Temples in Kunming
Temples in Kunming are innumerable, among which Golden temple and Yuantong temple are most popular.
Located in Jinxing Village (金星村) of Yiliang County (宜良县), Kunming (昆明), Yanquan Temple is situated at the foot of a mountain that resembles a reclining lion, known as Fushishan (伏狮山). The mountain features five towering peaks with sheer cliffs. Beneath the cliffs, a clear spring flows ceaselessly, providing high-quality water in abundant quantities. The beautiful mountain scenery, lush bamboo forests, and serene environment contribute to its charm, leading to its alternative name, Yanquan Mountain (岩泉山). As the saying goes, “Since ancient times, famous mountains have been home to many monks.”
In the early years of the Yuan Dynasty (元至正, approximately 1341), the renowned monk Master Panlong (盘龙祖师) arrived, built a thatched hut, and promoted Buddhism. After fulfilling his mission, his disciples constructed a temple to honor him, and this tradition has continued through generations.
During the Ming Dynasty (明), specifically in the Jingtai period (景泰, 1450-1456), a local named Zhu Fuhai (朱福海) began the construction of the temple. Later, during the Wanli period (万历), the monk Xingkuan (兴宽) undertook significant renovations. The temple became known as “Yanquan Shuyu” (岩泉漱玉), one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Yiliang. In 1687, the county magistrate Gao Shilang (高士朗) and educator Wang Zuocai (王佐才) invited local literati to invest in building pavilions and ponds, enhancing the site’s natural and cultural beauty.
However, during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi periods (咸同兵燹), the temple suffered damage. In 1915, County Magistrate Qian Liangjun (钱良骏) repaired the pavilions, naming one “Banshan Pavilion” (半山亭). By 1929, local gentry Ma Yunxiang (马云翔) raised funds to repair the Doumu Pavilion (斗母阁) and Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁), constructing a new pavilion and extensively planting flowers and trees, along with creating large-scale rock carvings. The temple experienced a peak in prosperity during this time. However, in 1940, Kunming was bombed by Japanese planes, leading to the temporary relocation of a military hospital and subsequent damage to the site.
In July 1987, the rock carvings were designated as a key cultural relic under protection by Yiliang County. In February 1993, the county government approved the transfer of ownership of Yanquan Temple to the Jinxing Office (金星办事处). In recent years, the office has carried out extensive renovations, constructing new buildings such as the Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿), Tianwang Hall (天王殿), Yuhuang Pavilion, Caishen Hall (财神殿), mountain gates, and a swimming pool, as well as planting trees and grass and improving pathways. This revitalization has transformed Yanquan into a site more beautiful than ever. In April 1999, the Kunming Expo Bureau and Yunnan Provincial Tourism Bureau designated Yanquan Temple as an official tourist reception unit for the Expo.
In 2000, the temple management committee erected three commemorative stone tablets: “Professor Qian Mu’s Writing Place” (钱穆教授著书处), “Yuan Jiagu’s Tea Tasting Place” (袁嘉谷品茗处), and “Cangzhen Pavilion Ruins” (藏真阁遗址), documenting three significant modern historical events related to Yanquan Temple and greatly enhancing its cultural standing.
Since around the mid-1990s, with the development of tourism, temples in scenic areas like Yanquan Temple have become increasingly popular. Private entities pay fees to the temple authorities to operate the temple commercially, employing monks to attract donations and incense money for profit. This practice, which has been explicitly prohibited by the state, has grown under profit motives, leading to rising operating fees and the hiring of non-religious personnel who profit through deception and extortion.
According to the “2004-2005 Yunnan Religious Situation Report,” Yanquan Temple has long ceased to function as a traditional religious institution. Instead, it has transformed into a comprehensive local cultural industry entity aimed at commercial operation, blurring the lines between religion and politics. In 2004, the Jinxing Street Office contracted the temple to a private owner for over 2.2 million yuan annually until 2009. A former contractor of nearby temples revealed that incense prices reached as high as 130 yuan for premium offerings, with ordinary incense ranging from 10 to 60 yuan.
