Puzhao Temple in Jinning District, Kunming
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 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.
Geographical Features
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.
Climate
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.
Admission Fee
Entry to Puzhao Temple is free of charge.
Historical Development
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.
Main Attractions
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:
- The First Mountain Gate (第一道山门)
- Caishen Hall (财神殿)
- Ksitigarbha Hall (地藏殿)
- Sleeping Buddha Hall (睡佛殿)
- Heavenly King Hall (天王殿)
- Guanyin Hall (观音殿)
- Guanyin Pond (观音池)
- Dining Hall (斋堂)
- Dragon King Temple (龙王庙)
- Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿)
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:
- Shili Changting (十里长亭)
- Yuanyang Tower (鸳鸯楼)
- Phoenix Tower (鸾凤楼)
- Magpie Bridge (鹊桥)
- Peacock Bench (孔雀凳)
- Butterfly Chair (蝴蝶椅)
- Eight Immortals Table (八仙桌)
- Hearts Table (同心桌)
- Hammocks (吊床)
- Swings (秋千)
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.
Buddhist Temples
The temple houses several significant halls:
- Sleeping Buddha Hall (睡佛殿): Also known as the Jade Buddha Hall (玉佛殿), it contains a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha made of high-quality white jade, weighing approximately 100 kilograms and measuring 2.2 meters long. Its exterior is covered in gold foil, and the hall features couplets that convey deep philosophical meanings: “信天上神，神能济世；靠地下人，人主沉浮。”
- Heavenly King Hall (天王殿): Also known as the Vajra Hall (金刚殿), flanked by two statues of the Guardian Kings, it houses the Four Heavenly Kings, each with symbolic meanings related to the protection and prosperity of the realm.
- Guanyin Hall (观音殿): The central figure is the 24-Armed Guanyin, donated by Mr. Ma Jing (马静), holding various divine objects that symbolize her vast abilities. The hall also features the thirty-two manifestations of Guanyin, symbolizing her responsiveness to the needs of devotees.
- Dizang Hall (地藏殿): Funded by the abbot Nengfu (能福) and the monastic community, it is adorned with beautiful carvings and houses the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, surrounded by bronze statues of the Three Saints of the Western Paradise (西方三圣).
- Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿): This grand hall is among the largest and most magnificent in the province, featuring statues of Amitabha Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, and the Medicine Buddha.
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.
Tourism Information
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.
List of Attractions and Names
- Puzhao Temple (普照寺)
- Changsong Mountain (长松山)
- Baihu Mountain (白虎山)
- Qingshan Mountain (青龙山)
- Wenfeng Pagoda (文蜂塔)
- Yuanzhao Temple (圆照寺)
- Lingzhao Temple (灵照寺)
- Puzhao Lingquan (普照灵泉)
- Forest Amusement Park (有缘谷)
- