Shaoguan Wengyuan: Donghua Zen Temple, a thousand-year-old Zen temple
by Brooks_36 Christopher
Feb 11, 2025
🚩Donghua Chan Temple in Wengyuan, Shaoguan: An excellent choice for a spiritual journey
In Shaoguan, if you are looking for a tourist destination that is rich in history and culture, and can bring peace and nourishment to your soul, then Donghua Chan Temple in Wengyuan is definitely not to be missed. It is free and open to the public, no reservation is required, and its unique charm is worth visiting again and again.
📿Overview of the Temple and Visiting Routes
Donghua Chan Temple covers a vast area and offers visitors a variety of tour routes.
Central Axis Route: Starting from the parking lot, the first thing you will see is the Wenshu Square. Walk along the Chengfo Avenue, passing by the Shanmen Hall, the Mahavira Hall Square, the Family Precepts Square, and the Prayer Square, and finally stroll along the Sakura Avenue to explore the Three Saints Cave and the Lucky Cave.
Right Route: This route will take you through the Arhat Forest and the Sakura Forest, first to the Three Saints Cave and the Lucky Cave, and then along the Sakura Avenue to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Left Route: Starting from Sakura Avenue, explore the Lucky Cave and the Three Saints Cave, and finally visit the Arhat Forest.
No matter which route you choose, you can appreciate the unique scenery and profound cultural heritage of Donghua Chan Temple.
📸Highlights
Nine-Bend Lake Pavilion: The lake is crystal clear, with koi and turtles swimming leisurely in the water. You can buy fish food on-site and enjoy interacting with these creatures. A pack of fish food for 10 yuan can bring you a joyful time.
Arhat Hall: The giant dragon and phoenix statues outside the hall are awe-inspiring and magnificent. Inside the hall, hundreds of Buddha statues are enshrined, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere.
Donghua Buddha Grotto: This is a super stunning sight. The 26-meter-high character "Buddha" in the center of the grotto is particularly eye-catching. More than 300 golden Buddha statues of different sizes sit inside the grotto, creating a solemn and grand atmosphere, making you feel like you are in a Buddhist wonderland.
Mahavira Hall: As the main building of the temple, it enshrines statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and other Buddhas. Here, you can pray devoutly, make good wishes, and feel inner peace and tranquility.
Zhengjue Hall: Its design is inspired by the Yellow Crane Tower and the Tengwang Pavilion, making it unique. The Arhat Hall on the second floor of Zhengjue Hall enshrines 500 Arhats, the third floor is the National Blessing Hall, and the fourth floor is the Patriotic Hall.
Family Precepts Square: The twelve zodiac statues are placed on the square, and the words "Learn Buddhism, Be a Good Person" on the wall are particularly striking, conveying a profound philosophy of life.
⚠️Visiting Notes
During your visit, please respect the beliefs and customs of the temple. Do not touch or damage cultural relics and buildings, keep quiet, and do not make loud noises to maintain the solemnity and tranquility of the temple.
🚌Transportation and Opening Hours
Donghua Chan Temple is located in Donghua Mountain Scenic Area, Longxian Town, Wengyuan County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. There is a parking lot at the entrance of the temple for visitors to park for free.
Opening hours are from 06:00 to 18:00, Monday to Sunday. You can enjoy this spiritual journey according to your own schedule.
🍜Nearby Attractions and Food Recommendations
If you have enough time, you can also visit other attractions around Wengyuan. For example, the beautiful Wengyuan Orchid Base, where you can admire the delicate beauty of various rare orchids; or visit the Tu Zhiwei Art Museum to experience the charm of art.
In terms of food, Wengyuan also has many specialties worth tasting. Wengyuan's stuffed tofu is tender and delicious, with a rich bean aroma; Zhoupi pork is tender and not greasy; and the delicious Jiangwei rice noodles are smooth and chewy.
Donghua Chan Temple is not only a time-honored Buddhist sanctuary but also a good place to relax and reflect on life. Whether you are pursuing history and culture or seeking inner peace, Donghua Chan Temple can meet your needs.
Post by Isla Rose&& | Feb 21, 2025



