In addition to incense offerings, the temple sells jade and other handicrafts, with 30% of the revenue returned to travel agencies. Similar to Yanquan Temple, the contractor even hired several fake masters from the Emei Mountain (峨眉山) area to perform fortune-telling for tourists, earning a commission of 10% for each master, totaling thousands of yuan monthly. The contractor admitted that temple income relies heavily on these “masters,” but asserted that they adhere to “professional ethics” and do not exaggerate their claims, avoiding distasteful remarks.
In 2009, Kunming’s total tourism revenue reached 22.634 billion yuan, with total tourist numbers hitting 31.15 million, leading to a surge in the temple’s rental fees. It was reported that the fees paid to the Jinxing Village Committee had risen to nearly 4 million yuan annually.
The inscription “Professor Qian Mu’s Writing Place” honors Qian Mu (钱穆, 1895-1990), a prominent scholar from Wuxi, Jiangsu (江苏无锡). He began his self-study path in 1913 and later engaged in middle school education. He completed significant works such as “An Introduction to National Studies” (国学概论) and “Chronology of Pre-Qin Philosophers” (先秦诸子系年).
In 1930, his “Chronicle of Liu Xiang and His Son” (刘向歆父子年谱) made waves in academic circles. After being recommended by Gu Jiegang (顾颉刚), he became a lecturer in Chinese literature at Yanjing University (燕京大学) and later a professor at Peking University (北京大学). During the Second Sino-Japanese War, he moved with his institution, and when the Southwest Associated University (西南联大) was established in Mengzi (蒙自), he was persuaded by Chen Mengjia (陈梦家) to revise the “Outline of National History” (国史大纲). Shortly thereafter, the university relocated to Kunming. To avoid disturbance, he resided in Yanquan Temple, completing the “Outline of National History” by the autumn of 1939, shortly after which it was published.
The book became a widely adopted textbook in universities across the country, significantly promoting national consciousness and unity among students. Scholars have described the “Outline of National History” as a monumental work in modern Chinese historiography. Qian Mu’s writing was characterized by profound insights, merging poetry and history, and influencing generations of students and scholars alike.
The “Cangzhen Pavilion Ruins” inscription commemorates the construction of Cangzhen Pavilion (藏真阁) on the south side of Longquan (龙泉) during the early Qing Dynasty (清). It was dedicated to the highly esteemed Taoist Master Yin Cheqing (尹澈清真人). The pavilion housed several stone tablets, preserving the legacy of the master.
In 1939, when Qian Weichang (钱伟长) was preparing to travel abroad with his newlywed wife, Kong Xiangying (孔祥瑛), they visited Yanquan Temple to see his uncle Qian Mu. They spent their honeymoon in the pavilion, further enriching its historical significance.
On June 23, 1994, Qian Weichang returned to the temple with his wife and inscribed: “岩坚泉清,宜结良缘” (“The rock is firm, and the spring is clear; it is suitable to form a good relationship.”)
Location:
http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_646d55be0100v4g2.html
Puzhao Temple is located in the western part of Kunyang in Jinning District, Kunming City (昆明市晋宁县城昆阳西部). Nestled among dense pine and cypress trees, this ancient temple is one of the “Three Zhaos” (三照) of Yunnan, along with the Yuanzhao Temple (圆照寺) and Lingzhao Temple (灵照寺). It is recognized as a sacred Buddhist site in central Yunnan and is known for its beautiful natural surroundings.
Changsong Mountain (长松山) lies to the west of Kunyang, connected to Baihu Mountain (白虎山) in the south and Qingshan Mountain (青龙山) in the north, with the Wenfeng Pagoda (文蜂塔) facing it from the east. The lush forest and picturesque scenery offer a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat.
Jinning District is characterized by a low-latitude, high-altitude, subtropical monsoon climate. Winters are mild, summers are not overly hot, and the seasons resemble spring, with distinct wet and dry periods. There may be occasional droughts in spring and winter, while summers and autumns can be humid without extreme heat.
