Puji Temple in Luliang County, Qujing
Overview
Puji Temple (普济寺, Pǔjì Sì) is located in the eastern part of Luliang County (陆良县, Lùliáng Xiàn), Qujing (曲靖市, Qūjìng Shì). It was originally built during the fourth year of the Dade Era (大德, Dàdé) of the Yuan Dynasty (元朝, Yuán Cháo) when Ma Saso (马撒宋, Mǎsà Sòng) rebelled. Liang Tiansong (梁天松, Liáng Tiānsōng) led an army of three thousand troops to quell the unrest, establishing the site as a royal tent or ceremonial palace.
In the early Ming Dynasty (明朝, Míng Cháo), the temple underwent reconstruction. Shortly thereafter, a mountain camellia (山茶, Shānchá) was planted, which was noted in a poem titled “Tea Flower Commentary” (茶花评, Cháhuā Píng) written by Deng Mei (邓美, Dèng Měi) in the 26th year of the Wanli Era (万历, Wànlì), when he served as the Inspector of Yunnan. His account emphasizes the beauty of the camellia in bloom during his visit to Puji Temple, stating:
“In the year of the metal pig (1599 AD), while I was inspecting the region, I passed by Puji Temple. The tea flowers were in full bloom, and I could not resist stopping to admire them. The flowers were more vibrant than anything I had seen in the provincial capital…”
Deng’s observations suggest that the camellia tree had been thriving for over 200 years, with branches soaring more than ten meters high.
Current Features
Though the original Puji Temple has since vanished, a tea flower village (茶花村, Cháhuā Cūn) has emerged in its place, featuring a primary school dedicated to tea flowers. The area has transformed into a public recreational space, covering 187 acres. Key attractions include:
- Recreational Facilities: The park features various facilities, including pavilions, a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool, and winding corridors adorned with unique plants and flowers.
- Culinary Offerings: Visitors can enjoy local delicacies and purchase regional specialties, adding a culinary experience to their visit.
- Scenic Environment: With its serene lakeside views, visitors can relax, sip tea, and enjoy the natural surroundings.
How to Get There
- By Car: Drive to Luliang County via the main highways. Follow local signs to reach Puji Temple Park.
- By Public Transport: Take a bus from Qujing to Luliang County. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to the park.
- Walking: If you’re in nearby accommodations, the park can be reached on foot.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal months for visiting are spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom.
- Essentials: Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks for a comfortable day in the park.
- Explore the Area: Consider visiting other local attractions in Luliang County to enrich your experience.
- Photography: Capture the beautiful landscapes, especially the blooming tea flowers and the tranquil lakeside.
- Respect Nature: Maintain cleanliness and be considerate of the environment while enjoying your visit.
