Daoist Temples
Daoist Temples in Yunnan
Golden Temple is the biggest and heaviest as well as the best preserved copper temple in China. It is a key national cultural and historical relics. The whole temple reflects the excellent metallurgical and casting technology more than 300 years ago in Yunnan.
The Bell Tower was constructed in 1983. In the middle of the tower hangs a copper bell which is 3.5 meters high, has a circumference of 6.7 meters, and weighs 14 tons.The bell, cast in 1423 A.D., the 21st year of the Yongle Period of the Ming Dynasty, was previously installed in Xuanhua Tower at the south gate of Kunming. It ranks fourth on the list of ancient bells in China.
The Landscape and Botanical Garden of Kunming covers 33 hectares. So far nine flower gardens, such as the Camellia Garden, Yulan Magnolia Garden and Azalea Garden,have already been established in it. The Camellia Garden, the largest camellia garden with the most varieties of camellia trees in China, covers an area of more than 10 hectares and has more than 10,000 camellia trees of 40 varieties.
Golden Temple and Yongle Bell vividly show that Yunnan has been the “kingdom of nonferrous metals”, and the botanical garden exhibits the beauty and elegance of Yunnan as the “kingdom of plants” and the “kingdom of the flowers”.
The famous Golden Temple is part of the Taoist Taihe Palace, founded by Yu Ming for 30 years, and restored by Wu Sangui. Tourists can enjoy the rich culture of Taoism here.
Golden Temple Fair is an ancient traditional folk custom and cultural activities, which aims to pray for the new year. The Golden Temple Fair, held on the ninth day of the first lunar month, has a history of more than 400 years and is a well-known traditional festival of the Spring Festival in Kunming. Whenever the “Golden Temple Fair”, people from all directions are all bustling to the Golden Temple to visit temple fair
Golden Temple enjoy thousands of pots of camellia, also known as camellia, is one of the eight famous flowers in Yunnan, its cultivation history has been more than 500 years. Yunnan is called the hometown of camellia. Camellia is also the city flower of Kunming. In late winter and early spring, a hundred flowers still sleep and leaves fall, but the camellia puff in full bloom.Golden Temple’s camellias welcome the tourists from all directions.
From March to October is the best time to travel, in the spring and summer the scenery is the best. The scenery in winter is simple, and it is not very good to visit as in other season.
1. Take bus 76 to Jindian (Golden Temple) station.
2. Take bus 10, 69, 71, 147, 235, Z85, or Z90 to Jindian Chechang.
It takes tourists about half an hour to get Golden Temple from downtown of Kunming.
It can be reached by cable car from the Expo Garden or by ropeway from the Expo Garden.
Except Golden Temple, you also can enjoy other fascinating attractions nearby.
The Kunming City Museum is a historical museum and one of the popular tourist attractions in Kunming City, which is encompassed by the Yunnan Province in China. The museum is quite comprehensive for a local museum; all in all, it occupies an area of 5,000 square meters.
Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and dense forest, providing tourists an excellent environment to enjoy the tranquility and marvelous scenery. They have also been given another name – ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’ for the hills because its skyline looks like a beautiful young lady laying beside Dianchi Lake with her face upward and her hair trailing into water
Top 3 Golden Temple chosen by most customers to explore Golden Temple in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us. We provide some tour routes for tourists to choose.
1 Day Kunming Temples Tour
4 Days Best Kunming City Tour with The Stone Forest
5 Days Kunming City Tour and Shilin Torch Festival Celebration
1. Food preparation: Meals are available in the scenic spot. To have a good time, it is recommended to bring some dry food and drinking water, the amount depends on your needs.
2. Do not deliberately destroy the building in the Golden Temple.
Baoxiang Temple(宝相寺), also known as Shibao Temple, is known as “the hanging temple of Yunnan” because of its dangerous location. It was built in Zhengtong Period in Mingzheng Dynasty. It was originally Taoist temple. Later, Buddhism flourished. Except for the Jade Emperor Pavilion, most of the temples worshipped Buddha statues and became a place where the Buddha and the Tao merged. The temple was built on the steep cliffs of Foding Mountain. The temple is situated in west and faces to the east. Entering the mountain gate and reaching the Tianwang Hall, the Daxiong Hall rises in layers. The Maitreya Temple and the Jade Emperor Pavilion are built in the cliff. It can be reached by climbing poles from the left and right.
Baoxiang Temple is one of the attractions of Shibao Mountain Scenic Area in Jianchuan County, 120 km from Dali City. Baoxiang Temple, is built on a towering and steep stone cliff on the top of Mount Foshan. It is 6 km from Shizhongsi Grotto.
