Baohe Temple in Cangshan Mountain, Dali

? Thousand-Year Sanctuary in the Clouds – Exploring Baohe Temple (保和寺), Cangshan Mountain (苍山)

? Highlights & Unique Features

? Royal Legacy, Hidden Buddhist Sanctuary

Nestled on the southern slope of Lotus Peak (莲花峰) in Cangshan Mountain, Baohe Temple (保和寺) was founded in the Tang Dynasty as a royal temple of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Once famed for its “Thirty-Six Temples and Eighteen Shrines,” it earned the nickname “Little Jizu Mountain” (小鸡足山). Though only rebuilt halls remain today, the temple is still embraced by ancient pines and cypresses, with incense burning for over a thousand years—making it feel like a timeless realm.

?️ Harmony of Three Teachings

Baohe Temple is a rare fusion of Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Bai ethnic Benzhu beliefs:

• Front Hall – Thousand-Armed Guanyin (千手观音) and Snow Mountain Goddess (雪山娘娘)

• Mahavira Hall – Buddha Shakyamuni

• Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁) – Daoist deities

• Prince Consort Palace (驸马神宫) – Dedicated to Nanzhao King Xinuluo (细奴罗)

This blend reflects centuries of spiritual coexistence.

❤️ Temple of Love & Folk Traditions

Baohe Temple is famed for the romance between King Xinuluo (细奴罗) and the Bai princess Jingu (金姑). Couples tie red “Love Threads” to ancient trees, praying for lasting relationships. Each year on the Third Day of the Third Lunar Month, the temple comes alive with the Bai people’s Chaoshang Festival—a vibrant celebration of folk songs, traditional dances, and joyful all-night gatherings.

?️ Echoes of Time

?️ Architectural Charm

The existing structures, rebuilt from the Republic era to modern times, are arranged along a north-south axis—linking the spirit wall, front hall, Guanyin Hall, Mahavira Hall, and Jade Emperor Pavilion. Red eaves and dark tiles peek through a canopy of old trees.

?️ Hidden Treasures

• Spirit Wall Murals – Depicting the “Twenty-Four Views of Little Jizu Mountain” (小鸡足二十四景)

• Ancient Steles – Tang Dynasty inscriptions narrating the temple’s ties with the grand Jizu Mountain (鸡足山) in Binchuan

? Practical Travel Guide

? Location

Baohe Temple (保和寺) is in Wanquan Town (湾桥镇), on the southern slope of Lotus Peak (莲花峰) in Cangshan Mountain (苍山). Navigate directly to “Baohe Temple (保和寺).”

?️ Getting There

From Dali Ancient Town (大理古城), drive along National Highway 214 to Wanquan Town, then take the winding mountain road up to the temple. Roads are narrow and steep—experienced drivers recommended. No public transport. Signal is weak, so download offline maps in advance. During forest fire prevention periods, access may be restricted—check with local authorities before visiting.

? Recommended Experiences

• Quiet Meditation – Listen to birdsong and wind in the pines at dawn; watch the sunset over Erhai Lake from the Wujigong Terrace (无极宫露台).

• Vegetarian Meal – Simple, healthy vegetarian lunch served with ingredients from the surrounding mountains.

• Hiking Trails – Follow the path behind the temple into Cangshan’s hidden valleys, where summer wild mushrooms grow and Mangyong Creek (茫涌溪) waterfalls cascade in silver ribbons.

? Best Seasons

• Spring (Third Lunar Month) – Join the Chaoshang Festival for Bai ethnic music and dance.

• Late Autumn to Early Winter – Red maple leaves and evergreen pines create a striking seasonal contrast.

? Final Words – A Spiritual Refuge Beyond the World

Baohe Temple (保和寺) is more than a historical site—it is the love symbol of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom, a harmonious blend of Buddhist chants and Daoist incense, and a sanctuary where the heart finds stillness. Here, you can feel the cool Cangshan breeze, tie a red thread for love, and bow beneath thousand-year-old cypresses—wishing peace for all beings.

? Traveler’s Note: Entrance is free; plan to spend two to three hours. Respect religious customs—keep voices low. Bring water and insect repellent.