Built about a thousand years ago during the Song Dynasty, the Luohan Temple also known as the Arhat Temple stands in sharp contrast to the high rise buildings surrounding it. Located in the Yuzhong district, the temple was renovated in 1752 but had to be rebuilt altogether in 1945 after the Second World War.

Luohan or Arhat literally refers to a Buddhist who has attained Nirvana or freedom from the cycle of life or death. The temple is a popular place for worship and penance and has an important historic significance. A long entrance path leads you into the temple. Rock carvings, painted terracotta and Buddhist sculptures deck the temple. Rub a laughing Buddha on its belly and it might bring you good luck.

The main attractions of the temple are –

• The Golden Buddha Statue
• The 500 clay figures of Arhats
• The mural behind the Buddha altar depicting Prince Siddhartha’s journey to Nirvana

The architecture of the temple is beautiful and oriental. The temple promotes teachings of peace, love and patience and encourages living a life devoid of greed, hatred and temptations. The back of the temple offers services like tea, massages and vegetarian food. The Luohan Temple also serves as the headquarters for the Buddhist Society of Chongqing.

• The temple has strict rules about photography which must not be violated.

• Take the CRT Line 1 to the Xiaoshenzi Station, from where it is a 10-minute walk.

• Yilian Vegetarian Restaurant
• Plymouth123
• Qinjie Noodle Restaurant

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