Shizhong (Stone Bell) Temple in Jianchuan County, Dali

Shizhong Temple (石钟寺) is located on Shibaoshan Mountain (石宝山) in Jianchuan County (剑川县), Dali Prefecture (大理州), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. It is one of the first national scenic spots designated by the government. The temple is a historical Buddhist site with no definitive records of its original construction date.

Historical Significance

Shizhong Temple is an ancient temple that was built on Shibaoshan Mountain. The temple once housed a massive reclining Buddha statue, adorned with a yellow robe and a jeweled crown, featuring distinctive Tibetan characteristics in its facial features. Surrounding the temple, ancient rock paintings and Buddhist stone carvings from the Tang (唐) and Song (宋) dynasties can still be found. Shizhong Temple serves as an important testament to the history of Buddhism in Yunnan and is a unique repository for the study of Nanzhao (南诏) Buddhism and Bai (白族) Esoteric Buddhism.

The temple is also known as Jianchuan Grotto (剑川石窟), named for its red-purple rock formations that resemble an inverted bell, situated about 25 kilometers southwest of Jianchuan County. It is an artistic treasure created by the Bai ethnic group during the Nanzhao period. The temple complex features the largest and best-preserved group of grottoes in Yunnan, with 16 caves and 139 relief sculptures, showcasing the sculptural art from the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods, with a history of over a thousand years.

Architectural Features

Shizhong Temple is built along the mountainside, winding through the landscape and nestled among pine, cypress, and bamboo forests. A notable boulder, shaped like an inverted bell, gives the mountain its name. The "Stone Bell" stands majestically in the sunlight, embodying tranquility and serenity. The essence of the grotto sculptures can be found on the stone walls behind the temple, featuring vivid and diverse representations that reflect the ethnic characteristics of Yunnan.

Culinary Experience

Visitors can enjoy delicious vegetarian meals at the temple for just 12 yuan per person, available at the parking lot. While local specialties like grilled milk fan, rice cake, and cold chicken rice noodles may not stand out, it's worth trying them when in Dali. Grilled tofu and roasted pig trotters are particularly recommended, and the local Fenghua Xueyue beer is quite good. You can also try the 5-yuan bottle of sculpted plum wine (雕梅酒) from Yunlongfeng brand, which contains a whole sculpted plum inside.

Time Required

Visitors typically spend between 1 to 3 hours exploring the temple and its surroundings.

Transportation

Self-Driving: Start from Dali Passenger Station (大理客运站), take the Dali-Lijiang Expressway (大丽高速), and then follow X084 to the destination.

Location

Shizhong Temple is located on Shibaoshan Mountain (石宝山) in Jianchuan County (剑川县), Dali Prefecture (大理州), Yunnan Province (云南省), China.

How to Get There

To reach Shizhong Temple, visitors can drive from Dali City or take a local bus to Jianchuan County and then use local transport to the temple.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The temple is especially picturesque during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant.
• Local Cuisine: Be sure to try the vegetarian dishes available at the temple and explore local street food options.
• Respect Local Customs: When visiting, be respectful of the religious significance of the site and the traditions of the local community.
• Photography: Capture the beauty of the temple and its surroundings, but be cautious not to disturb any ongoing rituals or ceremonies.

Shizhong Temple is not just an architectural gem but also a cultural heritage site that reflects the rich Buddhist history of Yunnan. Its grottoes and sculptures provide a fascinating glimpse into the region's artistic and spiritual legacy.