Puguang Temple in Yangbi County, Dali
Overview
Puguang Temple (普光寺) is located within the YunTai Mountain Forestry Bureau (云台山林业局), approximately 5 kilometers south of Yangbi County (漾濞县). Nestled against lush hills and surrounded by dense forests, it offers convenient access and stunning natural scenery, characterized by vibrant flowers and the melodious sounds of birds. The temple is believed to have been founded during the Song Dynasty (宋朝) but was destroyed during wartime. It underwent reconstruction during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties (明末清初). In the 1950s, it was converted into a granary by local food authorities.
In 1976, the food department sold the temple property to the YunTai Mountain Forestry Bureau. By 1983, the land was reclaimed for redevelopment, and in early spring 1986, local residents raised funds to restore the temple. By 1991, it attracted visitors from Dali, Wenshan, Xiangyun, Kunming, Sichuan, and beyond, generating an annual income of approximately 70,000 to 80,000 RMB from incense offerings, which funded temple activities and renovations. Local craftsmen created an architectural complex comprising 11 buildings with 27 rooms, centered around the main hall, “Puguang Gao Zhao” (普光高照).
The main temple, originally a single-story building, has been renovated and expanded twice since 1983, now featuring three stories adorned with intricate carvings and numerous Buddha statues, continuously surrounded by incense smoke. The complex includes the Great Hero Hall (大雄宝殿), a pharmacy with four rooms, a guesthouse with four rooms, and a three-story building known as the “Zhutian Pavilion” (诸天阁).
Architecture and Surroundings
From afar, Puguang Temple presents a picturesque sight with ancient trees towering above, wisps of smoke rising, and various halls peeking through the lush greenery. Outside the temple walls, towering eucalyptus trees (老桉树) and rows of silver locust trees (银槐) create a serene environment. The temple comprises several significant halls, including:
- Guanyin Hall (观音殿)
- Great Hero Hall (大雄宝殿)
- King Yue Hall (岳王殿)
- Ten Generals Hall (十帅殿)
- Laojun Hall (老君殿)
- Nüwa Hall (女娲殿)
- Mountain God Hall (山神山王殿)
- White Dragon Prince Temple (白龙太子庙)
These halls feature flying eaves and intricately carved beams, exemplifying exquisite craftsmanship. The colorful statues representing Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism depict various expressions, while the presence of monks and attendants brings the vibrant historical relics to life, merging the beauty of human artistry with natural splendor.
Community Involvement
Leadership at Puguang Temple is primarily community-driven, with members often recommending individuals to serve as the temple’s hosts. This includes the president and vice president of the Lotus Pool Association (莲池会), along with accountants and long-term residents who contribute to the temple’s upkeep. The guesthouse caters to visitors traveling from afar.
The temple hosts a total of 27 major events annually, including:
- Maitreya Festival (正月初一弥勒会) on the first day of the lunar new year
- Jade Emperor Festival (正月初九玉皇会)
- Guanyin Festival (二月十九观音会)
- Yellow Master Festival (三月十八黄主会)
- King Yue Festival (四月二十八岳王会)
- Five Grains Deity Festival (五月二十五五谷大神会)
- Southern Dipper Festival (六月初一至初六南斗会)
- Zhongyuan Festival (七月十五至十七中元会)
- Mid-Autumn Festival (八月十五0会)
- Northern Dipper Festival (九月初一至初九北斗会)
- Void Earth Mother Festival (十月十八虚空地母会)
- Sun Festival (十一月十九日太阳会)
- New Year Festival (十二月十五日0会)
These festivals attract thousands of participants, predominantly middle-aged and elderly women, with smaller gatherings drawing hundreds or even thousands from nearby towns and villages.
Due to its convenient location and beautiful surroundings, Puguang Temple frequently serves as a popular site for spring and autumn outings for local schools and community groups.
How to Get There
To reach Puguang Temple from Dali (大理), you can take a local bus or taxi to Yangbi County, which is approximately 38 kilometers away. The journey typically takes about an hour.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Plan your visit during one of the major festivals to experience the lively atmosphere and community activities.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local practices, especially during temple events, and dress modestly.
- Bring Supplies: If you plan to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, consider bringing a picnic as the area is great for outdoor activities.
- Explore Nearby Attractions: Consider visiting other nearby cultural sites or natural parks to enhance your travel experience.
