Zhaojue Temple
昭觉寺
A famous temple in West Sichuan first built in the Tang dynasty, known as the “First Monastery of West Sichuan.” Its halls are grand, and it sits right next to the Chengdu Zoo.
Zhaojue Temple is in Chenghua District. It was first built during the Zhenguan era of the Tang dynasty. Yuanwu Keqin, a Chan master of the Song dynasty, once served as its abbot, and his Blue Cliff Record has had a far-reaching influence. The Rinzai school of Japanese Zen also honors the temple as one of its ancestral sites, which is why it is called the “First Monastery of West Sichuan.” Inside, the mountain gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings and Great Hero Hall stand in sequence, and gardens and ancient trees provide shade. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring. Entry is cheap (about 5 yuan) or free, and the vegetarian meals are well known. Get off at Zoo Station on Metro Line 3 and walk to the temple. You can visit the Chengdu Zoo on the same trip.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Chengdu Zoo
- Jianshe Road Food Street
- Eastern Suburb Memory
- Wenshu Monastery
- Tianfu Panda Tower (Sichuan TV Tower)
- Chengdu Natural History Museum
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Jinjiang Theatre (Sichuan Opera)