Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
 Wenshu Monastery

Wenshu Monastery

Written by Kelly PangUpdated Nov. 14, 2023

Summary

Wenshu Monastery is the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu, and also serves now as the home of the Buddhist Association of both Sichuan Province and Chengdu City.

Overview

Initially built in the Southern Dynasty (420–589), Wenshu Monastery, once called Xinxiang Monastery, was the most eminent Buddhist temple in Sichuan Province. Covering an area of 60,000 square meters square meters (14.8 acres), the whole temple faces south with five layers of complex of buildings, Tianwang Hall, Sandashi Hall, Daxiong Baodian Hall, Shuofa Hall, and Cangjing Tower respectively from the gate. The clock tower and the drum tower, the dinning hall and the guest hall were constructed symmetrically, with corridors and columns connecting them.

Recommended tours:

Wenshu Monastery ChengduInterior view of the Wenshu Monastery

Culture Relics

Cultural relics are the highlights of Wenshun Monastery. Since the Tang (618–907) and Song Dynasties (960–1279), over 500 pieces of painting and calligraphy by celebrities have been stored here. In the Sutra-Preservation Pavilion, many famous handwriting exhibits, paintings, and artwork are restored. These precious works of art were created by renowned Chinese painters and calligraphers, including Zhang Daqian, Zheng Banqiao, and Feng Zikai. Besides, among the millions of Buddhist sutra preserved in Cangjing Tower, the Apothecary and Diamond Sutra bestowed by Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty are of extreme research value.

Of all the precious relics, the monastery houses some 300 Buddha statues of various materials including iron, bronze, stone, wood, and jade, some gloriously painted. These unearthed statues were constructed in different historical periods, Tang Dynasty, Song Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. In particular, Myanmar Jade Buddha statues are of the high cultural and artistic value.

Wenshu MonasteryThe Thousand Buddha Pagoda

These masterworks of art of both ancient and contemporary China, serve as a testimony to her friendly exchanges with the world.

In addition, inside the monastery preserved some precious Buddhist staff, such as the parietal bone of Master Xuan Zang of Tang Dynasty, India Pattra-leaf scriptures, Japan gold-plated scriptures, Thousand-Buddha cassock, hair embroidery Guanyin, Tiaosha Wenshu. The parietal bone of Master Xuan Zang, in particular, is one of the three pieces only preserved in China.

Chengdu Tour Inquiry

Travel Essentials

  • Location: it is located at No. 15 Wenshu Yuan Street, Chengu, Sichuan Province.
  • How to get there: Travelers can take buses No.1, 16, 18, 55, 62, 64 and 75 and get off at the Wenshu Monastery (文殊院) Stop.
  • Open time: 9:00–17:00
Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why China Highlights

Save Your Time

Save Your Time

  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning.
  • Seamless coordination
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfaction

Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • Well-trained elite 20% of guides.
  • 20% vacancy on vehicles.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Live Your China Story

Live Your China Story

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles.
  • Understand the culture by living it.
  • Uncover fascinating histories and witness New China.
Rated 5 out of 5 | 98.8% Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China