Caojian Town Yuhuangge (Jade Emperor) Pavillion in Yunlong County, Dali

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he Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁) architectural complex is located in Caojian Village (漕涧村), Caojian Town (漕涧镇), Yunlong County (云龙县), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies at 25°39’14.8″N and 99°07’49.1″E, at an altitude of 2085 meters.

Caojian Town (漕涧镇) has a long history. Neolithic artifacts and Han Dynasty bronzes have been unearthed here. Historical studies indicate that it was once the seat of Xutang County (巂唐县) during the Western Han Dynasty. Caojian was formerly known as “Zaozhu Village (早竹村).” In the 15th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, a local military post named Caojian Tusi Qianzong (漕涧土千总) was established here. During the early Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Rongli (荣里), and in the early Republic of China period, it became the Fourth District. After several name changes, it was officially designated as Caojian Town (漕涧镇) in 1984 and retains this name today.

The Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁) complex was originally constructed in the 52nd year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1713), making it nearly 300 years old. The complex includes the Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁), Wangmu Temple (王母寺), Sanchong Temple (三崇庙), Caishen Hall (财神殿), and the Memorial Archway of Lady Zhang Sanniang (张三娘贞节牌坊). This religious complex integrates elements of Taoism, Buddhism, and local Benzhu beliefs, and holds high artistic and cultural value.

Historical Evolution

According to the “Stele Inscription of Yuhuang Pavilion Permanent Residence” (《玉皇阁常住碑记》), the pavilion was first built in 1713. On the west side of the archway once stood the Caishen Hall (财神殿), an opera stage, the Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁), and a screen wall.

The memorial archway features a unique three-gate stone structure known as “one high, two low” style. The front bears plaques inscribed with “A Motherly Heart” (一片婆心) and “Great Virtue and Merit” (厚德高功), while the reverse reads “Today Surpasses the Past” (今朝胜昔) and “Fame Will Last Forever” (流芳百世). Such stone archways are unique within Yunlong County (云龙县).

Architectural Features

The main structures of the Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁) complex include:

• Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁): Dedicated to the Taoist Jade Emperor and serves as the core structure of the complex.
• Wangmu Temple (王母寺): Dedicated to the Queen Mother of the West (王母娘娘).
• Sanchong Temple (三崇庙): Enshrines other Taoist deities.
• Caishen Hall (财神殿): Worships the God of Wealth.
• Memorial Archway of Lady Zhang Sanniang (张三娘贞节牌坊): Erected to honor the chastity of Lady Zhang Sanniang; it is the only original ancient building in the complex that remains fully preserved.

Preservation and Current Status

In recent years, the local government has adhered to the principle of “restoration in original style” when repairing and rebuilding the Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁) complex, maintaining its original scale and architectural features. Today, the complex has become a key cultural tourism attraction in the area, drawing many visitors.

The Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁) in Caojian (漕涧) is not only a historical and cultural treasure of Yunlong County (云龙县) but also an important example of religious architecture in the Dali region (大理地区), embodying deep historical and cultural significance.