Wannian Temple, Sichuan (峨眉山萬年寺)

 

Wannian Temple in Sichuan [Photo by Xingying/bbs.fengniao]

Established in the fifth year (401) of the Long'an reign of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Wannian Temple is the oldest temple on Emei Mountain. The temple's nation-wide renown stems from its remarkable statue of Samantabhadra Buddha, or Puxian Bodhisattva in Chinese, as well as the precious artifacts it houses. The statue, featuring the Bodhisattva Puxian riding a white elephant, is 7.3 meters high and weighs 62 tons. In China, Samantabhadra Buddha is associated with action, so the temple is considered an ideal place for confession and prayer.

Travel tips:

Admission: 10 yuan

Opening hours: 9:00 --17:00

Getting there: Take bus No. 5 from Mingshan Road, downtown Emei to Emei Mountain; or take a coach from Chengdu to Emei Mountain, and then transfer to a tour bus to Wannian Temple.