Fazhensi Temple in Dali
Fazhen Temple大理法真寺 is located in Fengyang Village, between Dali and XGuan. After getting off at Dafeng Road, cross Fengyang Village, and you will see a concrete stone tablet inscribed with “Fazhen Temple.” After about twenty minutes of walking up the mountain road, you will find an ancient temple hidden among the green trees.
Fazhen Temple is situated on the western shore of Erhai Lake, at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. Founded during the early Tang Dynasty, it is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Dali. Built by the second king of the Nanzhao Kingdom, Shi Jin, it served as a temple of the Nanzhao Kingdom. The temple is located seven kilometers from the Fengcheng area of XGuan and seven kilometers from Dali Ancient Town. To the west of the temple are the ruins of the ancient capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, and to the south lies the ruins of Taihe City, the capital of the Dali Kingdom. The peaceful environment around the temple is the birthplace of the two ancient capitals of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms.
Fazhen Temple, backed by Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake, is a home for those who have a connection with Buddhism. No matter where you come from, as long as you have a bond with Buddha, Fazhen Temple awaits your return home. Here, we accumulate blessings, good roots, and karmic connections together. When the conditions are ripe, we will head to the everlasting home of the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss—the Western Pure Land.
The current abbot of Fazhen Temple is Master Chuan Zheng.
Transportation to Fazhen Temple
Fazhen Temple is located on the western shore of Erhai Lake, at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, in Fengyang Village between Dali and XGuan. It is hidden among the green trees of Fengyang Village, approximately seven kilometers from both XGuan and Dali Ancient Town. At the end of the ancient village segment of the Tea Horse Road in Dali Fengyang Village, walk about 200 meters in the direction of Cangshan Mountain to see Fazhen Temple (look for the stone steps on the right side).
To the east of the temple, there is a uniquely designed screen wall, and the walls of the adjoining rooms bear the inscription “Support the People” from the Republic of China era, signed by “Tian Ren Yun Ying.” Reading it evokes a sense of pure, tranquil Zen. Next to the temple, there is a small spring named Linglong Spring, with a water ladle provided for visitors to drink from. The water is sweet and cool, and one suddenly feels that Linglong Spring flows with the nectar of the soul, nurturing devout followers of Buddhism.
History of Fazhen Temple
Fazhen Temple was established during the early Tang Dynasty and is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Dali. It was built by the second king of the Nanzhao Kingdom, Shi Jin, and served as a temple of the Nanzhao Kingdom. To the west of the temple are the ruins of the ancient capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, and to the south are the ruins of Taihe City, the capital of the Dali Kingdom. The temple’s surrounding environment is peaceful, making it the birthplace of the two ancient capitals of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. Fazhen Temple has a history of thousands of years. Due to various reasons, by the end of the last century, the temple had fallen into disrepair, with leaking roofs, dusty statues, crumbling walls, and a collapsed gate, leaving tourists anxious. It wasn’t until 1995 that Master Chuan Zheng from Chuxiong came to this site, witnessed its condition, and was deeply moved. He then went to great lengths to restore Fazhen Temple to its original state.
Reflections After Visiting Fazhen Temple
- Fazhen Temple does not charge an entrance fee, but donations for merits are appreciated. The temple is quite tranquil, so visitors are encouraged to maintain harmony. Vegetarian meals are also provided at meal times, with costs based on donations. Although the temple is not large, the couplets inside are quite distinctive and worth collecting—literature enthusiasts should not miss them.
- It is better to hike from the starting point of the ancient Tea Horse Road in Dali Fengyang Village (horse riding is not recommended), allowing you to explore the ancient village along the way.
- Remember to take sun protection measures before your trip.
- The visit lasts about an hour. At the horse riding point in Fengyang Village, many people will promote horse riding; walking is recommended to better appreciate the culture of the Tea Horse Road and the long history of Fazhen Temple.
- During the visit, I happened to meet Master Yinjue, and while drinking tea, I listened to him talk about the history of Fazhen Temple and his own insights. The depth expressed in the simplicity was profound; compared to the scenery of the temple, my conversation with the master left the deepest impression and was the most rewarding part of my journey.
- Fazhen Temple is nestled in the mountains near the back of Fengyang Village in Dali, surrounded by lush greenery, birds singing, and fragrant flowers. It is particularly suitable for small groups of friends seeking tranquility. Schedule a sunny afternoon to enjoy tea and meditate, while listening to the master share more stories and legends about Fazhen Temple, allowing the beautiful stories of this ancient temple to be passed down through the ages: “… Do not compete with the world, for within the heart of Buddha, everything is serene. Do things well; with Buddha in your heart, life itself is Buddha…”
