Chengdu - Manjushri Monastery

Van Thu Vien, or Wenshu Monastery, is the largest and most famous Buddhist temple in Chengdu, Sichuan. The temple was built during the Tang Dynasty (7th century) with the name Bao Quang Vien, later changed to Van Thu Vien to worship Bodhisattva Manjushri - the Bodhisattva symbolizing wisdom. After many renovations, the temple still retains its ancient architecture imbued with traditional Buddhist style. The temple grounds are spacious and green with many shrines, towers, and ancient corridors. The most prominent is Dai Hung Bao Dien, where Buddha Sakyamuni is worshiped, along with exquisitely crafted statues of Bodhisattvas and Arhats. The temple also preserves more than 300 precious artifacts such as ancient scriptures, calligraphy paintings, bronze and wooden statues of artistic and historical value. Not only a place of worship, Van Thu Vien also attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city. Visitors can visit the tea house in the temple, where Chengdu people often sit to enjoy tea, chat, and feel the slow pace of life typical of this land. In addition, the vegetarian restaurant in the temple is also very famous, serving simple but sophisticated dishes. Today, Wenshu Monastery is not only a religious center but also an important cultural and tourist destination, giving visitors a spiritual experience, close to the daily life of Chengdu people. #chengdu #wenshumonastery