Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Meishan, China
1. Emei Shan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Buddhist temples and the gold-gilded statue of Samantabhadra.
- Hiking Challenge: Steep slopes and long hiking routes make this a challenging but rewarding pilgrimage.
- Buddhist Culture: Learn about Chinese Buddhism, its history, and its role in Chinese culture.
- Golden Summit: Witness the breathtaking sunrise from the highest point of Emei Shan.
2. Leshan Giant Buddha
The world's largest stone-carved Buddha statue, standing on the cliff at Leshan.
- Historical Significance: Discover the historical importance of this monument and its role in unifying China.
- Stone Carving Masterpiece: Appreciate the intricate carvings and details on the Buddha statue.
- Boat Ride Experience: Take a boat ride to see the Buddha from the best possible angle.
3. Wanfengling Forest Park
A beautiful forest park with over 10,000 sandalwood trees and unique rock formations.
- Natural Beauty: Experience the tranquility and natural beauty of this unique forest.
- Rock Formations: Explore the various rock formations, some resembling animals or objects.
- Meditation Retreat: Find peace and tranquility in this natural sanctuary.
4. Qingyin Pavilion
A scenic pavilion with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Scenic View: Enjoy the breathtaking view from this scenic pavilion.
- Taoist Culture: Learn about Taoism and its role in Chinese culture.
- Mountain Retreat: Experience a peaceful mountain retreat at Qingyin Pavilion.
5. Dazu Rock Carvings
A collection of over 50,000 Buddhist and Taoist rock carvings from the Tang to the Jin dynasties.
- Historical Significance: Discover the historical significance of these ancient carvings.
- Artistic Masterpieces: Appreciate the intricate details and artistic mastery in the rock carvings.
- Rural Landscape: Explore the rural landscape of Dazu County while visiting the rock carvings.
6. Huanggang Lama Temple
A historic Tibetan Buddhist temple with intricate architecture and art.
- Buddhist Art and Architecture: Appreciate the unique Buddhist art and architectural styles.
- Tibetan Culture: Learn about Tibetan culture and its influences in Meishan.
- Monastery Tour: Take a guided tour of the monastery to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism.
7. Longtou Mountain
A sacred Taoist site with over 100 temples and numerous caves.
- Taoist Culture: Explore the rich Taoist culture at Longtou Mountain.
- Mountain Pilgrimage: Embark on a traditional Taoist mountain pilgrimage.
- Cave Exploration: Explore the numerous caves, each with its own unique history and legend.
8. Tiantai Mountain
A significant Buddhist mountain with over 30 temples and the Bodhidharma Cave.
- Buddhist Culture: Learn about Buddhism, its history, and its role in Chinese culture.
- Mountain Pilgrimage: Embark on a traditional Buddhist mountain pilgrimage.
- Bodhidharma Cave: Visit the cave where Bodhidharma is said to have meditated for nine years.
9. Huangniu Temple
A Taoist temple with a unique design resembling a spider web.
- Taoist Architecture: Appreciate the unique architecture and design of Huangniu Temple.
- Taoist Culture: Learn about Taoism and its influences in Meishan.
- Rural Setting: Experience the peaceful rural setting of Huangniu Temple.
10. Lotus Flower Mountain
A sacred Taoist site with over 30 temples and a lotus pond.
- Taoist Culture: Explore the rich Taoist culture at Lotus Flower Mountain.
- Lotus Pond: Visit the beautiful lotus pond and witness lotus blooming in summer.
- Mountain Pilgrimage: Embark on a traditional Taoist mountain pilgrimage.
11. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
A research facility and breeding center for giant pandas.
- Giant Panda Conservation: Learn about the conservation efforts for the endangered giant panda.
- Panda Experience: Get up close and personal with these adorable creatures.
- Research Center: Visit the research center to learn more about panda behavior, diet, and habitat.
12. Jinli Ancient Street
A pedestrian street with traditional Sichuan architecture, food, and performances.
- Traditional Culture: Experience the rich traditional culture of Meishan.
- Food Tasting: Try local Sichuan dishes and street food.
- Performance Experience: Enjoy traditional Sichuan performances, such as face-changing and Sichuan opera.
13. Wenshu Temple
A famous Buddhist temple in Chengdu with beautiful architecture and a large Buddha statue.
- Buddhist Art and Architecture: Appreciate the unique Buddhist art and architectural styles.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Experience a peaceful atmosphere in this beautiful temple.
- Monastery Tour: Take a guided tour of the monastery to learn more about Buddhism.
14. Qingcheng Mountain
A sacred Taoist mountain with over 100 temples and numerous caves.
- Taoist Culture: Explore the rich Taoist culture at Qingcheng Mountain.
- Mountain Pilgrimage: Embark on a traditional Taoist mountain pilgrimage.
- Cave Exploration: Explore the numerous caves, each with its own unique history and legend.
15. Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum
A museum dedicated to Chinese poet Du Fu, featuring his poetry and life.
- Literary Heritage: Explore the literary heritage of one of China's most famous poets.
- Historical Significance: Discover the historical significance of Du Fu's works and life.
- Museum Experience: Visit the museum to learn more about Du Fu's poetry, life, and contributions.