Live Your Best Lives
Visitors to Wuyou Temple can explore its historical architecture, climb the surrounding hills for panoramic views, and enjoy peaceful walks in the temple gardens. The site is also known for its Buddhist statues and cultural significance.
Wuyou Temple, originally named Zhengjue Temple, is located atop Wuyou Mountain on the east coast of Leshan City, Sichuan Province. Founded in the Tang Dynasty by the renowned monk Huijing, Wuyou Temple now houses a thatched pavilion, commemorating the site of Huijing's thatched hut. Legend has it that the poet Cen Shen, while serving as governor of Jiazhou, was close to Huijing and composed a poem, "Inscribed on the Middle Peak of Qingyi Mountain in Jiazhou, on the Secluded Residence of Huijing, Sent to Doctor Yang of the Ministry of War."
The temple has a strict architectural structure, with a total of seven halls, all concentrated on the top of Wuyou Mountain. The halls that are well preserved include the Heavenly King Hall, Amitabha Hall, Maitreya Hall, Main Hall, Guanyin Hall, Arhat Hall, etc.
In the center of the temple gate is inscribed the three characters "Wuyou Temple," and on either side are couplets that read: "The temple gate opens high to the plains of Dongting Lake, and the cliffs are half immersed in the rolling clouds." Other inscriptions on the gate include "Qingyi Biedao," "Ciyun," and "Fayu," creating a solemn and serene atmosphere.
There are many inscriptions by famous people in various places in Wuyou Temple, among which the most famous is the one written by Zhao Xi, a famous modern calligrapher . The "Heart Sutra" written by Zhao Xi on the 14 stone tablets embedded in the outer wall of the Bell and Drum Pavilion is exquisitely engraved and is a superb piece of calligraphy.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
Tickets are included in the Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area ticket
8:00-18:00
Wuyou Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located on a hilltop overlooking Leshan City. It is historically significant as a place of meditation and worship, with a rich cultural heritage tied to the development of Buddhism in the region.
Wuyou Temple is located in Leshan, Sichuan, on Wuyou Mountain. It can be accessed by taxi from Leshan city center or by a short hike up the mountain. Public buses may also be available to the base of the hill.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee is typically around 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance, or online through local tourism websites for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary, except during peak travel seasons. A day in advance should be sufficient for booking tickets online.
It takes about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore Wuyou Temple and the surrounding area, including time for walking around the temple grounds and enjoying the views from the hilltop.
The must-see highlights include the main hall with its large Buddha statue, the scenic viewpoints from the temple grounds, and the impressive Buddhist carvings in the surrounding cliffs.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available for rent in Mandarin and English at the entrance.
The best photography spots are at the temple’s hilltop, where you can capture panoramic views of Leshan City and the surrounding landscapes, including the nearby Leshan Giant Buddha.
Start by exploring the temple’s main hall and then take a walk around the temple grounds. Finish with a hike to the top of the hill for scenic views and visit the Buddha carvings along the way.
Night visits are not generally available at Wuyou Temple, but during certain festivals, there may be special cultural performances or events in the surrounding area.
Wuyou Temple can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available around the temple. There are also small shops selling souvenirs and snacks nearby, but there are no major restaurants within the temple complex.
The temple is accessible for elderly and children, though the hike up to the temple may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Some areas may not be wheelchair accessible due to the terrain.
Cash is accepted at the temple, but mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in the area. Credit cards may not be accepted at all points within the temple.
There are small local restaurants near the base of the mountain offering Sichuan cuisine. However, dining options inside the temple area are limited, so it's best to eat before visiting.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants, especially those serving traditional Buddhist meals. Halal food options may be harder to find, but it's worth checking with local vendors.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Leshan City, offering a range of options from budget to mid-range accommodations. The area near Leshan Giant Buddha also has some luxury options.
Nearby attractions include the Leshan Giant Buddha, which is only a short distance away. Visitors can easily combine a trip to Wuyou Temple with a visit to the Buddha and other sites in the area.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance of Wuyou Temple selling Buddhist-themed items, such as incense, statues, and prayer beads. Tibetan crafts and local specialties are also popular souvenirs.
Visitors can take a taxi or local bus to continue their trip from Wuyou Temple. The nearest bus station is in Leshan City, where you can access buses or taxis to other parts of Sichuan.
