Holy Water Temple

圣水寺

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Fucheng District, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, China (中国四川省绵阳市涪城区)

  • History: Shengshui Temple in Mianyang is a historic Buddhist temple with origins dating back several centuries. It has served as a center for religious practice, meditation, and community gatherings. The temple has been renovated multiple times while preserving its traditional architecture.

  • Architecture: The temple features classical Chinese Buddhist architecture with tiled roofs, red-painted walls, wooden beams, and intricately carved eaves. The main hall houses statues of Buddha and Guanyin (观音), along with ceremonial drums and bells. Surrounding courtyards contain smaller shrines and incense burners.

  • Cultural Value: Shengshui Temple is a cultural landmark in Mianyang, reflecting both local religious practices and broader Chinese Buddhist traditions. Festivals, prayer ceremonies, and pilgrimages contribute to its ongoing cultural significance.

  • Other Information: The temple is set amidst serene natural surroundings, with gardens and small ponds, providing a peaceful environment for reflection and photography.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Ticket Price: Adult: 30 RMB
    Student: 15 RMB
    Senior Citizens: 20 RMB

  • Best Photo Spots: Main Hall (大殿), Courtyard with incense burners (香炉庭院), Buddha statues (佛像), Temple garden (寺庙花园)

  • Time Reference: 1–2 hours to visit the main temple area; 2–3 hours if including surrounding gardens and meditation areas

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: Mianyang Grand Hotel (绵阳大酒店)
    Century Sunshine Hotel (世纪阳光酒店)
  • Mid-range: Riverside Boutique Hotel (河畔精品酒店)
    Fucheng Inn (涪城客栈)
  • Budget & Boutique: Mianyang Youth Hostel (绵阳青年旅舍)
    Lotus Courtyard Homestay (莲花院民宿)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Mianyang Rice Noodles (绵阳米粉)
    Sichuan Hotpot (四川火锅)
    Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
  • Famous Spots: Shengshui Temple Snack Street (圣水寺小吃街)
    Lao Sichuan Restaurant (老四川餐馆)
    Lotus Garden Restaurant (莲花园餐厅)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Buddhist prayer beads (佛珠)
    Incense sticks (香)
    Miniature Buddha statues (小佛像)
    Local handicrafts and calligraphy items (地方工艺品、书法作品)

Transportation

  • By Car: Drive from Mianyang city center via local roads, approx. 10–15 minutes
  • By Bus: Local buses from Mianyang Bus Station (绵阳汽车站) to the temple area
  • By Taxi: Direct ride from the city center or nearby hotels
  • Walking: From nearby neighborhoods or parking areas, the temple is easily accessible on foot

Nearby Attractions

  • Mianyang Science & Technology Museum (绵阳科技馆) – 1.5 km, walk or short taxi ride
  • Fucheng Park (涪城公园) – 1.8 km, accessible by taxi or walk
  • Ancient Streets of Fucheng (涪城古街) – 2 km, walkable

Tips for Visitors

  • Wear comfortable shoes; temple grounds include stone paths and small stairs
  • Respect temple etiquette: speak softly, do not touch sacred objects, and dress modestly
  • Bring water and light snacks, especially during hot weather
  • Visit early morning or late afternoon for softer lighting for photography
  • Check for religious ceremonies that might affect access to certain areas
  • Consider a guided tour for deeper understanding of temple history and architecture
  • Be mindful of incense smoke and areas designated for prayer

Recommended Itineraries

  • Half-Day Temple Visit: D1: Enter Shengshui Temple → Explore Main Hall and Courtyard → Walk around Temple Garden → Return
    Transport: Walk from parking or taxi
  • Full-Day Cultural Exploration: D1: Shengshui Temple → Fucheng Park → Mianyang Science & Technology Museum → Return to hotel
    Transport: Taxi or local shuttle between attractions
  • Two-Day Heritage & Scenic Tour: D1: Shengshui Temple → Ancient Streets of Fucheng → Overnight at Riverside Boutique Hotel
    D2: Explore local markets and tea houses → Visit nearby cultural exhibitions → Return
    Transport: Taxi, walking, or local shuttle

User Reviews

By Lucky buns |

In Mianyang, this temple is still very popular, especially during the Chinese New Year when it is really crowded!