With the title of ‘Yunnan hanging Temple’, Baoxiang Temple was constructed in the Yuan dynasty (around 1291 A.D.). It is famous for its unique location, hanging in the cave of the steep cliff. It is the brave one who can climb to the temple.
For a long time, the eight scenic spots in Baoxiang Temple touched the hearts of many literary people, who sang its praises. The landscape here is some of the most beautiful in the entire scenic area. It attracts flocks of wild monkeys that have taken up residence there. “Playing with the monkeys” in Baoxiang Temple can be one of the most interesting and fun activities in your tour.
Shibao Mountain is well known not only for its breathtaking landscape, but also for its marvelous grottoes. The Shizhongshan Grottoes, known as ‘the gem of the south in Yunnan’, were created by the ancient Bai People in the historical period of the Tang and Song dynasties. So far, a total of 16 caves and 139 sculptural images have been found.There are works made in both the Nanzhao Dynasty and in the Kingdom of Dali. A wide range of subject matters are featured in the Shizhongshan Grottoes, including Buddhist figures, political life of the Nanzhao Dynasty, religious beliefs of the Kingdom of Dali and images of people from other countries in Asia.
Longquan Taoist Temple (龙泉观) is a historic Taoist temple located at the foot of Longquan Mountain (龙泉山), about 12 kilometers north of Kunming City, Yunnan Province. The temple’s history dates back to the Hongwu Era in 1395 during the Ming Dynasty. According to the “Record of Longquan Mountain Taoist Monastery” (《龙泉山道院记》), the temple was constructed on the orders of Mu Ying (沐英), the Duke of Xiping. He chose the elevated terrain for the temple and appointed the Taoist priest Xu Rixian (徐日暹) as its head. Later, the renowned Taoist master Liu Yuanzhen (刘渊然), also known as Changchun Zhenren (长春真人), came to Yunnan and stayed at Longquan Temple to promote Taoist teachings.
During the Qing Dynasty, the temple underwent several major renovations. Under the reign of Emperor Kangxi, high-ranking officials such as Fan Chengxun (范承勋), the Governor of Yunnan-Guizhou, Wang Jiwen (王继文), the Provincial Governor, and Xu Hongxun (许弘勋), the Provincial Judicial Commissioner, oversaw the temple’s restoration. Later, during the reign of Emperor Guangxu, additional repairs were carried out by the Governor Cen Yuying (岑毓英) and Provincial Governor Du Ruilian (杜瑞联).
The temple complex includes several notable halls, such as the Patriarch Hall (祖师殿), dedicated to Bai Yuchan (白玉蟾), the Hall of the Northern Pole (北极殿), the Thunder God Hall (雷神殿), the Three Pure Ones Hall (三清殿), the Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁), and the Doumu Pavilion (斗姥阁).
One of the most remarkable features of Longquan Temple is its collection of ancient trees, which include the Tang Dynasty plum trees (唐梅), Song Dynasty cypresses (宋柏), Yuan Dynasty fir trees (元杉), and Ming Dynasty tea trees (明茶). These trees reflect the long history of the temple and its surroundings.
Another notable artifact is a bronze cauldron weighing over 2,000 jin (about 1,200 kilograms), cast during the Daoguang Era of the Qing Dynasty. The temple also houses a pavilion containing over 20 stone steles from the Ming Dynasty onward. Some of the most famous inscriptions include the “Tang Mei Stele” (唐梅碑) by Li Shiyao (李侍尧) from Korea, the “Biography of Zhang Sanfeng” Stele (张三丰行状碑), and the “Talisman Stele” (符箓碑) by Liu Yuanzhen (刘渊然). These inscriptions are precious historical records and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Longquan Temple.
Longquan Temple is recognized as the oldest Taoist temple in central Yunnan, known as the “First Ancient Shrine of Central Yunnan.” The temple is built along the mountain’s natural terrain, with each hall carefully integrated into the landscape. From the majestic Ziji Xuandu Gate (紫极玄都山门) to the sacred Three Pure Ones Hall (三清殿), every corner of the temple reflects the profound cultural and spiritual essence of Taoism. The temple’s rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Kunming.
