Luohan Temple Chongqing Travel Guide – History, Highlights, and Travel Tips

I’m Michael Zhang, a seasoned Chinese traveler who has spent years exploring the world—from the ancient cities of Asia and Europe to the sacred temples hidden in China’s mountains. Unlike quick sightseeing trips, I seek destinations that allow travelers to slow down, reflect, and connect with culture on a deeper level. Today, I invite you to discover one of Chongqing’s most spiritual and historic landmarks — Luohan Temple.

Luohan Temple Overview

Luohan Temple, originally named Zhiping Temple and commonly known as the “Dragon King Temple,” covers more than 6,300 square meters. It was first built during the Northern Song Dynasty’s Zhiping period (1064–1067). Major structures include the Grand Gate, Stele Pavilion, Ancient Buddha Rock, Mahavira Hall, Five Hundred Arhats Hall, Meditation Hall, and Miaoxiang Vegetarian Restaurant.

The temple features a rectangular layout and a harmonious wooden-and-stone architectural style. Its design was inspired by Dazhu’s Dalin Temple, with overlapping pavilions, deep halls, high ridges, and curved eaves framed by ancient cypress and bamboo groves. Every part—from windows and beams to ceilings and brackets—displays intricate craftsmanship.

Inside the main gate lies the Ancient Buddha Rock Passage, where two walls preserve Northern Song cliff carvings depicting Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, disciples, donors, and guardian animals. Most carvings are high-relief sculptures, vividly capturing the spiritual artistry of the Song era.

• Address: No.7 Luohansi Street, Jiefangbei Subdistrict, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Ticket sales close at 5:20 PM)
• Suggested Visit Duration: About 2 hours
• Best Season to Visit: All year round
• Ticket Price: 20 CNY (includes three incense sticks and one lotus candle, collected at the entrance)

Why You Should Visit Luohan Temple

A Thousand Years of Buddhist Heritage

Built during the Northern Song Dynasty (1064–1067), Luohan Temple—then called Zhiping Temple—became renowned for its cliff carvings and Arhat Hall. The Ancient Buddha Rock preserves more than 400 stone statues from the Song era, including a reclining Buddha and figures of Guanyin. These masterpieces showcase the artistry and enduring spirit of China’s millennium-old Buddhist culture.

A Peaceful Retreat Amid the City

Located in the heart of Chongqing’s Jiefangbei commercial district, Luohan Temple offers a serene contrast to the bustling city around it. Inside, the sound of chanting and the scent of incense replace the noise of traffic. Visitors can find tranquility here, experiencing the Zen wisdom of “living among people yet free from worldly noise.” The temple’s harmony of ancient architecture and modern surroundings creates a powerful spiritual balance.

Cultural Preservation and Artistic Value

Designated as one of Chongqing’s first municipal cultural heritage sites in 2000, Luohan Temple remains a treasure of wooden-and-stone architecture. The carvings, ornate beams, and eaves reflect the refined craftsmanship of traditional Chinese temples. Though the 500 Arhat statues in the main hall are modern reconstructions, they retain the authentic artistic expression of Buddhist sculpture—continuing to draw visitors from around the world.

Top Things to Do in Luohan Temple

Main Attractions

Ancient Buddha Rock

Soon after entering Luohan Temple, you’ll come across a breathtaking historical site—the Ancient Buddha Rock. This 20-meter-long cliff carving dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty and has stood for nearly a thousand years. Over 400 statues are carved into the rock face, including a reclining Buddha (often called the “Sleeping Buddha”), Shakyamuni, Bodhisattvas, Guanyin, Arhats, donors, and animals such as dragons, tigers, and elephants. Most of the carvings are high-relief, with smooth lines and vivid expressions that highlight the refined artistry of the Song era and the solemn tranquility of Buddhist faith.

Heart Sutra Wall

Walking along the temple’s corridor, you’ll find the magnificent Heart Sutra Wall. The entire wall is engraved with golden characters from the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra, with elegant and profound strokes that reflect Buddhist wisdom and serenity. Many visitors pause here to recite the sutra or gently touch the wall as an act of devotion and prayer. When sunlight hits the surface, the golden script shimmers softly, offering a sense of peace beyond the mundane world.

Mahavira Hall

As the main hall of Luohan Temple, the Mahavira Hall stands majestically as the spiritual heart of the entire complex. Inside, a solemn statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is enshrined at the center, flanked by Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas. The Buddha sits peacefully on a lotus pedestal, radiating calmness and compassion. The wooden-and-stone interior features intricate carvings and gracefully curved eaves that reach high above. Amid swirling incense and melodic chanting, visitors often feel as though they’ve stepped into a serene realm from centuries past. During festivals, this hall becomes the most vibrant site for prayers and blessings.