By Quiet and Cherished |

There are many places still under construction, and there are many places that I haven’t visited yet.

By Yo I like someone |

This place is great, I'll come back next time. Everyone should definitely go.

By Rain marks nearby |

The largest temple in Mianyang, the reclining Buddha is very distinctive, and there are many Buddhist buildings waiting for you to explore (free admission!), and watching the train from the entrance is also a unique experience

By ocean |

Fifteen years ago, I took a spontaneous trip to Mianyang. The next day, I visited Shengshui Temple.

By Lift the corners of your mouth |

A very popular temple, said to be very effective, I have been there twice

By cs |

The sculptures are so beautiful, stunning, detailed, lifelike, and full of lifelike expressions. I'll definitely bring my camera with me to take more photos next time.

By 0Gu Song0 |

I went there twice and it was great. It's quite big and a small part of it is still under renovation.

By Lin |

I never thought that the attractions inside are so unique! It's worth a visit!

By Free as the wind |

Many years ago, it was easy to get there, but now it's well-maintained. However, some areas require a separate fee. What's particularly annoying is that the elderly women who collect the money aren't there at the entrance. I was actually just passing through, and halfway through, they asked me to pay. Their attitude was awful. I said I didn't see a sign saying they charge a fee, and the two elderly women started yelling and cursing at me. I told them I was going to get the money from my husband, who had my bag with him, and they followed me the whole way, afraid I'd run away. It was hilarious. If they want to charge, they charge, why are they playing tricks on me?

By tangerine |

A very spectacular temple, built along the mountain, magnificent, the sculptures are very distinctive, worth a visit

By Liao Zhai° |

I spent the whole morning there today, it's very nice and worth a visit. It's also very, very big.

By Fish in water (male) |

It's just a small temple, you don't need to go there

By chy |

It is considered to be a relatively large temple in Mianyang, but it is still a temple after all. There is nothing much to see. It feels like temples across the country are the same. If you believe in Buddhism, you can go and have a look.

By Monkey loves to eat sauce |

I went there just to see the sleeping Buddha. There were some things being repaired when I went there.

By Walking together on the road |

During the Chinese New Year every year, the Shengshui Temple is filled with incense and smoke, making it look like it is on fire.

By yooy758-0 |

Shengshui Temple - with reclining Buddha - beautiful scenery - is a good tourist spot

By 🌸Snow Girl |

Very good, good decision to pace the bacteriologist

By waning moon |

I originally planned to go from Mianyang to Jiuzhaigou via Guangyuan and then back to Xi'an, but for some reason, I changed my mind when I arrived at the Jiuzhaigou bus station in the morning and bought a ticket back to Mianyang. When the bus entered the city of Mianyang, I accidentally saw the Shengshui Temple on the side of the road. A mysterious opportunity brought me to this temple built in the Tang Dynasty. The temple is quite large, and the banners hanging inside and outside the temple seem to have a great influence. What shocked me the most were the statues, of Arhats, Buddhas, etc. I forgot about time and my physical fatigue. . . . .

By Liu Jia |

The environment is very good, it was a bit hot when I went there

By Mountains, seas, deserts |

There are many fortune tellers at the foot of the mountain. The temple built on the mountain is very beautiful when viewed from the bridge.

By Cold Eyes |

A famous local temple is still under construction. I'm concerned that some of the text carved into the temple has grammatical errors or typos. Such errors shouldn't occur in such a sacred place. Perhaps financial support is insufficient. I suggest that Shengshui Temple be properly developed and made into a landmark temple in Mianyang.

