The First Zen Forest of West Sichuan: Wenshu Monastery and the Vegetarian Feast in the Bustling City

The "First Zen Forest" in the City

1.Located at: No. 66 Wenshu Yuan Street in the Qingyang District of Chengdu, just inside the North First Ring Road, Wenshu Monastery (Wenshu Yuan) stands as a sanctuary of peace amidst the modern hustle of the city. As the best-preserved and largest Buddhist temple in Chengdu, it is renowned as the "First Zen Forest in West Sichuan." Unlike temples hidden deep in remote mountains, Wenshu Monastery is a perfect example of "Zen in the marketplace." One step through its gates separates the noisy urban dust from the pure sound of bells and chanting. It is not only a holy site for Buddhist pilgrims but also a "living fossil" of old Chengdu's lifestyle, where the aroma of incense blends with the steam of vegetarian food and the clinking of tea bowls. Here, locals and travelers alike slow down to find a moment of tranquility, embodying the leisurely and inclusive spirit of Chengdu,,.

A Thousand Years of History and the Legend of Manjushri

2.The history of Wenshu: Monastery can be traced back to the Sui Dynasty (around the late 6th century), when it was originally named "Xinxiang Temple." It is said to have been built by Yang Xiu, a son of Emperor Wen of Sui. During the Tang Dynasty, the temple flourished, and it is believed that the famous monk Xuanzang (Tripitaka) stayed here to translate scriptures and preach before or after his journey to the West. The temple was destroyed by war in the late Ming Dynasty but was rebuilt in the 36th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1697) by the Zen Master Cidu Haitang. Legend has it that when Cidu passed away, he was cremated, and his heart remained unburned, transforming into a golden statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva (Wenshu Pusa) in the flames. Consequently, the temple was renamed Wenshu Monastery. Emperor Kangxi himself bestowed the plaque "Kong Lin" (Hollow Forest) upon the temple, elevating its status to a royal temple. Today, the architecture remains largely in the majestic style of the Qing Dynasty, featuring a solemn layout with distinct halls and courtyards,,.

Treasures of Buddhism and Art

Wenshu Monastery is a treasure house of cultural relics. The Sutra Library (Cangjinglou) holds over 10,000 volumes of Buddhist classics, including rare Ming and Qing dynasty woodblock prints and hand-copied scriptures. Among its most precious artifacts is a piece of the parietal bone relic of Xuanzang, which is enshrined here, adding a profound spiritual weight to the site. The temple also houses a magnificent Burmese White Jade Buddha, brought back by a monk who walked from Burma in the 1920s. This statue is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and serene expression. Furthermore, the monastery is an art gallery of calligraphy and painting, featuring works by celebrated masters such as Zhang Daqian, Feng Zikai, and calligraphy by ancient sages like Su Shi and Mi Fu (via stone rubbings and inscriptions). The Hall of 500 Arhats is another highlight, where hundreds of lifelike statues display various expressions, capturing the essence of Zen wisdom,.

The Lifestyle of Tea and Vegetarian Food

3.Visiting Wenshu: Monastery is not just about worship; it is about experiencing the authentic Chengdu lifestyle. The temple is famous for its Vegetarian Restaurant (Su Zhai), which is considered a paradise for foodies. The vegetarian dishes here are crafted with the sophistication of royal cuisine, using tofu, gluten, and mushrooms to create flavors that rival meat dishes. Popular items include the tender "Tofu Pudding" (Doufunao), crispy "Guokui" (stuffed flatbread), and savory "Vegetarian Chicken." Additionally, the Xiangyuan Tea House within the temple grounds is a quintessential Chengdu experience. Sitting under the shade of ancient ginkgo and cypress trees, visitors can sip jasmine tea from a traditional "Gaiwan" (covered bowl) for a nominal fee. Here, amidst the sound of rustling bamboo and distant chanting, one can engage in "Longmenzhen" (chatting) and truly understand why Chengdu is known as a city of leisure,.