Arhat Hall

The Five Hundred Arhat Hall is one of Luohan Temple’s must-see highlights. Inside stand 500 Arhat statues, each with distinct expressions—smiling, meditating, frowning, or laughing—mirroring the diverse emotions of human life. Every statue’s posture and gaze tell a unique story rich with symbolic meaning. The hall’s depth and interplay of light and shadow create a mysterious, almost cinematic atmosphere that both photographers and cultural explorers will deeply appreciate.

Luohan Temple Ticket Guide

Ticket Prices

• Adults: 20 CNY (purchase on-site via QR code; students get half-price with valid ID)
• Students: 10 CNY
• Free Admission: Seniors above 65 and children under 1.4 meters

Where to Buy Tickets

• On-site only: Tickets are available exclusively at the temple’s ticket counter.

Recommended Visiting Route of Luohan Temple

Since the temple has several main halls, the recommended visiting route is as follows: Main Gate → Hall of Heavenly Kings (pray to Maitreya for happiness; incense here is particularly abundant) → Mahavira Hall (the main hall for prayers, said to bless career and wealth) → Five Hundred Arhat Hall (the core attraction where people count Arhats for fortune reading) → Guanyin Hall (popular for love and health blessings; many visitors hang prayer plaques here) → Sutra Library (classic architecture) → Exit → Red Walls outside the temple (perfect photo spot with Jiefangbei skyline). Inside the temple, you can also purchase prayer plaques priced between 20–50 CNY to write your wishes and hang them in the designated area for a deeply meaningful experience.

Recommended Food Near Luohan Temple

Enjoying a meal or afternoon tea at a restaurant overlooking Luohan Temple is a truly unique experience. Here’s a great choice nearby:

Denggong Benweilu · Chuancheng Sichuan Cuisine (Luohan Temple Branch)

• Why it’s recommended: Known for its authentic Sichuan-style dishes, freshly prepared daily. The atmosphere is excellent, and if you sit by the window, you can enjoy a direct view of the ancient temple—an unmatched dining ambiance.
• Address: 3rd Floor, S95 Chaociyuan Center, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Average Price: 59 CNY per person

Recommended Hotels Near Luohan Temple

It’s best to stay around the Jiefangbei area, which is the central hub of Chongqing and close to major attractions. Transportation is convenient—most scenic spots are within a 30-minute ride. The area is packed with shopping streets, restaurants, and local experiences, perfectly blending modern vibrancy with Chongqing’s distinct character. The most ideal area lies between Xiaoshizi Metro Station and Jiaochangkou Metro Station, within walking distance of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Hongya Cave, Luohan Temple, Huguang Guild Hall, Chongqing Raffles City, Jiangbeizui Riverside Park, Xiahao Old Street, Mountain City Trail, and the Great Hall of the People. Attractions such as Ciqikou Ancient Town, Liziba, TESTBED2 Art Park, Guanyinqiao, Jiu Street, Changjiahui Riverside Old Town, and Laojundong Taoist Temple are easily accessible by metro or taxi. For more details, check the full hotel guide here: Chongqing Hotel Recommendation.

Lavande Hotel (Chongqing Jiefangbei Center Pedestrian Street)

• Location: 3 minutes walk from Linjiangmen Metro Station, 8 minutes walk from Jiaochangkou Metro Station
• Price Range: 279 RMB
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 4.7
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

The hotel is conveniently located near a subway station. A few minutes’ walk will take you to a lively food street and shopping malls. It’s also close to major attractions like Jiefangbei, Hongya Cave, and Liziba, making it a great value-for-money option.

The rooms are well-equipped with fast internet, soft mattresses, and are very clean and well-maintained.

S · island High Altitude River View Hotel

• Location: 5 minutes walk from Linjiangmen Metro Station, 5 minutes walk from Jiaochangkou Metro Station
• Price Range: 387 RMB
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 4.8
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

Excellently situated at the very heart of Jiefangbei, the hotel is located on the 43rd floor of the Xinhua Building, a new high-rise. It is less than 100 meters from Jiefangbei and Bayi Snack Street, ensuring easy access to both transit and dining.

The rooms are spacious and bright, with excellent hygiene and maintenance. You can enjoy views of the Jialing River and the cityscape right from your room.

ASPERA HIGH-ALTITUDE GARDEN PANORAMIC HOTEL

• Location: 6 minutes walk from Xiaoshizi Metro Station, 12 minutes walk from Linjiangmen Metro Station
• Price Range: 448 RMB
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 4.9
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

The hotel is very close to Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave, with a short six to seven-minute walk to these attractions. The subway is right outside, making transportation convenient.

The rooms are high-tech with smart home features, Harman Kardon glass sound systems, and Dyson hair dryers, making it a very photogenic choice.

How to Get to Luohan Temple from Downtown Chongqing

Luohan Temple is very close to both Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave, just a 10–15-minute walk away. From other parts of the city, take Metro Line 6 and exit at Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 6), then walk for about 5 minutes to reach the temple.

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