Wanzhou Mituo Chan Temple

　　The Wanzhou Beishan Mituo Chan Temple in Chongqing was first built in the mid-Ming Dynasty. It has been known by various names over time, including Zhonghuai Temple and Zhonggulou Mituo Chan Temple. It is situated at the eastern end of First Road in Wanzhou District. It is a long-renowned Buddhist temple in the Three Gorges region and even across Southwest China. The original Zhonggulou Mituo Chan Temple was located at the eastern end of First Road in the urban area of Wanzhou, standing proudly by the Yangtze River. It was built during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong reign and renovated in the 16th year of the Guangxu reign (1890). Legend has it that a divine temple bell flew down and landed there one night, hence the name “Zhonggulou” (Bell and Drum Tower). The temple, perched majestically on the riverbank with its upturned eaves and sweeping roofs, boasts an imposing presence. A local saying praises it: “Wanzhou has a Zhonggulou, half of which stretches into the sky.”

　　At its peak, the temple housed over 300 monks. The morning bells and evening drums, along with the resonant chanting of sutras, truly made it a “heavenly paradise on earth.” As a result, Mituo Chan Temple became not only a highly esteemed Buddhist monastery in Southwest China but also gained fame across China and around the world. Due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the original Zhonggulou Mituo Chan Temple was located within the area to be submerged. To rescue, protect, and develop the valuable historical and cultural heritage of the Three Gorges Reservoir region, between 1996 and 1998, with the approval of both the former Tiancheng District People's Government and the Wanzhou County People's Government, it was decided to relocate the Mituo Chan Temple to the mountainside of Duli Mountain—one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Wanzhou” (namely, “Duli Soaring to the Sky”)—which has long been a sacred religious site, now known as Beishan Guan.

　　Beishan Guan enjoys a superior geographical location, convenient transportation, and enchanting scenery. After the completion of the Three Gorges Project, it is surrounded by water on three sides and backed by mountains on the other, making it a true “fairyland on a celestial mountain” and the “Pearl of the Yangtze.” The newly built Mituo Chan Temple is situated along the dragon ridge of Beishan Guan, covering an area of 16.2 mu. It consists of the main hall, auxiliary halls, meditation rooms, dharma hall, scripture depository, prayer pagoda, Seven Star Cluster, as well as a guest reception building and service facilities. It integrates a Buddhist activity venue, specialized tourism facilities, and modern funeral services, highlighting two main features: a sacred Buddhist destination and a scenic tourist area.

　　Address: No. 199, Yizhi Road, Beishan Guan, Wanzhou District, Chongqing City (Qifu Pagoda Cemetery)