Zhenqingguan Taoist Temple (真庆观古建筑群) is located at the intersection of the southern section of White Pagoda Road (白塔路) and Tuodong Road (拓东路) in the center of Kunming (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省). Originally named Zhenwu Temple (真武祠), it was built during the Yuan Dynasty (元代) and dedicated to Zhenwu the Great (真武大帝) and the two generals, the Turtle and the Snake (龟蛇二将). In the Ming Dynasty (明代), disciples of Liu Yuanran (刘渊然), specifically Jiang Rihe (蒋日和), oversaw the reconstruction and expansion. In the first year of Hongxi (洪熙元年, 1425), it was officially named Zhenqingguan by Emperor Ren of the Ming Dynasty (明仁宗). Historically, the temple occupied an area of 40,000 square meters; however, due to urban development, its area has been reduced to 16,000 square meters.
The Zhenqingguan complex consists of several key structures, including Zhenqingguan itself (which encompasses the Front Hall (前殿), Ziwei Hall (紫薇殿), and Laojun Hall (老君殿)), as well as Du Lei Palace (都雷府) and Yanlong Shrine (盐隆祠). It is the largest ancient architectural complex in the central area of Kunming, preserving the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties (明、清) with remarkable completeness. The historical and artistic values of the Zhenqingguan complex are significant for the study of ancient architecture, art, religion, and cultural exchanges between Yunnan and the Central Plains.
On May 25, 2006, the Zhenqingguan complex was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Zhenqingguan was established during the Yuan Dynasty and originally named Zhenwu Temple, dedicated to Zhenwu the Great and the two generals, the Turtle and the Snake. In the Ming Dynasty, Daoist priest Liu Yuanran (刘渊然), also known as Changchun Zhenren (长春真人), reformed and expanded the temple with Jiang Rihe at the helm. In 1425, it was named Zhenqingguan by order of Emperor Ren of the Ming Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, Du Lei Palace was added, dedicated to the God of Thunder. In 1881, local salt merchants funded the construction of Yanlong Shrine as a guild for salt traders. Historically, the site spanned 40,000 square meters but now covers 16,000 square meters.
In 1984, the Kunming city and Panlong District governments allocated funds to restore the main building, Ziwei Hall, to its Ming architectural style. Just before the 1999 Kunming International Horticultural Exposition, the government provided additional funds to renovate Ziwei Hall.
The Zhenqingguan complex comprises Zhenqingguan (including the Front Hall, Ziwei Hall, and Laojun Hall), Du Lei Palace, and Yanlong Shrine, making it the most extensive ancient architectural site in Kunming’s central area, preserving the official architectural styles from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The main structure of Zhenqingguan faces south and is aligned on the same axis. The entrance features a mountain gate (山门) measuring 12 meters wide, with soaring eaves that exhibit ancient elegance. Inside, two large red-painted doors lead to the Front Hall courtyard, filled with flowers and trees. Corridors on both sides connect the Front Hall to Ziwei Hall. The grand Ziwei Hall occupies an area of 320 square meters, constructed with a wooden frame and a single-eaved roof. The hall is topped with yellow glazed tiles and features decorative ridge beasts. The interior boasts robust, widely spaced dougong brackets, and the ceiling showcases intricate wooden carvings. The doors are adorned with detailed carvings depicting auspicious symbols such as dragons and phoenixes, and scenes of longevity.
In addition to the Front Hall, Ziwei Hall, and Laojun Hall, the complex also includes Yanlong Shrine, Du Lei Palace, the Fire God Temple (火神庙), the Earth God Temple (土主庙), and an ancient opera stage (古戏台).
The central ceiling of Ziwei Hall features a nine-palace, eight-trigram design, and the unique dougong brackets are a rarity in all of Yunnan. The restored hall is vividly painted in its original colors, and the glazed tiles have been restored to their former glory. The hall, a wooden structure, has a single-eaved roof, topped with a decorative pinnacle, with ridge beasts embellishing the sides. The interior features decorative brackets, with colorful designs, while the doors bear intricately carved auspicious motifs.
The ancient opera stage at Zhenqingguan, built around the Ming-Qing transitional period, is more spacious and grand than those in rural areas. The roof is designed with a four-pitched, five-ridge structure, presenting a dignified and exquisite atmosphere. This stage has hosted various performances, including Yunnan opera, lantern shows, and Dongjing music concerts.
Located to the east of Ziwei Hall, Du Lei Palace features an entrance with a single signboard. The corners are elegantly curved, supported by dougong brackets, and the front board reads “Du Lei Palace,” with the back reading “Wangu Shenfeng.” Inside, there is a pavilion named “Qingfeng Pavilion,” with flying eaves and intricate carvings, while behind it lies the “Thunder God Chamber.” The chamber has three openings, faces west, and is surrounded by a stone railing. A historic well, known as the Bagua Well (八卦井), is located nearby, providing sweet water.
