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Wenshu Monastery, a Buddhist monastery dedicated
to the God of Wisdom (Wenshu), was first built during the Tang dynasty
(618-907AD). It is the largest and best-preserved Buddhist place of worship
in Chengdu. Originally known as Xinxiang Temple, it was renamed after
a Buddhist monk who lived there in the late 17th century. It is believed
that his presence illuminated the monastery.
Covering an area of about 5.5 hectares, the complex consists of almost
200 buildings decorated with exquisite relief carvings, most of them dating
back to the 17th century. Its major structures include Tianwang (Heavenly
King) Hall, Daxiong Hall, scripture-keeping hall and prayer hall.
The temples feature works of art, carvings and over 400 Buddhist statues.
They range from a kasaya embroidered with 1,000 Buddhas by Tian, who was
the imperial concubine of Emperor Chongzhen (1628-1644) in the Ming Dynasty,
an embroidered portrait of Avalokitesvara, scriptures written on Pattra
Leaves from ancient India, a 1,200-year-old gilded Buddhist wheel from
Japan, to a jade Buddha from Burma. The most precious relics are a Bodhivista
embroidered from human hair, books written by 19th century monks using
their own blood, and the skull of Xuanzang, a famous Tang Dynasty Buddhist
master.
Wenshu Monastery is popular and busy and visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere
around the monastery where worshippers buy incense, paper money and items
to burn as offerings. Fortune-tellers and firework stalls all add to the
lively atmosphere at this well-preserved temple.
Admission Fee: RMB 15
Opening Hours: 08:00 to 16:50
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