Pray for good luck: temples for Spring Festival prayers
An old Chinese saying goes, "The whole year's work depends on a good start in spring". Spring is not just the time when Spring Festival falls; it is also a season where for generations Chinese have wished for blessings to bring luck and good fortune throughout the New Year. A list of best choices for people to pray for these blessings across the country includes two places in Sichuan which are perfect for praying for that New Year luck!
Emei Mountain, Sichuan
As one of the four most divine Mountains of Buddhism in China, Mount Emei contains numerous temples and buildings that have borne witness to the development of Buddhism since the religion’s introduction to China over 2,000 years ago. Every morning streams of Buddhist pilgrims armed with joss sticks conquer the steep stairs of the mountain and swarm into the countless temples.
Entry: 185 yuan/person
Opening Hours: 6:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Getting there: Take a Chengdu-Leshan-Emeishan Intercity high-speed train to Emeishan Station, and then change to city bus 5A to this site.
Wannian Temple, Sichuan
Established in the fifth year (401) of the Long'an reign of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Wannian Temple is the oldest temple on Emei Mountain. The temple's nation-wide renown stems from its remarkable statue of Samantabhadra Buddha, or Puxian Bodhisattva in Chinese, as well as the precious artifacts it houses. The statue, featuring the Bodhisattva Puxian riding a white elephant, is 7.3 meters high and weighs 62 tons. In China, Samantabhadra Buddha is associated with action, so the temple is considered an ideal place for confession and prayer.
