Guanyin Temple, Xinjin
观音寺
A Ming-dynasty temple in Xinjin District whose Ming murals and the twelve painted clay sculptures in Vairocana Hall, including one praised as the “Goddess of Oriental Beauty,” are of exceptional artistic value.
Xinjin Guanyin Temple was first built in the Southern Song dynasty, and most of the surviving buildings date from the Ming. It is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. Its highlight is Vairocana Hall. Inside, the Ming painted sculptures of the Twelve Perfect Enlightenment Bodhisattvas and the Ming murals on the four walls are well preserved, with gentle, expressive figures. One bodhisattva statue is known as the “Goddess of Oriental Beauty,” and the hall is a treasure for the study of Ming religious art. Entry is inexpensive (confirm on site), and flash photography is not allowed inside the hall. It is about one hour by car from Chengdu, and you can combine it with Huanglongxi Ancient Town on the same day.
Opening hours
About 08:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Huanglongxi Ancient Town
- Jianchuan Museum Cluster
- Anren Ancient Town & Liu's Manor
- Yanhua Pool, Chongzhou
- Luhu Lake & Red Rock Park
- Xinglong Lake
- Sansu Shrine (Meishan)
- Chengdu Haichang Polar Ocean Park