By loiiis-lysea |

I had seen it before on the train and thought it was beautiful. Later, I had the opportunity to go to Shengshui Temple with my friends. The Buddha wall is really beautiful and colorful, perfect for taking pictures. The Buddha statue is also very unique and interesting. We climbed the long staircase. You can challenge it. I am a little afraid of heights, but I still climbed it and felt very accomplished. However, my legs were weak and shaking halfway up, so I had to hold on to the handrail to climb up. The other buildings in Shengshui Temple have a more Southeast Asian feel, mostly white, and there are stone elephant statues and other things. We rested in the temple, and the grandmother let us take scriptures to read for free.

By Sauce sauce sauce sauce |

I went there for the sleeping Buddha, which was so long...

By Peach Blossoms |

The largest temple in Mianyang is really huge. The whole mountain is a temple. If you are traveling to Mianyang and have extra time, you can come and visit it.

By Fuko Miyazaki |

I read through the comments and saw someone write that my heart calmed down when I came in. I couldn't help but want to complain. I also want to calm down... We walked to the temple where 500 monks and nuns are practicing. We went in through the side door and walked around. An old lady said a lot of things, such as "come and do some good deeds, five yuan." I thought I wanted to buy incense again, so I said "no thanks." But when I walked out, I heard the old lady say "what's the point of leaving?" I walked around to the main door and found out that I actually had to pay. Then I walked to the Eighteen Hells Haunted House below and paid ten yuan. Going up to the Ten Thousand Buddha Wall also cost ten yuan... To be honest, the sculptures along the way were really haphazardly built and not very worth seeing. They are indeed very tall, but they can be used for exercise.

By Navigator |

I went here in 2011 by bicycle with my classmates from Jiangyou. The temple is very big and has a lot of incense. It is not like other tourist attractions that are designed to cheat people. It is worth a visit for those who believe in Buddhism.

By Oily Hair_ |

This is that holy water, not that holy water, 2333333

By Lili's Travel |

A different angle, a different Holy Water Temple.

By High Mountain and Flowing Water |

Neijiang Shengshui Temple is located at Haozikou in the northwest of Neijiang City, Sichuan Province, on the right bank of the Tuojiang River, approximately 2 kilometers from the city center. One of the eight great Buddhist monasteries in Sichuan Province, it is known as the "First Zen Monastery in Central Sichuan." Due to its long history, numerous historical sites, and numerous distinguished monks, it enjoys a high status in Sichuan's Buddhist community.

Neijiang City's Shengshui Temple, a Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Site, was first built during the Tang Xiantong period (860-873). It was named after a spring behind the temple that overflowed year-round and was considered a "spiritual spring" or "holy water." After expansion in the early Song Dynasty, it was renamed "Xingci Zen Temple," also known as "Shengshui Xingci Temple." At the end of the Song Dynasty, it was restored to "Shengshui Temple."

By haiyang |

Shengshui Temple has been around for quite some time and holds a special place in the hearts of the local people. This is especially true during the Lunar New Year's Eve, when thousands of people rush to burn incense at midnight. The scene is spectacular, with crowds thronging the area, each hoping for good omens for the coming year.

By Fei Ai Mango |

The temple is very large, and the most worth seeing is the sleeping Buddha.

By Beautiful Phoenix |

There are so many people during the Chinese New Year. Every time I go home, the train passes by Shengshui Temple. I have wanted to go and see it many times. This time I finally got to see the beautiful scenery.

By MURPHY |

During the Spring Festival, this is where people burn incense and worship Buddha. There are many steps, so it will be more difficult to climb here.

By Ultra Egg |

There are many Buddha statues, and the images are very vivid, so you should go there.

By Shirley Coke 🍍 |

The sky is a little blue, with the little bastard, Gong Maodie, and Feng Ying

By Mr. Zhao from Langzhong |

I personally don’t like these historical and religious attractions.

