Zhaojue Temple

The Zhaojue Temple dates back to the 7th century and has since served as a model for many Japanese and Southeast Asian Buddhist temples.

During the early Qing dynasty, Zhàojué Sì underwent extensive reconstruction under the supervision of Po Shan, a famous Buddhist monk who established the lovely waterways and groves you see here today. The effect is impressive and the grounds are quieter and more spread out than at Chéngdū's other temples.

Little of the temple's original architecture survived the Cultural Revolution, and serious restoration work was only undertaken in the last decade. There are several pavilions, though all except the imposing prayer hall were being renovated at the time of research.

Zhaojue Temple is about 6km northeast of Chéngdū city centre. Loads of buses run to the nearby Zhaojue bus station (Zhàojué chēzhàn) from around town. Cycling there is possible, though you risk asphyxiation from traffic fumes.