To the north of Du Lei Palace lies Yanlong Shrine, established in 1881 by Yunnan salt merchants. The shrine is composed of a stage, a central hall, and a main hall. The main hall has a high, steep roof with three openings and a deep hall, featuring a corridor with carvings depicting the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars. The intricate stone carvings are vividly lifelike.
The Zhenqingguan complex encompasses buildings from the early, mid, and late periods of the Ming and Qing dynasties, serving as a physical testament to the history of architectural development in Yunnan, as well as the evolution of religious culture and the arts. Its preservation and research value is high. The architectural features of the complex, with exquisitely detailed components and well-preserved decorative paintings, illustrate the local artistic style and craftsmanship.
The nine-palace, eight-trigram design of the ceiling in Ziwei Hall is unique to Yunnan and is also rare nationwide. Both Du Lei Palace and Yanlong Shrine exhibit unique characteristics, with stone and wood carvings showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The Zhenqingguan complex holds significant historical and artistic value in the study of ancient architecture, art, religion, and cultural exchanges between Yunnan and the Central Plains.
In 1983, the Zhenqingguan complex was designated a Kunming municipal cultural heritage protection unit. In 1998, it was upgraded to a provincial-level protection unit. On May 25, 2006, it was listed as the sixth batch of national key cultural relic protection units by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Today, Zhenqing Cultural Square combines culture, architecture, greenery, and leisure tourism, becoming a new highlight in Kunming and a popular destination for residents. The five main buildings of Zhenqingguan will host various cultural activities, showcasing Yunnan handicrafts such as wood carving, bronze, tin, and purple clay, establishing it as the largest center for displaying and auctioning antiques in Yunnan.
Zhenqingguan is located at the intersection of the southern section of White Pagoda Road and Tuodong Road in the center of Kunming, Yunnan Province.
Zhenqingguan Details
Address: 82 Tuodong Road, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
Visitors can take the Kunming Bus A2 route to reach the Zhenqingguan complex, disembarking at the Mid-section of Tuodong Road.
http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_65ac3c910102x5eh.html
Lingguan Temple (灵官殿) is a significant Taoist temple dedicated to Lingguan (灵官), the most revered protective deity in Taoism. The temple is also known by another name, Zhujun Pavilion (主君阁), and is situated at the foothills of Weibao Mountain (巍宝山) in Weishan County (巍山), Dali (大理), Yunnan Province (云南省).
The temple was established during the late Ming Dynasty (明末) and early Qing Dynasty (清初). However, it was destroyed during the Second Opium War in the years 1851-1874 and was later rebuilt during the Guangxu period (光绪年间, 1875-1908). Inside the temple, there was originally a bronze statue of Wang Lingguan (王灵官), weighing over 200 kilograms, but it was destroyed, and the current statue is a clay sculpture painted with bright colors.
A couplet hangs on the temple’s columns, which reads: “莫谓霹雳一声,若遇那贪官污吏,管教尔粉身碎骨;须知威灵有赫,果然是忠臣孝子,定许他增福延年。” This couplet was inscribed by Ling Yuying (岭毓英), the governor of Yunnan during the Qing Dynasty, and reflects the temple’s moral teachings.
Lingguan Temple serves as a vital cultural landmark. It is unique in its layout, being a standalone structure rather than being part of a larger complex typically found in Taoist temples. It is aligned with the Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁) along the same axis, establishing Lingguan Temple as the entrance to the sacred site.
The temple has been a place for worship and spiritual reflection for centuries. In its early days, it housed a spectacular bronze statue of Wang Lingguan, which was impressive due to its size and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, the statue was lost during the Great Leap Forward in 1958. The current statue is a clay figure with a red face and three eyes, depicting Lingguan’s fierce and protective nature. Another significant figure in the temple is Prince Ling (炳灵太子), also known as Huaguang Dadi (华光大帝), who is considered a unique deity in southern Taoism and is popularly referred to as the “Fire God” among the locals.
The temple grounds are home to ancient camellia trees, specifically the “Guiye Yin Hong” (桂叶银红) variety. Two of these trees were planted during the late Ming Dynasty, and now only one remains. This ancient camellia stands approximately 16 to 17 meters tall and has a diameter of about 15 centimeters, making it the tallest camellia tree in the world today. In spring, the tree blooms with hundreds of large, red flowers, resembling a cloud of rosy mist when viewed from afar. This spectacular sight has earned it the title of “Shancha Liuhong” (山茶流红), celebrated by ancient poets.
An ancient poem by the Suzhou scholar Chen Quanyu (陈全钰) praises the beauty of this camellia tree: “丛深春藏不闻莺,露下啼妆别有情,可惜琼葩因僻远,分心馨口独含颦。” This poem beautifully captures the shy and exquisite nature of the “Guiye Jiu Xin Shiba Ban” (桂叶九心十八瓣) camellia.
