Jade Emperor Pavillion in Yongping County, Dali
Overview
The Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁), located in Shengquan Village (胜泉村), Laojie Town (老街镇), Yongping County (永平县), is a key cultural relic protection unit at the county level. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty (明朝), it served as a Daoist (道教) site. Over time, it was gradually replaced by Buddhism (佛教) and has become an important artifact for studying the integration and development of Daoism and Buddhism in Dali (大理).
- Chinese Name: 玉皇阁
- Location: 永平县老街镇胜泉村
- Cultural Protection Level: 县级
- Year Built: 明朝
Geographical Environment
The Jade Emperor Pavilion is situated on Linghua Mountain (灵化山) in Shengquan Village, bordering Laojie Town and Longmen Township (龙门乡), approximately 7 kilometers from the county seat. The mountain is steep on three sides.
According to legend, during the Ming Dynasty, a local man named Dong Tiantai (董天台) from Yunlong (云龙) brought back a jade statue of the Jade Emperor (玉皇天尊) from Myanmar. When he passed through Shengquan Village, the bridge there began to sway uncontrollably. Despite several attempts to cross, he was unable to do so. Dong Tiantai then knelt before the Jade Emperor and prayed, saying that if the Jade Emperor did not wish for him to cross the bridge, he would stop trying, and indeed, the bridge ceased to sway. Believing this was a sign from heaven, he carried the jade statue up to Linghua Mountain. Upon seeing the ancient trees and beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains, he advocated for the construction of a temple at the mountain’s summit and enshrined the jade statue there, naming it “Jade Emperor Pavilion.”
One of Yongping’s famous “Eight Scenic Views” (八景) refers to the “Linghua Huai Shadow” (灵化槐影), which symbolizes the Jade Emperor Pavilion and the Tang (唐) Sophora tree.
Fengshui Tower
Located below the Jade Emperor Pavilion is the Fengshui Tower (风水塔). This six-tiered, six-faced structure stands approximately 15 meters tall and is constructed of concrete. It was restored after 1982.
Travel Information
How to Get There
- By Car:
- From Dali, drive northeast to Yongping County. Follow local signs to Laojie Town, then continue to Shengquan Village. The journey offers scenic views and easy access to the pavilion.
- Public Transport:
- Buses operate from Dali to Yongping. From Yongping, you can take a local taxi or arrange a ride to Shengquan Village.
- Walking:
- For hiking enthusiasts, there are trails leading up to Linghua Mountain, providing a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking and be prepared for changes in weather.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views and unique architecture of the pavilion.
- Local Guides: Hiring a local guide can enhance your visit, providing deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.
