Jingyin Temple in Qijiang District, Chongqing

overview

Perched dramatically on a cliff surrounded by the Danxia landform, Jingyin Temple (净音寺, also known as Gujian Mountain Temple 古剑山寺) is a sacred Buddhist site and a natural retreat near Chongqing. Sitting at the tip of Jigongzui Peak (鸡公嘴, 1,146 m above sea level) in Gujian Mountain Scenic Area (古剑山风景区, Qijiang District 綦江区), the temple dates back to the early Northern Song Dynasty (960 AD). It is famous for its “Temple on the Cliff” landscape and the local legend of “The Bodhisattva of Jigongzui answers those from afar, not nearby”.

✨ Highlights of Jingyin Temple

Cliffside Temple – Majestic & Thrilling

The temple is surrounded by sheer cliffs on three sides, connected to the mountain by a single stone stairway carved into rock. This dramatic setting makes it one of the most awe-inspiring temples in Southwest China.

Thousand-Year History & Pilgrimage Site

Built over 1,000 years ago during the Northern Song Dynasty, Jingyin Temple has long been a place of devotion, attracting countless pilgrims from across Sichuan and Chongqing.

The Famous Legend

Local folklore says that the Bodhisattva at Jigongzui (鸡公嘴) blesses those who come from afar, but not those nearby—adding mystery and charm that continues to attract faithful pilgrims and curious travelers.

Danxia Landform & Geological Wonders

Gujian Mountain (古剑山) is part of the Qijiang National Geopark (綦江木化石-恐龙足迹国家地质公园), featuring unique Danxia landforms with red cliffs, stone pillars, and dramatic rock formations.

Forest Oxygen Bar

With forest coverage of more than 85%, the scenic area offers fresh air and a soothing natural environment, making it ideal for relaxation and spiritual retreat.

? Best Time to Visit

• Seasons:

  • Summer: Average temperature ~25.6°C, a perfect cool getaway.

  • Autumn: Clear skies and excellent visibility, ideal for hiking and photography.

• Times of Day:

  • Morning: Misty mountain views, peaceful temple ambiance, and the sound of morning bells.

  • Evening: Golden sunsets and breathtaking views of rolling mountains.

? How to Get There

Location: Qingshui Village (清水村7社), Gunan Subdistrict (古南街道), Qijiang District (綦江区), Chongqing.

• By Car (Recommended):
  From Chongqing’s city center, take G75 Lanzhou–Haikou Expressway (兰海高速公路) and exit at Qijiang. Continue via Jiulong Avenue → Houshan Road → Qiji Road to reach Gujian Mountain Scenic Area (古剑山风景区).
  Alternatively, exit from Banan Toll Station (巴南收费站) and follow Gujian Mountain Avenue (古剑山大道).
  Simply navigate to “Jingyin Temple (净音寺)” or “Gujian Mountain (古剑山)” in GPS.

• By Public Transport:

  • From Nanping Bus Station (南坪汽车站) or Sigongli Transport Hub (四公里交通枢纽站), take a bus to Qijiang (綦江).

  • At Qijiang Bus Station, transfer to Bus 103 to Nanzhou Park (南州公园站), then take a minibus to Jigongzui (鸡公嘴/古剑山) (departures every ~30 minutes).

  • Direct long-distance buses from Hongqihegou (红旗河沟) or Longtousi (龙头寺) to Gujian Mountain are also available (twice daily).

? Essential Information

? History & Legends

• Origins: Built during the Northern Song Dynasty (960 AD), originally known as Dongyue Temple (东岳庙) or Gujian Mountain Temple (古剑山寺).

• Ming Dynasty (1610): Excavation of temple foundations revealed an ancient sword and mirror, giving the mountain its name “Gujian Mountain (古剑山)”.

• Qing Dynasty (1730, Yongzheng period): Golden era with 18 temple halls, including Mahavira Hall, Avalokiteshvara Hall, Manjusri Hall, Samantabhadra Hall, Sutra Library, and more.

• Cultural Revolution: Temple was heavily damaged.

• Restoration: Since 1991, several halls including Light Hall, Medicine Buddha Hall, and Great Gate have been rebuilt. In 1999 and 2007, Venerable Weixian (惟贤大和尚), Vice President of the Buddhist Association of China, personally conducted consecration ceremonies.

• Legend of Jigongzui: The proverb “The Bodhisattva answers from afar, not nearby (应远不应近)” comes from a story about a sculptor’s son who was blessed after a vow, while a local official was not—teaching that sincerity and devotion matter more than distance.

? Suggested Routes

Half-Day Pilgrimage Route (Culture & Faith)

Visitor Center → Baoji Road → Jingyin Temple (净音寺) → Gujing Pavilion (古镜亭) → Gujian Pavilion (古剑亭) → “One Bowl of Water (一碗水)” → Mo’er Cave (摸儿洞) → Sanfo Rock (三佛岩) → Sheshen Cliff/Yang Bridge (舍身崖/阳桥).

One-Day Nature Route (Scenery & Hiking)

Visitor Center → Shuttle to Sanjing Lake (三境湖) → Forest Trail → Guanzizai Service Area (观自在) → Seven Immortal Terrace (七仙瑶台) → Chan Cave (禅洞) → Monk’s Tomb (僧人冢) → Stupa (佛塔) → Jingyin Temple → Sheshen Cliff.

1–2 Day In-Depth Route (Culture + Art)

Day 1: Jingyin Temple and nearby natural wonders → Overnight at a guesthouse or Qijiang town.
Day 2: Visit Gujian Mountain Art Village (古剑山艺术村) with artists’ studios, or explore Dongxi Ancient Town (东溪古镇).

? Photography Tips

• Jingyin Temple Upper Courtyard: Capture red walls and black roofs against misty mountains.

• Yang Bridge / Sheshen Cliff (阳桥/舍身崖): Best for dramatic shots of cliffs and cloud seas.

• Drone Photography: Offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the temple perched on the cliff (check regulations).

• Best Times: Morning fog or post-rain for cloud-sea landscapes; sunset for golden lighting on temple walls.

? Nearby Attractions

• Nature & Culture: Gujian Mountain Danxia Landform, Sanjing Lake (三境湖), Nandai Lake (南黛湖), and Gujian Mountain Art Village.

• Ancient Towns: Dongxi Ancient Town (东溪古镇) in Qijiang.

• Local Food: Try Qijiang specialties such as Beidu Fish (北渡鱼), Gan Shui Rice Noodles (赶水米粉), Dongxi Fermented Tofu (东溪豆腐乳), and local mountain delicacies like tofu pudding (豆花), bamboo shoots, and cured meats.

? Travel Tips

• Dress & Gear: Wear modest clothes (for temple visits) and comfortable hiking shoes. Bring sun protection in summer and rain gear in rainy season.

• Quiet Respect: Keep silent in temple halls, respect monks and pilgrims.

• Safety: Be cautious at cliffside spots such as Sheshen Cliff—avoid risky climbing.

• Accommodation: Guesthouses at the mountain base or hotels in Qijiang town.

• Plan Ahead: Public transport is limited; check return schedules carefully.

? Final Thoughts

Jingyin Temple (净音寺) combines thousand-year-old Buddhist culture, breathtaking cliffside architecture, Danxia landscapes, and forest tranquility. Whether you seek spiritual peace, hiking adventures, or cultural exploration, it is a perfect retreat from Chongqing’s urban bustle.