Wenshu Monastery, a Buddhist monastery dedicated to the God of Wisdom (Wenshu), was first built during the Tang dynasty (618-907AD). It is the largest and best-preserved Buddhist place of worship in Chengdu. Originally known as Xinxiang Temple, it was renamed after a Buddhist monk who lived there in the late 17th century. It is believed that his presence illuminated the monastery.

Covering an area of about 5.5 hectares, the complex consists of almost 200 buildings decorated with exquisite relief carvings, most of them dating back to the 17th century. Its major structures include Tianwang (Heavenly King) Hall, Daxiong Hall, scripture-keeping hall and prayer hall.

The temples feature works of art, carvings and over 400 Buddhist statues. They range from a kasaya embroidered with 1,000 Buddhas by Tian, who was the imperial concubine of Emperor Chongzhen (1628-1644) in the Ming Dynasty, an embroidered portrait of Avalokitesvara, scriptures written on Pattra Leaves from ancient India, a 1,200-year-old gilded Buddhist wheel from Japan, to a jade Buddha from Burma. The most precious relics are a Bodhivista embroidered from human hair, books written by 19th century monks using their own blood, and the skull of Xuanzang, a famous Tang Dynasty Buddhist master.

Wenshu Monastery is popular and busy and visitors enjoy the lively atmosphere around the monastery where worshippers buy incense, paper money and items to burn as offerings. Fortune-tellers and firework stalls all add to the lively atmosphere at this well-preserved temple.

Admission Fee: RMB 15
Opening Hours: 08:00 to 16:50