Fengdu, Chongqing

Shuanggui Tang: The "Southwest Zen Ancestral Hall" and a Sanctuary of Oriental Architecture

📸Photography 🏯Old Towns

Altitude

350m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Shuanggui Tang (Shuanggui Monastery), also known as "Shuanggui Zen Temple," is a renowned Buddhist temple located in Jindai Town, Liangping District, Chongqing Municipality. Situated roughly 180 kilometers from downtown Chongqing, it rests on Wanzhu Mountain (Ten Thousand Bamboo Mountain) in the eastern part of the Sichuan Basin,. Recognized as a Key National Buddhist Temple in the Han Chinese Area, it holds a prestigious reputation as the "Ancestral Hall of Southwest Zen Buddhism" and "Number One Zen Temple in the Southwest",.

1.The history of Shuanggui: Tang dates back to the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1653). It was founded by the eminent monk Poshan Haiming, a master of the Linji sect of Zen Buddhism. Legend has it that Master Poshan planted two laurel (osmanthus) trees at the site where he decided to build the temple, accompanied by the prophetic verse: "The laurel seeds burst on the new earth; the fragrant flowers open to the old moon.". These two laurel trees flourished, giving the temple its name, "Shuanggui Tang" (Hall of Two Laurels).

Occupying an area of about 120 acres (approx. 7 hectares), the temple complex is a magnificent example of palace-style architecture that blends the grandeur of imperial palaces with the serenity of folk residences,. The layout follows a central axis, featuring seven majestic halls: the Grand Mountain Gate, Maitreya Hall, Daxiong Hall (Grand Hall), Manjusri Hall, Broken Mountain Patriarch Hall, and the Tripitaka Pavilion. The complex includes over 200 halls and rooms, forming a vast, connected structure of courtyards, deeply reflecting the aesthetics of traditional Chinese wooden architecture.

Culturally, Shuanggui Tang is a treasure trove. It houses valuable relics, including the calligraphy of Master Poshan, palm-leaf scriptures, and other Buddhist artifacts. The temple is also famous for the Zen koan of "Master Poshan eating pig's trotters," which embodies the profound Mahayana spirit of "sacrificing oneself for the sake of all sentient beings". The serene environment, surrounded by ancient trees, bamboo groves, and clear waters, creates a "deep mountain hiding an ancient temple" atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat for meditation and cultural immersion. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual roots or a traveler admiring ancient architecture, Shuanggui Tang offers a profound journey into history and Zen philosophy.

✨ Why Visit Shuanggui Tang (Shuanggui Monastery)

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Southwest Zen Ancestral Hall"

Visit the prestigious ancestral temple of the Zen sect in Southwest China, which has influenced Buddhist practices across the region for centuries.

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Grand Palace-Style Architecture

Admire the massive complex of over 200 rooms and seven main halls, showcasing exquisite wood and stone carvings typical of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

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Legend of the Two Laurels

See the site associated with the legendary planting of two laurel trees by the founder Master Poshan, symbolizing the temple's enduring spiritual lineage.

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Precious Cultural Relics

Explore the Tripitaka Pavilion and other halls housing rare treasures, including Master Poshan's calligraphy and ancient palm-leaf scriptures.

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Zen Koan & History

Learn about the unique history of Master Poshan, including the famous story of him breaking vegetarian vows to save lives during wartime, reflecting deep Zen wisdom.

Location & Nearby

📍 Fengdu, Chongqing • 🏔️ 350m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Shuanggui Tang (Shuanggui Monastery) Travel Guide

Where is Shuanggui Tang located?

It is located in Jindai Town, Liangping District, Chongqing Municipality, about 180 km from the main urban area of Chongqing.

Why is it called "Shuanggui" (Two Laurels)? The name comes from the legend that the founder, Master Poshan, planted two laurel trees when establishing the temple in the 17th century.

What is the best time to visit? Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are ideal. Autumn is particularly special when the osmanthus (laurel) flowers bloom, filling the temple with fragrance.

Is it a protected site? Yes, it is a Key National Buddhist Temple in the Han Chinese Area and listed in the national cultural heritage protection catalog.

What can I see there besides the temple? You can enjoy the serene garden landscape with ancient trees and bamboo, and explore the nearby rural scenery of Liangping.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Shuanggui Tang (Shuanggui Monastery)?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.