Discover Chongqing's ancient Luohan Temple, a hidden gem near Jiefangbei and Hongyadong. Learn its history, find essential visiting tips, and explore nearby attractions for an unforgettable cultural experience.
은수수 | eunsusu
7 min read
5 views
Hey there, I'm Eunsu!
If you're searching for **places to visit in Chongqing**, I think **Luohan Temple** would be an excellent contender for your itinerary.
Its convenient location, perfect for a quick stop during your Jiefangbei or Hongyadong explorations, prompted me to visit early in the morning.
I'll be summarizing everything from essential info like **Luohan Temple's location and admission fee** to some valuable tips I missed out on.
Table of Contents
1. Luohan Temple Location & Basic Information
2. Nearby Travel Itinerary for Luohan Temple
3. Admission Fee & Tips
4. My Visit Experience at Luohan Temple
5. Things to Keep in Mind During Your Visit
1. Luohan Temple Location & Basic Information
Luohan Temple is a truly ancient temple, originally built during the Song Dynasty (1064-1067). Its name changed several times before settling on 'Luohan Temple' in the late Qing Dynasty (1885), and it was rebuilt in 1984 after being destroyed during wartime.
The term **'Luohan' refers to disciples who attained enlightenment by following the Buddha's teachings**, and the temple earned its name because the Luohan Hall within it houses over 500 such Luohan statues.
I traveled by Didi taxi, but if you're taking the subway, it's a 3-minute walk from Exit 6 of Xiaoshizi (小什字) Station on Line 1 or Line 6.
Its **proximity to Jiefangbei** makes it easy to combine with other nearby attractions. I arrived around 9:30 AM, and even with leisurely photo-taking, it took less than an hour. This early hour was also great for photos, as there weren't many worshippers around.
2. Nearby Travel Itinerary for Luohan Temple
Instead of just visiting Luohan Temple and leaving, it's much better to combine it with nearby attractions to maximize your time. I walked down towards Jiefangbei, explored the food street, and then continued on to see the night view of Hongyadong.
If you plan your itinerary to **start at Xiaoshizi Station and end at Hongyadong**, you'll enjoy a pleasant walk and the sights will naturally flow from one to the next.
With this route in mind, let's continue with my story of exploring Luohan Temple first, then each spot one by one.
3. Admission Fee & Tips
**The admission fee for Luohan Temple is 20 Chinese Yuan per person**, and QR code payment is available. When I received my ticket, it had '香花券' written on the surface. This means 'incense and flower ticket' (lit. 'incense flower voucher'), indicating it includes incense and candles, but at the time, I just held onto it without understanding what it meant.
Later, I found out that the 20 Chinese Yuan admission fee originally includes three sticks of incense and one candle, which you can receive by showing your ticket at the distribution point inside.
I didn't know this, so I ended up leaving without them. They weren't given out at the entrance; you had to show your ticket inside at a specific point, and I was disappointed I didn't know how to do that.
If you're planning to visit Luohan Temple, I highly recommend checking for '香花券' on your ticket when you receive it, and then be sure to find the place inside where they distribute incense. Don't miss out like I did!
4. My Visit Experience at Luohan Temple
The moment I stepped into Luohan Temple, it felt truly incredible, almost like I had dimension-shifted. One moment I was surrounded by towering buildings, the next I was in a peaceful temple.
From the entrance, the stone statues were intricately crafted and well-maintained, making for a delightful sight.
As I prepared to go further inside, I noticed locals washing their hands. Not knowing the exact method, I opted to observe from behind rather than imitate them.
This hand-washing ritual, I learned, symbolizes cleansing the defilements of body and mind, as well as the worldly worries, with water before bowing to the Buddha or lighting incense. It's believed that by doing so, one can wash away bad luck and embrace blessings with a pure heart.
Before entering Luohan Temple, near the entrance, there was a shop where you could buy souvenirs or even try making prayer beads. It was hot, so I enjoyed the air conditioning while browsing for gifts.
Overall, Luohan Temple had a serene and peaceful vibe with its color palette. Once I passed through this gate, it was the path to the Luohan Hall, and I felt a subtle sense of anticipation.
The gentle scent of incense wafted through Luohan Temple, creating that distinctive temple atmosphere.
If I had known beforehand that incense was included with the admission ticket, I would have lit some and made a wish. So, if you're planning to visit, don't forget to take advantage of it!
Even so, it was fascinating and had a unique charm to find such an ancient temple nestled right in the middle of a bustling, vibrant city.
As I explored the temple, I noticed they were selling 'Caibao Xuegao (财宝雪糕)', a limited-edition Luohan Temple ice cream, so I decided to try it.
It cost 18 yuan and was mango flavored. It had a unique shape, like a treasure jar overflowing with riches.
It carried the meaning of 'bringing good fortune and wealth,' making it a fun souvenir dessert that just made you feel good while eating it.
It's also great for taking commemorative photos of your Luohan Temple visit, so I highly recommend trying one at least once!
While exploring the first floor, I discovered there was also a second floor, so I went up to take a look.
Up on the second floor, as I walked along the corridor of Luohan Temple, I found a round wooden window. Through its frame, I could see the temple roofs and their colorful traditional decorations (dancheong-style painting), which created a wonderful atmosphere.
From another window, you could see modern buildings alongside the temple roofs – a truly unique view that Luohan Temple offers.
While I was exploring the second floor, I saw several photographers in the distance taking pictures of what looked like a Chinese celebrity or influencer. I watched them for a bit, and it definitely seemed like a spot where you could get some 'once-in-a-lifetime' photos.
The temple isn't overwhelmingly large, making it a perfect spot to casually wander and explore at your own pace.
Just a heads-up, there were many other sights to see besides what I photographed, but I refrained from taking pictures inside, so please keep that in mind. After exploring all of Luohan Temple, I moved on to the Waddingding Cafe.
5. Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting
Photography is not allowed inside Luohan Hall, so I put my phone away and simply admired it with my eyes.
As it is a temple, it's best to avoid overly revealing clothing. Also, it's considered polite not to step on the threshold when entering, but rather to step over it, so keep that in mind.
Luohan Temple isn't large, making it a great option for a casual half-day visit as part of your itinerary. I hope this review helps those looking for places to visit in Chongqing.
What is the admission fee for Chongqing Luohan Temple, and what benefits are included with the ticket?
The admission fee for Luohan Temple is 20 yuan per person, and QR code payment is available. The ticket is called 'Xianghua Ticket' (Incense and Flower Ticket) and includes 3 sticks of incense and 1 candle, which can be redeemed inside the temple.
How can I get to Luohan Temple from Xiaoshizi Station on Subway Line 1 or 6?
Take Exit 6 from Xiaoshizi Station (小什字) on Subway Line 1 or 6, and Luohan Temple is a 3-minute walk away. It is also conveniently located near Jiefangbei.
What is the price and characteristic of 'Caibao Xuegao', a special commemorative dessert sold at Luohan Temple?
Luohan Temple sells a limited-edition ice cream called 'Caibao Xuegao' (财宝雪糕) for 18 yuan. It is mango-flavored and has a unique shape resembling a treasure jar full of riches, symbolizing 'opening up good fortune'.
Is photography allowed inside Luohan Temple, especially in the Luohan Hall?
Photography is not permitted in the inner areas of Luohan Hall at Luohan Temple. It is best to put your phone away for a moment and enjoy the view with your eyes only.
Share this article
Featured in Collections
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.