Entry to Puzhao Temple is free of charge.
In the Yuan Dynasty, the governor Gao Ani (高阿泥) built a summer retreat here. The Ming Dynasty scholar Yang Sheng’an (杨升庵) also resided at Puzhao Temple, leaving behind inscriptions and poetry that captured its beauty:
“木客园林传地籁,金仙楼殿接兜罗。人间尘土山中少。天际风烟海上多。西崦亭亭悬落日,东流渺渺送微渡。他乡良会真难得,不惜樽前听醉歌。”
Throughout history, notable figures such as the great navigator Zheng He (郑和), the traveler Xu Xiake (徐霞客), General Deng Kai (邓凯), and the Ming Dynasty Emperor Zhu Yunjian (朱允炆) have visited the temple.
In the Yuan Dynasty, the monk Chongzhao (崇照) came here to practice and became a disciple of the temple’s elder, Master Yunfeng (云峰和尚). After studying Buddhism for three years, he returned to Panlong Temple (盘龙寺). According to legend, the temple emitted light at night, and its brilliance led Master Yuanzhao (圆照大师) to name it Puzhao Temple. In the 11th year of the Dade era (大德十一年, 1307), Master Daxiu (大休禅师) praised the mountain as a land of great feng shui. The following autumn, local resident Yang Lian (杨琏) initiated the construction of the temple, with Governor Gao Shou (高寿) leading the efforts, naming it Puzhao Temple.
Changsong Mountain has a spring known for its sweet and refreshing water, hence called “Puzhao Lingquan” (普照灵泉), which is one of the eight scenic spots in Kunyang.
During the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, temple officials like Li Qing (李庆) and others contributed to the rebuilding of the temple after it fell into disrepair. In the 25th year of the Kangxi era (康熙二十五年, 1686), monk Rulun (如纶) repaired it again, but it was later destroyed during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi wars (咸同兵患). In the early Guangxu era (光绪初), locals such as Shen Shan (沈善), Yang Xian (杨先), and Li Wenyuan (李文元) funded repairs, followed by further donations from people like Chi Leda (迟乐道) and Li Hewu (李和武) for additional construction.
In the early Republic of China, locals like Wu Rulin (吴汝霖) and Feng Kejia (冯克家) led efforts to build new structures and repair the temple. However, in 1957, Puzhao Temple was converted into a gunpowder factory, and a tragic explosion on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in 1958 destroyed the temple, leaving its historical relics and artifacts in ashes.
To revive tourism and restore this famous temple, Puzhao Temple was reopened on June 17, 1993, with significant support from various organizations and the public, raising several million yuan in funding. New structures have been built, including:
These halls feature statues of Maitreya Buddha (弥勒佛), the 24-Armed Guanyin (二十四臂观音), Weituo (韦驮), and various other deities, including the Four Heavenly Kings (四大天王) and 500 Arhats (五百罗汉).
An asphalt road was constructed to connect the temple to the county, transforming the previous dirt path into a thoroughfare. In just a few years, the temple has been revitalized, adorned with elegant architecture, plaques, and couplets that enhance its beauty.
Aside from restoring Puzhao Temple, further development has taken place in Changsong Mountain, now featuring a Forest Amusement Park (有缘谷) with attractions such as:
A long, shaded path meanders through the park, allowing visitors to enjoy various flora such as camellias, rhododendrons, fragrant flowers, and ferns, with opportunities to forage for wild mushrooms in the summer. The peaceful and fragrant environment provides a serene escape from the bustling city.
The temple houses several significant halls:
Thanks to the support of believers from across the globe, the construction involved over 150,000 yuan in total investments, with contributions from individuals in the United States, Spain, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Beijing, employing skilled craftsmen from various provinces.
Youyuan Valley Forest Amusement Park (有缘谷森林游乐园) is located on the left side of Changsong Mountain. It boasts serene surroundings with rich forests, clear waters, and vibrant flora. Outside the park, there is a crescent-shaped pond, also known as the Release Pond (放生池), featuring a white jade statue of the Water-Dripping Guanyin, where tired visitors can refresh themselves with pure water.
