Baoguang Temple, Xindu

The big monastery of Xindu, 18 km north of the centre: a Sui-dynasty foundation rebuilt under the Qing into 'one pagoda, five halls, sixteen courtyards', famous for its Arhat Hall — 500 life-size painted clay arhats, each with its own face, one of the oldest and largest sets in China. Five yuan at the gate, no booking, and Metro Line 3 now runs into Xindu, which makes it the least-effort 'real temple' day out from the panda side of the city. The temple does not confirm hours or price online, so those here are the platforms' word.