Boluo Temple of Cangshan Mountain in Dali City

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🏞️ Boluosi Temple (波罗寺) – A Hidden Sanctuary on Cangshan

🌲 Location & Mystical Atmosphere

🏔️ A Secret Retreat in the Clouds

Boluosi Temple (波罗寺) sits halfway up Shengying Peak (圣应峰) of Cangshan Mountain (苍山), at an elevation of over two thousand meters. Reaching the temple requires a trek from Gantong Temple (感通寺), passing through an old stone bridge known as the Repentance Bridge (忏悔桥). Along the way, towering ancient trees and drifting clouds create a tranquil, meditative journey into nature.

📖 Origins & Legends

• Historical Record: The temple is said to be named after the Tang monk Zhao Boluo (赵波罗), who once practiced here, leaving his footprints impressed on stone.

• Folk Story: According to legend, Zhao Boluo was once a woodcutter. After heartbreak, he became a monk. With unclear speech, he could only chant the syllable “Boluosi” (波罗). Through deep meditation in a cave, he attained enlightenment, subdued a poisonous dragon, and cured plagues. Since then, he has been revered as Patriarch Boluo (波罗祖师).

🏯 Architecture & Scenic Highlights

⛩️ Rebuilt Temple & Sacred Sites

The original monastery no longer survives. In recent decades, local devotees rebuilt a modest complex with a Main Buddha Hall, side quarters, and a pavilion dedicated to Guanyin. Though new, it carries forward centuries of practice.

• Boluosi Cave (波罗洞): Said to be the site where the patriarch achieved enlightenment. Inside stands a stone inscription declaring his spiritual attainment.

• Boluosi Cliff & Ancient Stupa (波罗岩与墓塔): Near the temple lie remnants of tomb towers beneath a cliff, often shrouded in mist, evoking the weight of history.

🌿 Natural Splendor

• Mocan Stream (莫残溪): Flowing below the temple, this silver ribbon winds through deep gorges, surrounded by ancient vines and birdsong.

• Sea of Clouds & Forest Waves: At dawn, clouds roll like tides over Cangshan; at night, the sound of wind through pines merges with temple chants—a natural meditation hall.

🚶 Hiking & Temple Life

🥾 Classic Hiking Route

The journey begins at the parking area near Gantong Temple (感通寺). The round trip is a medium-difficulty hike of several hours, with steady elevation gain. The trail can be combined with a visit to Gantong Temple and Jizhao Nunnery (寂照庵), making a full day of cultural and natural immersion.

🍃 Temple Experience

• Vegetarian Meal: Visitors may share in a simple monastic lunch of rice, bean porridge, and local dishes. Donations are welcomed—please bring cash, as there is no signal on the mountain.

• Pilgrimage Support: Devotees sometimes carry supplies such as rice or oil up the trail to aid the temple, a meaningful act of offering and practice.

🎉 Local Festival

Every spring, on the sixth day of the second lunar month, local Bai villagers hold the Patriarch Boluo Festival (波罗祖师会), honoring the temple’s legendary founder with collective rituals and prayers.

⚠️ Travel Tips

• 📍 Location: Halfway up Shengying Peak (圣应峰), Cangshan Mountain (苍山); trailhead near Gantong Temple (感通寺).

• 🎫 Entry: Free of charge; meals by donation.

• ⏰ Opening Hours: Temple usually open during the day; vegetarian meals served at midday.

• 👟 Hiking Advice: Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; trekking poles recommended.

• 💧 Essentials: Bring water, insect repellent, and a warm layer as temperatures drop at altitude.

• 🔥 Seasonal Note: During forest fire prevention periods (winter to early summer), the mountain may be closed—check locally before visiting.

🌄 Journey of the Heart

Reaching Boluosi Temple (波罗寺) is less about conquering a mountain and more about embracing a pilgrimage. Even elderly pilgrims have reached its gates, proving that sincerity matters more than speed. Carrying a small offering on your back—be it a bag of rice or a bottle of oil—is not only support for the temple but also a humble act of spiritual cultivation.