After visiting Shengshui Temple three times, I finally figured out how to make the most of it.

As a thousand-year-old temple in Mianyang, Shengshui Temple blends Buddhist culture with artistic aesthetics, offering diverse experiences and activities. Here’s a detailed guide based on the latest information: 1. Basic Information • Opening Hours: Summer 7:00 AM–6:30 PM, Winter 7:30 AM–6:00 PM. Avoid the midday heat and visit during the cooler mornings or evenings for softer lighting, ideal for photography. • Admission: Free, no reservation required—just go whenever you like. • Transportation: ◦ Bus: Take routes 27, 38, or 45 to the "Shengshui Temple" stop, then walk 3 minutes. ◦ Drive: Navigate to "Shengshui Temple." Free parking is available at the entrance, and surrounding roads are clear. ◦ Taxi: About 15 yuan and 15 minutes from Mianyang Railway Station. 2. Core Experiences (1) Cultural Exploration 1. Shengshui Temple: ◦ Auspicious Gate Art Corridor: A 200-meter-long cliff sculpture group, crafted over ten years by folk artist Li Nengsheng and his team. It features over 200 animal sculptures and 300+ human figures, including Ji Gong, Manjushri Bodhisattva, and the Dragon King, renowned as a "modern Buddhist art masterpiece." Enter from the East Gate and follow the central axis to visit the Heavenly King Hall, Guanyin Hall, Great Compassion Hall, and Mahavira Hall. Side halls like the Jade Buddha Hall and Ksitigarbha Hall are also worth exploring. ◦ Tang Dynasty Cliff Carvings: Includes 7 niches and 8 inscriptions, with the Water-Moon Guanyin statue being the earliest dated example in Sichuan, of exceptional artistic value. 2. Luohan Temple: ◦ Ten Thousand Buddhas Holy City: White pagodas and golden statues built into the mountainside, with a strong Southeast Asian vibe, earning it the nickname "Little Thailand of Sichuan." ◦ Luohan Hall: 1,250 Luohan statues with unique expressions, enhanced by painted domes and lighting for a mystical atmosphere. The circular lake surrounded by four to five layers of Luohan statues is particularly spectacular—use a telephoto lens to capture details. ◦ 46-Meter Giant Reclining Buddha: Serenely nestled in the mountains, perfect for panoramic shots. (2) In-Depth Experiences 1. Vegetarian Meals and Snacks: ◦ Vegetarian Meals: The temple offers a 10-yuan vegetarian buffet. Recommended dishes include shredded vegetable salad and mushroom soup, served from 11:00 AM–1:30 PM. ◦ Vegetarian Cookies: 15 yuan per box, crispy and great as souvenirs. 2. Buddhist Cultural Activities: ◦ Scripture Copying and Meditation: Available in designated areas; inquire with temple staff in advance. ◦ Dharma Assembly Participation: Lively ceremonies on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month. During Buddha’s Birthday (e.g., Bathing the Buddha Festival on May 5), you can bathe the Prince statue. 3. Photography Spots: ◦ Auspicious Gate Red Wall: Shoot upward with the sculpture group as the backdrop to avoid crowds; use a telephoto lens for details. ◦ Luohan Temple Bamboo Shadows: Red walls and bamboo create a Zen vibe—best shot at dawn or dusk. ◦ Reclining Buddha Panorama: Shoot from the colorful Luohan statues by the road to capture the Buddha blending with the landscape. 3. Itinerary Planning • Easy Route: Take a taxi to "Luohan Temple Northwest Gate" and walk downhill to explore Luohan Temple (Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall → Luohan Hall → Reclining Buddha), then enter Shengshui Temple via the mid-mountain path (Auspicious Gate → Guanyin Hall → Mahavira Hall), and exit from the East Gate. • Full Route: Shengshui Temple East Gate → Heavenly King Hall → Guanyin Hall → Auspicious Gate → Wishing Pool → Great Compassion Hall → Mahavira Hall → Luohan Temple → Ten Thousand Buddhas Hall → Reclining Buddha. Takes 3–5 hours with no backtracking. 4. Nearby Attractions • Food Recommendations: ◦ Mianyang Rice Noodles: Try the beef red soup thin noodles with pickled vegetables at Kaiyuan Rice Noodles flagship store, ~10 yuan. ◦ Jiangyou Pork Intestines: Xiaoxiao Eatery’s blood tofu with intestines and cold pork knuckle, authentic Sichuan flavor. ◦ Vegetarian Meals: 10-yuan buffet at Shengshui Temple; Luohan Temple also offers affordable meals. • Accommodation: ◦ Budget: Mianyang Weike Jingxiang Hotel (~5 km), OYO Mianyang Qianzihong Inn (~6 km), 200–300 yuan. ◦ Mid-Range: Mianyang Fulindaduhui Hotel (~8.8 km), Mianyang Jianshan Tancheng Hotel (~11.4 km), 300–500 yuan. 5. Tips 1. Etiquette: ◦ Dress modestly; avoid stepping on thresholds (enter with the left foot). The central gate is for monks only. ◦ Keep quiet in halls; avoid photographing Buddha faces or entering monk areas without permission. 2. Safety: ◦ Many steps can be slippery in rain—wear anti-slip shoes. ◦ Mosquitoes are active in summer; bring repellent. 3. Audio Guides: Rent a self-guided audio device (~20 yuan/hour, 200-yuan deposit) at the entrance; supports multiple languages. 6. Extended Itinerary If time allows, visit nearby spots: • Yuewang Tower: A famous Tang Dynasty tower with night views of the Fujiang River, 50 yuan (students half-price). • Fule Mountain: A Three Kingdoms-themed park blending nature and history, 50 yuan. With this guide, you can fully experience Shengshui Temple’s cultural depth and artistic charm, whether for blessings, photography, or tranquility—each visit promises unique memories.