By Wake up and fall asleep without knowing it |

Shengshui Temple and Luohan Temple are together. Generally, Shengshui Temple is enough. There is a bus from the train station that goes directly to Shengshui Temple. There is no entrance fee, but there are still many people there on weekends.

If you are visiting, it is recommended that after crossing the bridge, do not enter the Linji Sect temple from the gate. Take the path on the right. When you encounter a long staircase, do not go up. Continue forward to Baixiao Hall, follow the statues until you reach the reclining Buddha, and then continue up the mountain along the Buddha statues. This section is more distinctive. Many places in the middle are ordinary temples with no special features. When you go down, there is a group of red or white statues, which feels very good. You can try to find familiar Buddha statues in it.

The main feature of Shengshui Temple and Luohan Temple is these statues. There is nothing special about the other statues. The whole tour can be completed in about an hour.

By Back to back |

Recently, the Duishui Temple has been under renovation and is nearing completion. It is quite large and you can burn incense and pray for peace inside! It is a good place to cultivate your body and mind and purify your soul!

By You |

It is good for locals to have such a temple. If you come from far away, there is no need to miss it. There is only a sleeping Buddha to see.

By Hot eyes cute |

When we went there on the first day of the Lunar New Year, we just felt that there were too many people and it was chaotic. They just asked us to donate money, but that was it.

By Bonjourlhasa |

Every New Year's Day, I go there and it's so crowded that I can't even bring in long incense sticks. I don't even have to walk; I'm just squeezed in.

By Jiaer |

What a magnificent Buddhist complex, the whole mountain is covered with red-tiled temples, white pagodas, and a huge reclining Buddha.

By Bangkok Second Miss |

It is a newly built temple, which is quite large. You can go and see it if you are on your way.

By Jing Xiaoqi |

Every year after the Chinese New Year, many people go to burn incense and worship Buddha. It is said to be very effective.

By Shadowless |

There are many sculptures inside, and they are very good. I highly recommend you to go and see them; they are real monks who eat vegetarian food and chant Buddhist scriptures.

By lovers gray |

Shengshui Temple is worth a visit, whether you believe in Buddhism or not. Those who believe in Buddhism can go to see the Buddha, and those who do not believe in Buddhism can go to experience the magnificence. The whole temple is built like a gathering of gods, which makes you worship and bow down to the gods. When walking on the road, you can't help but bow your head and clasp your hands.

By __.Over |

Holy Water Temple is nice, I like it very much and will come here again if I have the chance

By Put sadness into Bra |

A relatively commercial temple, I think it is the largest temple in Mianyang City. You can burn incense and worship Buddha while climbing the mountain. There is nothing special about it. Many of the stone carvings are added later. If I had a recommendation, I would recommend going to the Qiqushan Temple.

By Earl |

The Buddhist holy land has a peaceful state of mind and makes people feel awe

By danboyuxin |

A large temple nestled into the hillside of Mianyang. Every New Year's Eve, police close the road early, forcing citizens to walk 2 kilometers to be the first to light the incense. On the way to the incense, there's no need to worry about how to move forward (there are so many people that you feel like you're moving forward without even walking), or what to do if you step on someone (you're so tired of stepping on them, and those who are stepped on never complain).

By Watermelon without seeds |

My friend wanted to visit Shengshui Temple in Mianyang. The temple is very large and has many unique carvings. It's not bad.

By Ending |

Shengshui Temple is an old temple in Mianyang. The environment around the temple is good. When you enter the temple, you will feel calm.

By Yanjia Xiaomian |

A favorite place for Mianyang residents to burn incense and worship Buddha. Shengshui Temple is so efficacious that many people often line up to light the first stick of incense on New Year's Eve. What impressed me most was the cloud ladder, which I always climb.

By momomin |

There are many Buddhas, not much different from most temples in China

By Mingyang |

I burned incense and prayed with my friends. The temple is very big. We walked up the mountain layer by layer. There was a temple at the top that was still under construction. There was no ticket at that time. We had vegetarian food there at noon.

