Tianjingge Pavilion in Dali City

Tianjing Pavilion Scenic Area (天镜阁景区) is a Buddhist cultural site located on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake (洱海) in Dali (大理), specifically on the Luoqian Peninsula (罗荃半岛). It is about 25 kilometers from Dali Railway Station (大理火车站) by road and 10 kilometers from Dali Port (大理港) by water. The site faces the Ancient City of Dali (大理古城) across the lake.

The area has been a Buddhist sacred site since the Nanzhao (南诏) and Dali Kingdom (大理国) periods. Existing structures include Tianjing Pavilion (天镜阁), Guanyin Pavilion (观音阁), and Luoqian Temple (罗荃寺). Tianjing Pavilion, rebuilt in 1996, is a four-story octagonal tower equipped with an elevator that allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Cangshan Mountain (苍山) and Erhai Lake (洱海) from the top.

The scenic area is also home to historical relics such as a stone carving of a poem by Guo Moruo (郭沫若) and the Stone Mule (石骡子), both of which are closely tied to Bai ethnic legends like The Cloud Awaiting Her Husband (望夫云). Particularly in autumn and winter, the area is known for its dramatic meteorological phenomenon called Wudu Cloud (无渡云).

Tianjing Pavillion in Dali City

The site is accessible by public bus or private vehicle. Recommended visit duration is 2 to 5 hours.

• Opening Hours: 08:30–18:00
• Suggested Duration: 2–3 hours
• Location: Luoqian Peninsula (罗荃半岛), east shore of Erhai Lake (洱海)
• Scenic Rating: National 2A Tourist Attraction
• Main Attractions: Guanyin Pavilion (观音阁), Luoqian Pagoda Ruins (罗荃塔遗址), Erhai Cliff Inscriptions (洱岩题刻)

Historical Background

Tianjing Pavilion (天镜阁) was originally built in the Ming Dynasty and was one of the Four Famous Pavilions of Erhai. The original structure was lost over time, and the current four-story, octagonal tower (22 meters high) was rebuilt in 1996 in front of the Luoqian Pagoda (罗荃塔) ruins. A plaque with the calligraphy of Li Duo (李铎) hangs under the eaves, bearing the name “Tianjing Pavilion.”

During the late Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods, the Luoqian Peninsula (罗荃半岛) was already a center for Vajrayana Buddhism. In the Yuan Dynasty, an imperial commissioner expanded the Guanyin Pavilion on the site.

Main Attractions

Tianjing Pavilion (天镜阁)

Tianjing Pavillion in Dali City

This is the main structure, designed as a three-tiered, eight-sided tower. The columns on the first level are engraved with couplets written by Qian Juntao (钱君陶). Visitors can ascend the tower to enjoy sweeping views of Cangshan and Erhai.

Luoqian Temple (罗荃寺)

Comprising the Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿) and Piluzushi Hall (毗卢祖师殿), the temple preserves the Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) tradition of Bai Vajrayana Buddhism from the Nanzhao era.

Guanyin Pavilion (观音阁)

Expanded during the Yuan Dynasty, it is said to be connected with the legend of Master Luoqian (罗荃法师) subduing Erhai in the story The Cloud Awaiting Her Husband (望夫云).

Stone Mule (石骡子)

Located in the southern part of the scenic area, this rock formation bears the inscription “The Nation’s Gate is Here” (国门在此) by a Nanzhao king. Legend says the rock is actually A Long (阿龙) transformed by Master Luoqian.

Natural Scenery and Legends

The scenic area sits atop Yuan'an Mountain (玉案山) and is surrounded by water on three sides. The name "Tianjing" (Sky Mirror) reflects its serene landscape: "mountains embrace the sea, calm and mirror-like."

In autumn and winter, rare weather phenomena such as The Cloud Awaiting Her Husband (望夫云) and Jade Belt Cloud (玉带云) are frequently seen. The most famous is Wudu Cloud (无渡云), which brings sudden gales to Erhai and echoes the tragic love story of a princess who transformed into a cloud after her lover’s death.

Travel Information

Transportation

Visitors can take Bus No. 10 or No. 23 from downtown Dali directly to the site. Those driving can follow Huanhai East Road (环海东路) to Luoqian Peninsula (罗荃半岛) via GPS.

Tickets and Facilities

Admission to Luoqian Peninsula Tourism Area is 28 RMB per adult, which includes the tower elevator fee. The scenic area also offers sightseeing buses and alpine rafting activities.

Visitor Tips

• Bring sun protection on sunny days.
• Be cautious when exploring rocky areas.
• Traditional Bai cuisine is available nearby, featuring dishes like clay pot fish (砂锅鱼) and grilled milk fan (乳扇).