Luocha Pavilion in Cangshan Mountain, Dali

🏞️ Cangshan Mountain – Luosha Pavilion (苍山罗刹阁): The Secret Realm of Guanyin Subduing the Demon

📜 Legend & Architecture

The “Luosha Sealed Rock” Phenomenon – The pavilion sits atop a giant mushroom-shaped split rock. Legend says that during the Tang Dynasty, the demon Luosha was sealed here by Guanyin, trapped within the narrow stone crevice. The lower part of the rock is spacious enough for dozens of people to shelter from rain, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Current Structure – The original multi-step stone staircase and stone lions are gone; today’s single-story square pavilion is a simple reconstruction. Above the entrance hangs a marble plaque reading “Tian Chi Wu”, reputedly inscribed by historical figures like Xu Xiake. Inside stands a white-bearded, male-bodied Guanyin statue—left hand holding a spiral conch shell (symbolizing teaching Luosha through wisdom), right hand pointing skyward.

🌳 Surroundings & Local Traditions

• The 550-Year-Old Banyan Tree – Located near the ruins of Yi’ai Temple (遗爱寺), its massive trunk needs several people to embrace. The broad canopy offers a perfect photo spot.

• Long Mother Temple Fair (龙母庙会) – Every year on the 16th day of the third lunar month, locals gather here to worship the Dragon Mother, Mountain God, and Ox King. The fair bursts with colorful attire, music, and offerings.

• Historic Watchtower – Nearby stands an octagonal stone-and-wood watchtower, once belonging to a famous warlord. Climb to the top for panoramic mountain views.

⚠️ Visitor Tips

• Entrance – Free of charge.

• Getting There – From Dali Ancient Town, drive north to Bayqiao Town (湾桥镇) and head towards Shangyangxi Village (上阳溪村).

• Best Experience – Ideal for history lovers seeking off-the-beaten-path spots. Combine with Cangshan hiking or local Bai ethnic vegetarian feasts.

⛩️ Erhai Lake – Tianjing Pavilion (天镜阁) on the Luochuan Peninsula (罗荃半岛): The Ultimate Mountain-Sea Panorama

🌊 Three Core Highlights – Temple, Pavilion & Pagoda

• Luochuan Temple (罗荃寺) – A Tang Dynasty royal temple founded by the eminent monk Luochuan. Today, visitors are greeted by charming succulent plant displays in quirky pots. Free entry.

• Tianjing Pavilion (天镜阁) – Surrounded by Erhai Lake on three sides, this five-story pavilion offers sweeping views of mountains and water. The view at sunset is unforgettable.

• Luochuan Pagoda (罗荃塔) – A gleaming white 12-story tower facing the famous Chongsheng Three Pagodas (崇圣三塔) across the lake. Visitors can take an elevator to the top, though the pavilion offers the better panorama.

🧚 Legends & Cultural Fusion

• Origin of the “Longing Wife Cloud” (望夫云) – The rocky “Sea-Calming Stake” offshore is said to be the petrified form of a hunter, while a Nanzhao princess became a cloud, stirring the lake into waves.

• Buddhism Meets Daoism – The pavilion enshrines both the Fish-Basket Guanyin and statues of the Eight Immortals, embodying harmony between China’s three major belief systems.

⚠️ Visitor Tips

• Entrance – Around ¥30, includes Tianjing Pavilion and Luochuan Pagoda. The temple is free.

• Getting There – Drive from Xiaguan (下关) along the east shore of Erhai Lake, or take a boat from Dali Ancient Town’s pier.

• Best Experience – Climb to the pavilion’s top floor at sunset for a golden view over both Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.

🌟 Comparing the Two & Suggested Itinerary

One-Day Suggested Route:
Morning – Explore Luosha Pavilion & the ancient banyan tree on Cangshan Mountain.
Afternoon – Head to Luochuan Peninsula to visit Luochuan Temple & Tianjing Pavilion.
Evening – Watch the sun set over Erhai Lake from the pavilion’s top floor.

💡 Travel Note: Though both names contain “Luo,” they are in completely different locations—one in the mountains, the other by the lake. Make sure to navigate separately to Shangyangxi Village (上阳溪村) and Luochuan Peninsula (罗荃半岛).