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Visit the Chong'an Temple to appreciate its architecture, history, and Buddhist culture. Explore the temple grounds, view the statues, and attend prayers or ceremonies if available. Don't forget to stroll through the surrounding streets, which are rich in local culture.
Wuxi Chong'an Temple (also known as Sikkim Park) is the first temple in Liangxi and a famous scenic spot in Wuhui. The scenic area is named after the Chong'an Temple with a history of more than 1,600 years. It is a national AAAA-level scenic spot, but its temple no longer exists.
Chong'an Temple has been Wuxi's political, commercial, and cultural center since ancient times. The adjacent Dongxu Palace boasts a history of over 500 years. A side room in its Sanqing Hall is the former residence of Abing, the author of the world-famous song "Erquan Yingyue."
The public garden, built in 1905, is the earliest park in China open to the public free of charge. It is known as the No. 1 park in China. It has 24 scenic spots, including Fangtang Academy, Thatched Cottage on the Pond, Embroidered Clothes Worshiping the Stone, Talking about the Past in the Thatched Cottage, Greenery on the Pine Cliff, Testing the Spring with White Water, Listening to the Piano While the Orchid Moves, and Birdsong in the Cherry Blossom Grove.
Wuxi, with its prosperous city due to temples, flourishing gardens due to streets and thriving commerce, is known as "Little Shanghai". Chong'an Temple, with its unique style and charm, has become one of the four characteristic blocks in the south of the Yangtze River, along with Shanghai City God Temple, Nanjing Confucius Temple and Suzhou Xuanmiao Temple.
Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
Travel time: All seasons are suitable for travel
Sightseeing spots: Fangtang Academy, Chishang Thatched Cottage, Embroidered Clothes Worshiping the Stone, Chatting about the Past in the Thatched Cottage, Green Pine Cliffs, Baishui Spring, Listening to the Orchid Music, Birdsong in the Cherry Blossom Field
Recommended play time: 3-4 hours
No tickets required, free to visit.
Open all year round
Chong'an Temple, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, is one of Wuxi’s most important and historical temples. It is significant not only for its spiritual importance but also for its role in the city's cultural heritage.
Chong'an Temple is located in the city center of Wuxi. It is easily accessible by metro (Wuxi Metro Line 1, Chong'an Temple station), bus, taxi, or walking from downtown areas.
The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the temple is less crowded, and the lighting is perfect for photography.
The entrance fee is typically around 20-30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple's ticket booth. Online booking may also be available via local platforms.
Booking in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during holidays or weekends to avoid long wait times.
You will need around 1 to 2 hours to explore the temple, including visiting the main halls and taking in the surrounding views and gardens.
The main hall and the statue of Buddha are key highlights. The surrounding gardens and the pagoda provide peaceful views, and the temple’s ancient architecture is fascinating.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be offered, but availability in languages other than Mandarin is limited.
The temple’s front courtyard and the pagoda provide excellent spots for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light is soft.
Start with the main hall, then explore the surrounding courtyards and gardens. If time allows, visit the pagoda for a view of the surrounding area. Finish by exploring the smaller shrines and statues.
Night visits or light shows are not available. However, special ceremonies may be held on certain days. It is best to check in advance.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially before 10 AM.
The temple has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. Small food stalls and souvenir shops can be found near the entrance.
The temple is mostly accessible, though some parts may involve steps or uneven pathways. It is advisable to check with the temple’s staff for assistance if required.
Cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay are accepted. Credit cards are not commonly accepted, so it's better to use mobile payments or cash.
There are several local restaurants and cafés near the temple, serving traditional Chinese cuisine and snacks. Some offer vegetarian and vegan options as well.
Vegetarian food options are available at nearby restaurants, and some places may offer vegan choices. Halal food options may be limited in the area.
Hotels near the temple include the Wuxi Grand Hotel, InterContinental Wuxi, and several budget-friendly options within walking distance of the temple.
Nearby attractions include Nanchan Temple, Huishan Ancient Town, and Xihui Park. These can be easily combined for a full day trip.
There are souvenir shops near the temple selling items like incense, religious artifacts, Buddha statues, and other traditional Chinese goods.
Taxi, bus, or metro are the best options for continuing your trip after visiting the temple. Wuxi Metro Line 1 provides easy access to other parts of the city.
