Lihuawu in Longyang District, Baoshan

Chinese Name:梨花坞
English Name:Lihuawu in Longyang District, Baoshan

Baoshan Lihuawu in Longyang District travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Lihuawu in Baoshan(梨花坞).

Lihuawu (Pear Blossom Garden) is located at Xinxi Village in the southwest of Baoshan City. It's locally called "the Big Pear Garden". In 1644, Wang Hongzuo who was a local working as the vice minister of Revenue Ministry in the Qing Dynasty sponsored to construct Lihuawu. Lihuawu later underwent several renovations to include archaized architectures such as Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) Hall, Puti (bodhi) Pavilion, Weituo (Vedda) Hall, Lotus Pond, Dizang (Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha) Hall, Wensu (Bodhisattva Manjusri) Pavilion and Jingang Pagoda etc. Additionally, there are quite a few plaques and couplets inscribed by men of letters in both ancient and modern times.   Lihuawu is known for its serenity and pleasant sceneries. Its vegetarian dishes enjoy a wide fame in Baoshan area and are always preferred by visitors.

Lihuawu, also known as Pear Blossom Garden (梨花坞), is a beautiful and historically significant site located in Xinxi Village, Longyang District, Baoshan, Yunnan Province. The area is famous for its serene landscapes, ancient Buddhist temples, and vibrant pear blossom scenery in spring. The site is also known as "the Big Pear Garden" locally and is a popular destination for both cultural and natural exploration.

Location

• Address: Xinxi Village, Longyang District, Baoshan, Yunnan, China

• Distance from Baoshan City: Approximately 3 km southwest of the city center.

History and Significance

Origins

Lihuawu was established in 1644 during the Qing Dynasty by Wang Hongzuo, a local official who later rose to the position of Vice Minister of the Revenue Ministry in the Qing Dynasty. Wang, motivated by a sense of gratitude to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, after several life-changing events, sponsored the creation of Lihuawu. Over the years, the area underwent multiple renovations and expanded to include a variety of architectural structures such as:

• Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) Hall

• Puti (Bodhi) Pavilion

• Weituo (Vedda) Hall

• Lotus Pond

• Dizang (Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha) Hall

• Wensu (Bodhisattva Manjusri) Pavilion

• Jingang Pagoda

These buildings and structures are important both culturally and religiously, and many of them feature inscriptions from notable historical figures.

Buddhist Significance

Lihuawu is a Buddhist holy site and a place of worship for locals and visitors alike. It is one of the "Eight Views of Baoshan" (外八景) and holds cultural and religious significance. The main temple buildings are dedicated to the worship of Guanyin, and the area also features many ancient relics and religious artifacts.

Attractions

Architecture and Religious Sites

• Ciyun Pavilion (慈云阁): The main structure of Lihuawu, known for its ancient and majestic architecture.

• Lotus Pond and Lotus Gardens: Known for its serene atmosphere and scenic beauty, especially in the spring.

• Guanyin Hall: Dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, it remains one of the most significant religious sites in the region.

• Jingang Pagoda: A prominent feature of the landscape, offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

• Newly Built Jade Buddha Hall: Home to three exquisite jade Buddha statues, each valued as rare and priceless treasures.

Natural Beauty

Lihuawu is most famous for its pear blossoms that bloom in early spring. The pear trees, covering the entire area, create a stunning visual when their white blossoms appear like snow, offering visitors a breathtaking scene. Weeping willows along the riverside and clear mountain streams add to the peaceful and scenic environment.

The "Pear Blossom Garden" Effect

• In the springtime, the pear blossoms are compared to snow because of their white petals. Local poems and couplets, such as “One tree of pear blossoms is a thousand dots of snow; two banks of willows are like ten thousand strands of silk”, beautifully describe the breathtaking sight.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (February to April): Best known for the pear blossoms that blanket the area, making it the most visually stunning time to visit.

• Year-round: The area remains a peaceful retreat, ideal for those interested in exploring religious culture and natural beauty at any time of the year.

How to Get There

By Car

• Distance from Baoshan City: 3 km southwest, easily accessible by car in approximately 10 minutes.

By Public Transport

• Local Buses: Regular bus services connect the area with Baoshan City, making it easy for visitors to reach the site.

Accommodation and Dining

Nearby Accommodation

• There are various hotels and guesthouses in Baoshan City, ranging from budget to more luxurious options. Visitors can find a place to stay that fits their needs and budget.

Vegetarian Cuisine

• Lihuawu is well-known for its vegetarian dishes, especially "vegetarian mock meat" dishes, which are popular among visitors. The dishes are made from plant-based ingredients that mimic the taste and texture of meat. These are often enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike, making the experience at Lihuawu not just about its scenic beauty but also its culinary offerings.

Cultural and Religious Events

Guanyin Worship

• Annual Celebrations: The site hosts major religious events, including the Guanyin Festival on the 19th day of the second, sixth, and ninth months of the lunar calendar. During these festivals, pilgrims from various regions visit the site to offer prayers and incense.

Weather and Best Travel Tips

Weather

• Spring: The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), ideal for exploring the area and enjoying the blossoms.

• Winter: It can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F).

• Summer: The temperatures can rise to 30°C (86°F), so it's best to wear light clothing and stay hydrated.

Travel Tips

• Early Morning Visits: For the best views of the pear blossoms and to avoid crowds, it's recommended to visit early in the morning.

• Bring Comfortable Footwear: The area is known for its natural landscapes, so wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.

• Respect Local Traditions: As a religious site, visitors should be respectful when visiting the temples and during religious ceremonies.