Lingshan Yihuifang Archway of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan County, Dali

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Lingshan Assembly Arch (灵山一会坊) stands at the southern foothills of Jizu Mountain (鸡足山), a revered Buddhist mountain in Binchuan County, Yunnan. Serving as the grand southern gate to the sacred mountain, it marks the spiritual beginning of any pilgrimage.

This traditional gate features a central high arch flanked by two shorter ones. A plaque bearing the inscription “Lingshan Assembly Arch” (灵山一会坊) was penned by renowned calligrapher and Buddhist scholar Zhao Puchu (赵朴初). The side arches are engraved with the poetic lines:
“Heaven Opens the Buddha’s Kingdom” (天开佛国)
“Earth Gives Rise to the Dharma Realm” (地涌化城)
These phrases symbolize the sacred entry into a realm of enlightenment.

The arch area houses the main ticket office. Note that after 7:00 PM, private vehicles are not permitted to drive into the scenic core. Visitors must switch to designated shuttle buses beyond this point.

Tickets and Transportation

Admission & Transport Fees

Opening Hours: Open all day

Basic Entrance Ticket: ¥55 (half-price for students and seniors)

Shuttle Bus: ¥15–20 (one-way)

Cable Car (Round Trip): ¥50–75

How to Get There

By Car: Navigate to “Jizu Mountain Scenic Parking Lot” (鸡足山景区停车场). From Dali (大理), the drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

By Public Transport:

Shuttle buses run directly from Dali Ancient Town (大理古城); round-trip fare: ¥85 (includes admission)

Regular buses depart from Xiaguan Bus Station (下关客运站); fare: ¥35

Main Scenic Route

After passing the arch, the road winds 11 km uphill to Zhusheng Temple (祝圣寺), the mountain’s spiritual hub. This section can be covered by shuttle or private car. Hiking enthusiasts may also follow the historic Xu Xiake Ancient Trail (霞客古道), named after the famous Ming Dynasty traveler.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

Early Morning: Arriving at dawn offers serene surroundings before crowds appear.

Golden Summit Sunrise: Don’t miss the sunrise and sea of clouds at Jinding Temple (金顶寺)—a breathtaking experience.

Important Reminders

Temple Etiquette: Avoid stepping on thresholds or taking photos inside halls. Modest attire is required.

Mountain Weather: Temperatures at the summit vary greatly. Bring a lightweight down jacket and wear non-slip hiking shoes for the sometimes slippery stone steps.

Cultural Experience

Morning Chanting: At Zhusheng Temple (祝圣寺), join or observe monks during their 5:30 AM morning prayers.

Vegetarian Lunch: At Jinding Temple (金顶寺), a simple monastic meal is available for ¥20 per person around noon.

Local Flavors: Nearby Xianghui Street (香会街) offers unique regional vegetarian dishes, such as Cold Mushroom Stew with Free-Range Chicken (冷菌炖土鸡).

Scenic & Spiritual Significance

The Lingshan Assembly Arch combines architectural elegance with Buddhist symbolism. It represents both a geographical divide and a spiritual threshold. From the wide plaza near the arch, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Cangshan Mountains (苍山), Erhai Lake (洱海), and distant snow-capped peaks.

This is not just an entrance—it’s an invitation to a deeper journey inward.