Lumoshan Temple in Nanjian County, Dali
Overview
Lumoshan Temple (碌摩山古寺) is located just 3 kilometers from the county seat of Nanjian (南涧县) in Dali (大理), Yunnan Province (云南). It is situated on Lumoshan Mountain (碌摩山), which is renowned for its majestic appearance, often described as having the “heroic spirit of a tiger and the ethereal aura of a dragon.” The temple’s stunning scenery attracts thousands of visitors each year, who come to explore the beauty of the mountain.
Historical Background
According to historical records, Lumoshan Temple was originally built during the Tang Dynasty (唐朝) in the Dali era (大历年间, 766—779) under the governance of the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国) led by the ruler Ge Luofeng (阁罗凤). During the late Ming Dynasty (明朝) and early Qing Dynasty (清朝), particularly in the Kangxi era (康熙年间), the temple complex was expanded to include grand structures like the Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁) and other ancient halls.
Today, the Lumoshan Temple complex includes several important halls such as:
- Yuhuang Hall (玉皇大殿)
- Laojun Hall (老君殿)
- Caishen Hall (财神殿)
- Zhenwu Hall (真武殿)
- General Hall (将军殿)
- Mawang Hall (马王殿)
- Leigong Hall (雷公殿)
From a distance, the temple appears to be nestled among the green mountains, with overlapping eaves and ethereal mist curling around it. Upon closer inspection, visitors can admire the intricately carved eaves and elegant structures that exude a sense of ancient charm and solemnity. Inside the halls, the lifelike Buddhist statues create a vivid and immersive spiritual experience.
How to Get There
By Bus
- From Dali City (大理市): Take a bus heading towards Nanjian County. The journey takes about 1-1.5 hours.
- From Nanjian County: Use a local taxi or a motorcycle taxi to reach Lumoshan Temple, which is approximately 3 kilometers away.
By Car
If you prefer driving, you can rent a car in Dali. The distance from Dali City to Lumoshan Temple is about 60 kilometers, taking around 1 hour. Follow the route towards Nanjian County, and look for signs directing you to Lumoshan Mountain.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal seasons for visiting, offering pleasant weather for hiking and exploration.
- Local Attractions: Don’t miss exploring the surrounding natural landscapes and other historical sites in the Dali area while visiting Lumoshan Temple.
- Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful of the religious practices and traditions observed at the temple.
- Safety Precautions: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, as the terrain may be uneven in some areas.
- Photography: Capture the scenic beauty of the temple and its surroundings, especially during sunrise or sunset when the lighting is particularly beautiful.
