Wenshu Monastery (文殊院), located in Chengdu’s Qingyang District, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of Buddhist culture, serene surroundings, and traditional Sichuan aesthetics. This half-day guide will take you through the key highlights of the monastery, including its iconic halls, photo-worthy locations, and unique experiences like vegetarian dining, tea tasting, and scripture copying. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, this guide will help you make the most of your time at this historic and spiritual site.
Location and Transportation
Address: No. 66, Wenshu Yuan Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan (四川省成都市青羊区文殊院街66号)
By Metro: Take Metro Line 1 to Wenshu Monastery Station (文殊院站), Exit K. Walk 500 meters to reach the monastery.
By Car: Navigate to Wenshu Monastery Parking Lot (文殊院停车场). An underground parking facility is available, making it very convenient for drivers.
Hall Highlights and Layout
Heavenly Kings Hall (天王殿): Features the Mountain Gate and enshrines the Maitreya Buddha along with the Four Heavenly Kings.
Wenshu Pavilion (文殊阁)
- The first floor houses the “Konglin Lecture Hall (空林讲堂).”
- The second floor contains the Konglin Buddhist Library.
- The third floor showcases the Ten Thousand Buddha Tower (万佛塔).
Main Hall (大雄宝殿): Don’t miss the iron “Fu (福)” character here. Touch it for good luck and bring home a red envelope charm!
Sutra Library (藏经楼): This hall preserves sacred relics, including the Buddha’s relics and the skull relic of the monk Xuanzang (玄奘法师).
Three Sages Hall (三大士殿/观音殿): Dedicated to three great bodhisattvas: Guanyin, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra.
Preaching Hall (说法堂/药师殿): Features the “Konglin (空林)” calligraphy written by Emperor Kangxi.
Suggested Walking Route
- Enter through the Mountain Gate (山门).
- Pick up three incense sticks at the right-hand side.
- Visit the Three Sages Hall (三大士殿).
- Proceed to the Main Hall (大雄宝殿).
- Explore the Preaching Hall (说法堂) and the Sutra Library (藏经阁).
- Head to the Jade Buddha Hall (玉佛殿) and Yuantong Hall (圆通殿).
- Wander through the Stele Forest (碑林) and admire the Thousand Buddha Pagoda (千佛塔).
- Exit via the Small Mountain Gate (小山门) and take photos by the red walls.
Dining, Tea, and Scripture Copying Options
Located behind the Five Main Halls, the Xiangyuan Zen Experience Area (香园禅意体验区) offers relaxing dining and tea-drinking experiences:
Xiangxin Hall (香心厅): Offers self-service vegetarian meals and hotpot. A la carte options are available, though they can be pricey and are not highly recommended.
Fuhui Hall (福慧厅): Opens at 10 AM and offers a tranquil environment perfect for scripture copying. A pot of tea grants access to this peaceful space.
Xiangyuan Courtyard (香园庭院内): Enjoy Baba Tea (坝坝茶) or opt for a cozy tea session by the fire. This area is ideal for cooler weather.
Photography Tips
Wenshufang’s Red Walls: Look for the green tiles and the golden inscription “World Peace, Human Happiness (世界和平，人类幸福)” on the walls. The Zen vibes are elevated by the three adorable stone statue pillars nearby.
Monastery’s Yellow Walls: The yellow entrance gate of Wenshu Monastery is symbolic of auspiciousness and brightness. The couplet above reads: “Profound wisdom enriches heaven and earth; the sect’s legacy transcends past and present (睿泽深天地，宗风越古今).”
Konglin Lecture Hall: During autumn and winter, the ancient ginkgo tree in front of the lecture hall pairs beautifully with the monastery’s wooden structures, creating a stunning black-and-gold color palette. Use a wide-angle lens for large-scale shots.