
Arhat Temple Chongqing
A thousand-year-old Buddhist sanctuary of peace and intricate Arhat statues, nestled amidst Chongqing's modern skyscrapers.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Arhat Temple Chongqing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A thousand-year-old Buddhist sanctuary of peace and intricate Arhat statues, nestled amidst Chongqing's modern skyscrapers.
"A timeless gem in a modern city, offering peace amidst skyscrapers."

🎯 Easy Access via Subway
The temple is conveniently located near a subway station, making it easy to reach in the city center.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A modest entrance fee is well worth the experience and the peaceful escape it offers.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 500 Arhat Statues
Marvel at hundreds of intricate stone and clay sculptures of Arhats, each with unique expressions and poses.

Ancient Architecture
Admire the timeless beauty of traditional Chinese Buddhist temple architecture, a stark contrast to the surrounding modern city.

Peaceful Atmosphere
Find a moment of calm and reflection amidst the spiritual ambiance, a welcome respite from Chongqing's vibrant energy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Embrace the Urban Oasis
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Easy Access via Subway
The temple is conveniently located near a subway station, making it easy to reach in the city center.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A modest entrance fee is well worth the experience and the peaceful escape it offers.
📸 Capture the Contrast
Photograph the unique juxtaposition of ancient temple structures against modern skyscrapers.
☕ Enjoy a Quiet Coffee
Some visitors enjoy a coffee while soaking in the tranquility amidst the bustling city.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Easy Access via Subway
The temple is conveniently located near a subway station, making it easy to reach in the city center.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
A modest entrance fee is well worth the experience and the peaceful escape it offers.
📸 Capture the Contrast
Photograph the unique juxtaposition of ancient temple structures against modern skyscrapers.
☕ Enjoy a Quiet Coffee
Some visitors enjoy a coffee while soaking in the tranquility amidst the bustling city.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arhat Temple is praised as a well-preserved, historically significant Buddhist site offering a peaceful escape within bustling downtown Chongqing. Visitors appreciate its ancient architecture, the impressive collection of Arhat statues, and the tranquil atmosphere, all accessible with a small entrance fee. Some note that while it's a serene spot, it can still attract crowds, and the surrounding modern city is a stark contrast.
"Luohan temple is one of China’s national key Buddhist temple. Built in the Zhiping period of the northern Song dynasty around 1064-1067. This temple entrance is near subway station, easily to visit as in the center of the downtown area but it offers a surprisingly clam & quiet atmosphere . The small entrance fee is well worth it, even to escape the outside hustle & noise.
Inside there are ancient Buddhist rocks, one of which stands more than 20 meters tall and contains more than 400 Buddhist rocks carvings. I spent 2 hours to visit all area in this magnificent temple"
Kanokenath Suthasiri
"Luohan Temple is an old Buddhist temple that is well preserved. While it’s surrounded by high-rise buildings, it’s peaceful and quiet."
Chester W
"The temple is located in the heart of downtown Chongqing. Its architecture is classic and elegant, with thriving incense offerings. Here, you can drink coffee and enjoy tranquility amidst the bustling city surroundings."
Benson Ng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arhat Temple is centrally located in downtown Chongqing and is easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors recommend taking the subway, as it's conveniently located near a station.
Yes, it's situated in the heart of the city, making it a straightforward destination to find, even amidst the surrounding skyscrapers.
The subway is a highly recommended and efficient way to reach Arhat Temple, especially given its central location.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be an option, but the subway offers a quick and direct route to the temple.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, utilizing public transportation like the subway is generally advised for ease of access in the busy downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a small entrance fee, which many visitors find to be very reasonable for the experience and the peaceful atmosphere it provides.
While specific hours can vary, the temple is generally open during daylight hours, allowing visitors to experience its beauty throughout the day. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes.
Advance booking is typically not required for Arhat Temple. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
As a place of worship, it's respectful to dress modestly. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
Arhat Temple is usually open on public holidays, but it may be more crowded. Visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours is recommended for a more tranquil experience.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the hundreds of intricately carved Arhat statues, the ancient Buddhist architecture, and the peaceful ambiance. You can also find ancient Buddhist rock carvings.
Many visitors find that 1-2 hours is sufficient to explore the temple and appreciate its features. Some may wish to linger longer for quiet contemplation.
Absolutely! The temple offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially the contrast between ancient and modern architecture.
While not always advertised, local guides or information services might be available. Inquiring at the entrance or through local travel agencies could provide options.
Built during the Northern Song Dynasty (1064-1067 AD), it's a historically significant Buddhist temple, with some parts dating back over 1,000 years.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
While the temple itself is a place of worship, you can find cafes within the temple complex where you can enjoy a drink and relax.
Being in the heart of Chongqing, you'll find a vast array of local eateries and restaurants nearby, offering everything from street snacks to Chongqing's famous hot pot.
Chongqing cuisine has diverse options, and you can likely find vegetarian dishes at many restaurants in the vicinity. It's always good to ask for recommendations.
It's often recommended to explore the temple first and then enjoy the local culinary scene nearby, as there are many dining options available.
Yes, the surrounding downtown area is known for its street food. You can find various local snacks and delicacies to try.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the intricate Arhat statues, the ancient temple architecture, and the striking contrast with the surrounding skyscrapers. The upper levels offer great vantage points.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the temple, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography.
Late afternoons can offer beautiful golden hour light, while early mornings provide a more serene setting with fewer people.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical sites. It's best to avoid bringing drones to the temple.
A versatile lens that can capture both wide architectural shots and detailed close-ups of the statues would be ideal. A smartphone camera is also excellent for capturing the essence.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that it's a place of worship, so encouraging respectful behavior is key. While there aren't specific play areas, the open spaces within the temple can allow for some movement. Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more comfortable experience for younger children.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Its central location also means it can be easily incorporated into a day of exploring the city on foot or using the efficient and inexpensive subway system. This makes it a perfect addition to any itinerary focused on maximizing experiences without overspending.
📸 Photographers
Aim for late afternoons for the golden hour light, or early mornings to capture the serene atmosphere with fewer crowds. The interplay of light and shadow on the ancient structures and statues can create dramatic and compelling images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Arhat Statues: A Spiritual Gallery
These statues are not just artistic marvels; they are central to the temple's spiritual significance. The sheer volume and artistry involved in their creation speak to the devotion and craftsmanship of the artisans who made them centuries ago. The atmosphere created by these silent observers contributes significantly to the temple's serene and contemplative environment.
A Thousand Years of History Amidst Modernity
The temple's location in the heart of downtown Chongqing highlights a fascinating juxtaposition of old and new. It serves as a spiritual anchor in a bustling metropolis, offering a sanctuary of peace and tradition. The contrast between the ancient temple grounds and the modern city surrounding it is a unique visual and experiential element that many visitors find captivating.
Experiencing Tranquility in a Bustling City
Inside, the temple provides a space for reflection and spiritual contemplation. The presence of thriving incense offerings adds to the sacred ambiance. Some visitors even mention enjoying a coffee within the temple grounds, finding it a unique way to appreciate the tranquility amidst the urban sprawl.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit