Wander through the ancient charm of Shu capital, seeking the secret garden of Wenshu Monastery

During your trip to Chengdu, even if you are not a Buddhist, Wenshu Monastery is a highly recommended place to visit. This ancient temple, with a history of over 1400 years, offers a profound cultural heritage and a tranquil and elegant atmosphere. As you stroll through the garden and sip a cup of authentic covered-bowl tea, you can enjoy endless comfort. Wenshu Monastery is located in Qingyang District of Chengdu, founded during the Sui Dynasty's Daye years (605-617 AD). It is not only recognized by the State Council as one of the key Buddhist temples nationwide but also stands out among the four major Zen forests along the Yangtze River, and is listed as a key cultural relic protection unit in Sichuan Province. It ingeniously integrates the functions of Zen forest sanctuaries, classical gardens, tourist attractions, and religious studies, making it a treasure of Buddhist culture. The monastery covers an area of about 200,000 square meters, and its architectural complex fully demonstrates the typical ancient architectural style of the Western Sichuan Plain. With six main halls as the central axis, facing the mountain gate, it presents a majestic and solemn scene. The temple houses more than three hundred Buddha statues, and the craftsmanship of wood carving, stone carving, and clay sculpture is exquisite and outstanding. A large number and variety of cultural relics from different dynasties have been unearthed, such as stone carvings from the Liang Dynasty and iron-cast talismans from the Tang and Song Dynasties, which are of great historical value. Among them, Xi Tea Garden, as a traditional old teahouse within Wenshu Monastery, is one of the most completely preserved places that showcase the old Chengdu folk customs and local culture. Here, you can hold a tea boat, tea bowl, and tea cover, savor the unique charm of Sichuan's covered-bowl tea, and listen to the performances of folk artists, immersing yourself in the rich atmosphere of Western Sichuan. Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 to 17:00 Admission: Free (no reservation required), you can receive three incense sticks per person for free upon entering the temple, no additional purchase is necessary. Lamp offering fee: 15 RMB per lamp Transportation guide: Take Metro Line 1 directly to Wenshu Monastery Food recommendations: 1. Imperial Pastry Shop: Features scallion oil pastries with a crispy texture, worth trying various traditional pastries. 2. Yan Taipo Guokui: Unique flavor, not to be missed. 3. Dongzikou Zhang Lao Er Liangfen: A well-known local snack, quite famous.