Baiyun Temple in Nanjian County, Dali

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Baiyun Temple (白云寺) in Nanjian Town (南涧镇) is a renowned ancient temple and one of the best-preserved historical temples within Nanjian County (南涧县). It is listed as a prefecture-level cultural relic protection unit.

The temple is located on a natural platform at the foot of a mountain to the left of Dapingdi Village (大平地村), under the Baiyun Village Committee (白云村委会) in Nanjian Town (南涧镇), northwest of the county seat. Nestled among majestic mountains, it faces north and sits at an elevation of 1,620 meters, 23 kilometers from the county center. Surrounded by pristine mountains and clear waters, the entire temple is hidden within the primeval forest of the back mountain and the surrounding ancient pines and cypresses. Due to the frequent presence of misty white clouds and rising purple smoke, the temple is named “Baiyun” (meaning “white cloud”).

History and Architecture

Baiyun Temple (白云寺) was first built in the 29th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1550 CE). Under the guidance of the eminent monk Wutong (悟通和尚), who was in charge of the Taijiding Zhusaosi Temple (太极顶竹扫寺), the construction began.

According to the architectural design, the temple features a wooden structure of three tiers and two courtyards, with two main halls in depth. The complex includes the main hall, east and west wing rooms, side halls, a central corridor hall, front gate, screen wall, and enclosing walls.

During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty (1662–1721), the temple underwent renovation. Nine bronze-lead cast statues of Buddhas and deities were made, and three paneled doors were crafted for the main hall. Each door panel was designed with a “Five Fields” pattern and featured unique motifs: “Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix,” “Phoenix Pecking Peony,” “Single Saber Attending a Meeting,” and “King Wen Seeking the Wise.” The fifth and sixth panels together depicted the theme “Prosperity Brought by the Dragon and Phoenix.”

From the 6th to 15th year of the Jiaqing reign (1801–1810), the temple was further restored. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it has undergone five additional rounds of renovation. In November 2009, a new Caishen Hall (财神殿, God of Wealth Hall) was built about 50 meters to the right of the main temple.

Cultural and Artistic Significance

With a history spanning over 470 years, Baiyun Temple (白云寺) preserves numerous Qing-era relics, including stone steles, ancient bells, drums, and plaques. Currently, there are seven wooden temple buildings in the complex, including front, rear, left, and right halls, each housing various Buddha statues of different sizes. Notably, a bronze bell cast during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty remains well-preserved and is considered a treasured artifact.

The main hall features exquisite flying eaves and interlocking wooden brackets (dougong), intricately painted beams, carved pillars, murals, stone carvings, and wood engravings — all arranged in an elegant and harmonious layout. Towering ancient cypress and pine trees surround the temple, which also boasts over 30 mu (approximately 5 acres) of orchards. In spring, the area is filled with birdsong and blooming flowers; in autumn, it bears an abundance of fruit. Visitors may experience the poetic scene of “Gazing upon a sacred figure in the purple bamboo forest, finding jade relics deep within the white clouds.”

Visitor Experience

Baiyun Temple (白云寺), with its ancient architecture, exquisite murals, curling incense smoke, and centuries-old walnut trees so large that several people are needed to encircle them, feels like an ancient book full of history — something to be savored slowly. When the breeze passes, wind chimes hanging from the eaves gently ring, accompanied by birdsong. A mural on the screen wall depicts a fierce tiger whose head, no matter where you stand, always seems to be facing you, with its eyes vividly watching — as if judging the virtues and vices of the world.

Today, Baiyun Temple (白云寺) presents a serene and majestic atmosphere. Its murals, carvings, and sculptures are displayed in an orderly manner. The front of the temple is shaded by towering ancient trees and vibrant pine, while fruit trees form a lush garden. Surrounded by drifting clouds and ancient canopies, it feels like a realm between heaven and earth — a perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle. With its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage, Baiyun Temple has become a popular destination for visitors seeking tranquility, historical insight, and spiritual reflection.