【Tang Xuanzong's Refuge·Da Ci'en Temple】Zen Tea Flavor Vegetarian Feast·Historical Secret Realm·Free Blessing One-Day Tour
The long scroll of history slowly unfolds, revealing the shocking 'An Lushan Rebellion' of the Tang Dynasty, which forced the emperor Tang Xuanzong to seek refuge in the 'Land of Abundance'—Chengdu. This tranquil land bore the royal family's anxiety and hopes. Today, although Da Ci'en Temple has experienced vicissitudes, its architectural style is a carefully reconstructed treasure from the Qing Dynasty, still standing at No. 23, Da Ci'en Temple Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, quietly waiting for the world to explore. Within the temple, the great master Xuanzang once devoted himself to studying the precepts here, endowing this place with an immensely revered Buddhist heritage.
Stepping into Da Ci'en Temple is like entering a quiet world where one can listen to the whispers of the soul and bathe in the fragrance of Zen. It is a dwelling place for the spirit, a starting point for a thousand-year journey of prayer, and an ideal place deeply imbued with historical and cultural essence. From the first light of dawn to the slanting rays of the setting sun, 8:00 to 17:00, the temple gates are open to the public, with no admission fee, waiting for those destined to step into this pure land.
Convenient transportation makes it easy to arrive. Take the Metro Line 2 to Chunxi Road Station, stroll leisurely for 8 minutes, and you can pass through the bustling city to enter the simple and solemn temple gate. Hidden within the temple is a teahouse named 'Da Ci', not only a leisurely gathering place for locals but also an excellent window to experience the slow life of Chengdu. There are often performances of melodious local songs, with the elderly sitting around sipping tea and chatting merrily, presenting a vivid picture of a peaceful and leisurely community. You might as well blend in, savor a cup of clear tea, and steal a moment of leisure from life.
The vegetarian meals in the temple are simple yet abundant, served promptly at 11:30 every day, with a wide variety, and affordably priced. Whether it's exquisite small dishes, rich bean curd rice, or refreshing and happy mung bean jelly, each dish is no more than 20 yuan, with an average consumption of only about 15 yuan per person. The culinary skills are commendable: the stir-fried dishes are cooked to perfection, with a lively wok aroma yet retaining a fresh flavor; the mung bean jelly is well mixed, with the bright red chili oil fragrant and appetizing; the bean curd is smooth and tender, with a rich bean flavor, each bite a delight for the taste buds.
A special note, each visitor can receive a handwritten auspicious sign, with types including 'Successful Exams', 'Everything Goes Well', 'Lifelong Peace', or 'Career Success', available while supplies last. Simply follow, like, and save to receive one for free from 9:00 to 18:00 daily, limited to one per person. In addition, a dazzling array of consecrated prayer beads are available for the faithful to purchase. After forming a connection, one might as well hold the beads in prayer, sincerely wishing. There are also golden lotus stickers, which can be obtained by actively asking the friendly ladies at the Dharma goods counter, who will warmly guide you on how to worship the Buddhas in the main hall, making your Buddhist pilgrimage more ceremonial.
In summary, Da Ci'en Temple is not only a witness to history but also a comprehensive cultural destination for modern people seeking spiritual solace, appreciating local culture, experiencing vegetarian cuisine, and immersive Buddhist worship. We look forward to every visitor finding inner peace in this ancient and enduring land, and harvesting blessings and wisdom.