The ancient camellia tree, located within the temple grounds at an elevation of 2,283 meters, is protected due to its significant age and beauty. It has a grayish-white trunk that is round and straight, standing resilient despite centuries of wind and rain.
According to inscriptions at the pavilion, the tree was originally found deep within a forest. During the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties, it was transplanted to the temple, where it has thrived for approximately 400 years. It reaches a height that exceeds the roof of the temple, blooming vibrantly with red flowers that illuminate the entire structure during the flowering season.
The blooming period lasts about 60 days, with the first flowers appearing in mid-January, reaching full bloom in February, and finishing by early March. The best viewing spot for these flowers is on the observation platform behind the temple, where visitors can gaze at the stunning display of camellias.
In 1984, landscape engineers Li Duowen (李多闻) and plant specialist Xia Quan (夏泉) surveyed the area and discovered the ancient camellia tree in bloom. At that time, the tree stood at 17.5 meters high, with a chest diameter of 36 centimeters. Due to its beauty and rarity, there were plans to cut it down for timber. However, local researchers rushed to the county government to report the situation, prompting immediate action for its protection.
In 1989, Xia Quansheng published a paper documenting Yunnan’s camellias, listing this tree as the tallest cultivated camellia in the world. In 2008, experts from the International Camellia Society confirmed it as the tallest camellia tree globally during a visit to Weibao Mountain, with notable botanist Grigory Davis praising it as “the most beautiful camellia tree in the world.”
Despite its past glory, the ancient camellia tree has faced significant health issues since the spring of 2016. The number of flowers dramatically decreased, and symptoms such as leaf drop and bark shedding became apparent. In March 2017, local forestry officials reported the tree’s declining condition, prompting immediate attention from the Weishan County government and the China Wild Plant Protection Association.
Experts determined that the tree’s age and declining resilience, along with severe pest infestations and poor soil drainage, were the main factors in its health issues. An urgent treatment plan was put in place, which included supporting the tree with scaffolding, treating it for pests, and improving soil conditions.
After five years of care, the tree has shown signs of recovery, with new growth appearing, and it has begun to bloom again, bringing back the breathtaking sight of “Shancha Liuhong” (山茶流红).
To reach Lingguan Temple of Weibao Mountain in Weishan County, Dali, visitors can take the following routes:
Chinese Name:保山顺龙寺
English Name: Shunlong Temple in Baoshan City
Baoshan Shunlong Temple in Baoshan City travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Shunlong Temple in Baoshan.
Chinese Name:腾冲县仙乐观
English Name: Xianleguan Daoist Temple in Tengchong County, Baoshan
Baoshan Xianleguan Daoist Temple in Tengchong County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Xianleguan Daoist Temple in Baoshan.
Chinese Name:保山市光尊寺
English Name: Guangzun Temple in Baoshan City
Baoshan Guangzun Temple in Baoshan City travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Guangzun Temple in Baoshan.
Daoist Temples in Yunnan
Why is Golden Temple so special? Golden Temple is the biggest and heaviest as well as the best preserved copper temple in China. It is a key national cultural...
Baoxiang Temple Baoxiang Temple(宝相寺), also known as Shibao Temple, is known as “the hanging temple of Yunnan” because of its dangerous location. It was built in Zhengtong Period in Mingzheng Dynasty....
Overview of Longquan Taoist Temple Longquan Taoist Temple (龙泉观) is a historic Taoist temple located at the foot of Longquan Mountain (龙泉山), about 12 kilometers north of Kunming City,...
Zhenqingguan Taoist Temple (真庆观古建筑群) is located at the intersection of the southern section of White Pagoda Road (白塔路) and Tuodong Road (拓东路) in the center of Kunming (昆明市), Yunnan...
Introduction Lingguan Temple (灵官殿) is a significant Taoist temple dedicated to Lingguan (灵官), the most revered protective deity in Taoism. The temple is also known by another name, Zhujun...
Chinese Name:保山顺龙寺 English Name: Shunlong Temple in Baoshan City Baoshan Shunlong Temple in Baoshan City travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit,...
Chinese Name:腾冲县仙乐观 English Name: Xianleguan Daoist Temple in Tengchong County, Baoshan Baoshan Xianleguan Daoist Temple in Tengchong County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best...
Chinese Name:保山市光尊寺 English Name: Guangzun Temple in Baoshan City Baoshan Guangzun Temple in Baoshan City travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit,...
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