If you haven’t witnessed it with your own eyes, it’s truly difficult to describe the astonishment you’ll feel. The 200-meter-long artistic corridor showcases the diversity of life, while the white pagoda atop the mountain seems to transport you to Southeast Asia. This magical place is none other than the Shengshui Temple and Luohan Temple in Mianyang, Sichuan. Just a mere one-hour drive from Chengdu, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip!
📷 Photography and Travel Tips:
The Jixiang Gate at Shengshui Temple is the highlight of the visit. It feels like stepping into a hidden realm of countless Buddhas from a video game world. With over 300 human figures and more than 200 species of birds and animals, this clay sculpture art gallery comes to life, leaving visitors utterly amazed!
🔹 It’s recommended to arrive early in the morning. Stand at the Jixiang Gate plaque and use a telephoto lens to capture the clay sculptures in the same frame.
The Luohan statues at Shengshui Temple will leave you speechless! The densely arranged Buddha statues, with their unique designs and unconventional styles, astound every visitor. Shengshui Temple has gained popularity due to these five hundred strikingly lifelike Luohan statues, each with distinct expressions. It’s an unforgettable experience!
㊙️ The sculptures are divided into two parts:
🅰️ Prologue – Luohan Wall:
The Xianglong Luohan and Jubo Luohan statue groups. According to legend, an evil dragon flooded the Nadie Kingdom in ancient India. The venerable Jianglong subdued the dragon and saved the people. This legendary story is vividly depicted here, as if history is unfolding before your eyes.
🅱️ The Hidden Realm of Ten Thousand Buddhas – Jixiang Gate:
Front section: The Buddha statues on both sides of the steps are presented in various poses and forms, creating a dazzling display. You’ll find statues like Ji Gong, Budai Luohan, and the Luohan riding a deer, among others.
Central core: The Manjusri Bodhisattva sculpture group, seated on a green lion, is accompanied by slender and enchanting flying celestial maidens on both sides, their robes flowing in the wind, as if they were alive. Step back to the bottom of the stairs and use a telephoto lens to compress the scene – this is one of the best spots for capturing stunning photos!
Side sections: Numerous exquisite birds and animals, with incredibly lifelike feathers and scales, such as the immortal riding a crane, can be found here. Every detail is truly remarkable.
📌 Travel Tips:
🎫 Entrance Fee: Free
🚘 Transportation: Located at No. 357, North Changhong Avenue, Fucheng District, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown Mianyang. From Chengdu, take the Jingkun Expressway, and the journey takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take the intercity train from Chengdu East Station to Mianyang Station and then take a taxi to the temples.
✅ Shengshui Temple and Luohan Temple are connected. After visiting Shengshui Temple, you can directly access Luohan Temple from the right side of the Mahavira Hall at the top of the mountain.
✅ At the entrance of Shengshui Temple, you can receive three incense sticks for free. If you wish to pray for specific blessings such as academic success, health, or safety, a set of three incense sticks generally costs 20 yuan.
✅ Shengshui Temple offers a self-service vegetarian meal for just 10 yuan per serving, which is very affordable.
✅ You can plan a one-day trip to Mianyang as follows: Visit Shengshui Temple and Luohan Temple in the morning, explore the Mianyang Museum in the afternoon, and then enjoy the night views of Yuewang Tower and the city in the evening. It’s a full and enriching itinerary!
Come and experience the enchanting atmosphere of these temples, whether you’re interested in photography or seeking blessings. It will undoubtedly provide you with a unique and unforgettable experience!