Entering Youyuan Valley is akin to stepping into a paradise where nature and humanity coexist harmoniously. The sounds of birds and flowing water create a serene atmosphere, complemented by blooming mountain flowers.
Inside the valley, there is a statue of the Elder of the Moon (月下老人), the deity of love and marriage, where many devotees seek blessings for happy relationships.
Panlong Temple (盘龙寺) is one of the most popular temples in Kunming (昆明), located on the eastern shore of Dianchi Lake (滇池) in Jining District (晋宁区), approximately 40 kilometers from downtown Kunming. Along with Xishan (西山) and Jizu Mountain (鸡足山) in Binchuan (宾川), it is known as one of the three major Buddhist sacred sites in Yunnan (云南).
Established in 1983 as a key cultural heritage site in Kunming, Panlong Temple was closed to the public on November 28, 2022, with the reopening date yet to be announced.
Panlong Temple was established in the seventh year of the Yuan Dynasty (元至正七年, 1347 AD) by the monk Lianfeng (莲峰和尚). Over its more than six hundred years of history, the temple has endured significant hardships. In the seventeenth year of the Daoguang Emperor’s reign (公元1837年), an 8.0 magnitude earthquake devastated most of the temple’s buildings. Additional destruction occurred during the Xianfeng (咸丰) and Tongzhi (同治) periods due to military conflicts.
In the fifth year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign (公元1879年), local communities raised funds to rebuild the temple. After suffering further calamities in the late 1960s, Panlong Temple began restoration efforts in the 1980s and gradually regained its former glory.
During its peak in the Ming Dynasty (明代), Panlong Temple had dozens of structures, 450 rooms, and over 1,000 Buddha statues. Today, the temple features pavilions, towers, ancient bells, and numerous steles, showcasing exquisite architecture and a variety of styles, making it one of the top cultural heritage sites in Yunnan.
Many renowned poets and scholars have left behind poems, calligraphy, couplets, horizontal plaques, and inscriptions at Panlong Temple. The works of Emperor Yongli (永历帝), King Liang of the Yuan Dynasty (元梁王), the great traveler Xu Xiake (徐霞客), and other prominent figures such as Dan (担当), Qian Nanyuan (钱南园), and Yuan Jiagu (袁嘉谷) are particularly valuable.
There are over a dozen ancient steles with significant cultural value, including the “Inscription on the Baoyun Pagoda of Master Dajue” (《大盘庵大觉禅师宝云塔铭》), “Record of the Complete Zen Monastery” (《具足禅院碑记》), “Initial Establishment Stele of Panlong Temple” (《盘龙寺初立常住碑》), and “Imperial Edict Stele of Emperor Yongli” (《永历帝敕文碑》), which have all been classified as Kunming municipal cultural heritage.
The “Inscription on the Baoyun Pagoda of Master Dajue,” established at the end of the Yuan Dynasty (元朝末年), is located under the left corridor of the Master Hall and commemorates Master Chongzhao’s (崇照大师) achievements in spreading Zen Buddhism and establishing Panlong Temple.
According to legend, when the temple was founded, this area was a dragon pond hidden in a valley. A dragon lived here, and Master Lianfeng chanted incantations to drive it away. Afterward, the pond dried up, and he built the temple, naming it Panlong Temple. Another version of the story suggests that there were originally six dragons in the pond, five of which were driven away, while one dragon remained and caused disturbances. Master Lianfeng subdued it, making it his steed. As the number of followers grew, so did the temple’s incense offerings, and soon after, Master Lianfeng passed away, being revered as “Master Panlong.”
In the early Ming Dynasty (明朝), the founder Monk Yuanzu (祖源和尚) expanded Panlong Temple, adding the Scripture Building (藏经楼) and Guanyin Hall (观音殿), giving it a more substantial form. According to the travel notes of Xu Xiake, “Master Lianfeng of Panlong Mountain, named Chongzhao, attained Nirvana on the 18th of August during the Yuan Zhizheng era… to this day, this has become the Panlong Festival” (《徐霞客游记》记载:“盘龙山莲峰祖师,名崇照,元至正间以八月十八日涅槃……至今日以此为盘龙会。”).
Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Panlong Mountain, reaching this Buddhist sanctuary requires passing through “Four Gates.” Start from the eastern gate of Jincheng, marked by the “South Yunnan Spiritual Realm” archway, the “Entrance” gate. Next, proceed past the remnants of the Xiangshan Academy (象山书院) to reach the mountain gate, known as the “Mountain” gate. After passing Yingshan Lake (映山湖), ascend further and go through three heavenly gates, representing the “Heaven” gate. Finally, passing the Sleeping Buddha Hall and Luzu Pavilion (吕祖亭), you will arrive at the temple gate, the “Buddha” gate, which also serves as the “Tao” gate and “Holy” gate. Entering these four gates, one transcends the mundane, as if stepping into a realm of immortality, where the gifted and the divine converge at Panlong.
Every year on the first day of the eighth lunar month, the Panlong Temple Fair (盘龙庙会) takes place. On this day, thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock to the temple to worship and celebrate, with most visitors coming from Kunming, Chenggong (呈贡), Kunyang (昆阳), and Yuxi (玉溪). The atmosphere is lively and bustling, unmatched by any other temple fair in the Kunming area.
Panlong Temple is home to centuries-old trees and flowers, including tea flowers from the Yuan Dynasty, red plums from the Ming Dynasty, and silver osmanthus from the Qing Dynasty (清代). These trees continue to bloom every year, attracting countless flower enthusiasts.
Within the temple, there is a small courtyard known as the “Tea Flower Hall” (茶花殿), featuring two camellias purportedly planted by Master Lianfeng, which are over 600 years old. One tree produces large flowers, known as “Lion’s Head” (狮子头), which are bigger than a bowl and display vibrant colors. Another tree, “Soft Branch Pine Cone” (软枝松子鳞), stands over two meters tall, showcasing prized varieties.
Panlong Mountain spans several dozen miles, with its majestic main peak surrounded by mountains, the sound of pines echoing, and the towering central peak named “Panlong.” The name of the mountain reflects its form, as described by Qing Dynasty poet Zhou Hualin (清代周华林): “The winding mountain seems to coil like a dragon, with treetops concealing the temple and clouds veiling the exquisite peak” (蜿蜒山不断,作势欲盘龙,树杪藏箫寺,云根隐秀峰).
Panlong Temple is constructed in accordance with the mountainous terrain, featuring the Three Heavenly Gates (一、二、三天门), Yinxian Bridge, Sleeping Buddha Hall, Luzu Hall, Master Hall, Mahavira Hall, Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁), Kṣitigarbha Hall (伽蓝殿), and Medicine Buddha Hall (药师殿), among over 20 courtyards. It serves as a sanctuary for the deities of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, with the Master Panlong Hall, Medicine Buddha Hall, and Guanyin Hall being particularly popular. The temple’s surroundings are rich in lush vegetation, renowned for its tea flowers and cypress trees. Originally home to Wansong Temple (万松寺), it now features the tall Guanhai Pavilion (观海楼), where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and the distant Xishan Mountain.
Highlights:
Temples in Kunming are innumerable, among which Golden temple and Yuantong temple are most popular.
Overview Located in Jinxing Village (金星村) of Yiliang County (宜良县), Kunming (昆明), Yanquan Temple is situated at the foot of a mountain that resembles a reclining lion, known as...
Overview Puzhao Temple is located in the western part of Kunyang in Jinning District, Kunming City (昆明市晋宁县城昆阳西部). Nestled among dense pine and cypress trees, this ancient temple is one...
Overview Panlong Temple (盘龙寺) is one of the most popular temples in Kunming (昆明), located on the eastern shore of Dianchi Lake (滇池) in Jining District (晋宁区), approximately 40...
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