By Drrrrui |

That one is a bit like a haunted house and it's really scary.

By 123 |

Shengshui Temple is a relatively large temple with many spectacular buildings and a lot of incense. It is a good place to visit if you have nothing to do.

By Xiangxiang |

The Shengshui Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty. The water quality is very good and is regarded as a spiritual spring by the locals.

By Xin. |

The most eye-catching attraction is the sleeping Buddha in the temple, with a serene face. Worshiping the sleeping Buddha can bring you a happy life and, most importantly, a sound sleep.

By Mr. Y |

It feels like a very nice place. In May 2015, there was no entrance fee and it was still under construction, but it was very beautiful inside, especially the sculpture group consisting of many Buddha statues, which were vivid and very beautiful.

By Little Snow Elf |

There's no entrance fee. Shengshui Temple is the largest temple in Mianyang and is incredibly popular. It's packed with people on the first and fifteenth day of every month. We went on the second day, and it was still quite crowded, but unfortunately we didn't get to see the huge crowds.

By A Nian |

It's just average, I don't recommend going here. Go there if you really have nothing to do.

By xuziying |

[cp] Shengshui Temple, Luohan Temple. "In the early morning, I entered the ancient temple, the first rays of the sun shone through the tall trees. A winding path led to a secluded place, where a Zen room was nestled among flowers and trees. The mountain scenery delighted the birds, while the reflections of the lake emptied the human heart. All sounds were silent, only the sound of bells and chimes could be heard."

By Jiuzhaigou chartered car 13568797483 |

The temple is very tall and it is said that the Buddha is very powerful. I went there to worship him.

By Baili Tusu |

As the largest temple in Mianyang, Shengshui Temple can be considered quite good and worth a visit. There is a big sleeping Buddha that is beautiful to look at. It takes about an hour and a half to visit!

By Hawkeye |

I can see it every time when the train passes Mianyang, and the one that impressed me the most is the reclining Buddha.

By Drunk and dusty |

Shengshui Temple has been under construction non-stop in recent years... Every time you go up there once in a while, you will find that there are more Bodhisattvas. It is also good to burn incense and worship Buddha occasionally. Life still needs some faith.

By Follow me everywhere |

Mianyang Shengshui Temple is located on the southern foot of Tazi Mountain on the right bank of the Fu River west of the city. It has been famous for its Longquan Holy Water since ancient times. The temple is large and has many Buddha statues.

By mumbling |

The scenery is pretty good. It is a temple culture. The most distinctive feature is a large sleeping Buddha. It is quite worth a visit.

By Bai Yiyi |

When I was studying, I would go to worship Buddha whenever I had nothing to do. The temple is very beautiful and well-maintained. I have been there several times, with my family, my gay friends, my friends, and him.

By Silence |

I went there once in my freshman year. It is said to be the largest

By Wu Travel |

It's in the city, the incense is quite prosperous, it's a good place to escape the heat in the summer, and the trees are growing well.

By Hello tomorrow! |

I went there when I was in school. It was a place for worshipping Buddha. The long stone steps were very tiring to climb. I haven't been there for several years. I wonder how it has changed now.

By Sweet potatoes |

It was a bit crowded and the stairs were quite high, giving it a solemn and dignified feeling, but it was still worth a visit. It is said that the first incense stick during the Spring Festival is very, very, very expensive!!!


The attractions mentioned in the left itinerary


More attractions in MianYang


Popular attractions in Sichuan

Top attractions in Chengdu

Top attractions in Danba

Top attractions in Daocheng

Top attractions in Dujiangyan

Top attractions in Jiuzhaigou

Top attractions in Kangding

Top attractions in Leshan

Top attractions in Lixian

Top attractions in MianYang

Top attractions in Mount Emei

Top attractions in Ruoergai

Top attractions in Seda

Top attractions in Wenchuan

Top attractions in Xichang

Top attractions in Yaan

Top attractions in Yibin