mountain spring splashes down from the cave ceiling during rainfall, resembling scattered blossoms. Legend says that as early as the Tang Dynasty, devotees built huts here to worship the Buddha, and the temple was constructed during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. After various renovations and expansions, the temple now covers an area of 3.3 hectares with a total construction area of 14,000 square meters. It consists of the main buildings, the Jieyin Hall, and the Huayan Cave. The structures are well-preserved, exquisitely beautiful, majestic, and grand. Huayan Temple enjoys widespread fame, attracting numerous worshippers from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and other regions every year. Its reputation extends overseas.
　　The Huayan Scenic Area features ancient temples, stupas, stone carvings, sculptures, ancient bridges, and other humanistic and religious heritage sites. It also includes eight traditional cultural landscapes: “Moon Over Heavenly Pond,” “Pine Waves in Forest,” “Distant Buddhist Bells at Dusk,” “Rain in Sparse Woods,” “Twin Peaks in Emerald,” “Ancient Cave with Rain Sounds,” “Winding Stream and Flowing Sunset,” and “Cold Cliff Spouting Snow.” In addition, there are eight new cultural landscapes under development: “Shadows of Green Waves and Pavilions,” “Clear Streams Merging into the Sea,” “Gazing at the Sky in Prayer,” “Waterfalls Echoing Buddhist Chants,” “Green Mountains and Secluded Abode,” “Fragrance Etched in the Heart,” “Osmanthus Fragrance Lingering,” and “Sunlit Lotus Flowers.” Among them, “Winding Stream and Flowing Sunset” is listed as one of Chongqing’s Minor Ten Scenic Spots.
　　In 1937, Huayan Temple founded the Huayan Buddhist Academy. In May 2005, the Chongqing Buddhist College—the only higher religious education institution in Southwest China approved by the State Administration for Religious Affairs—was officially established within the scenic area.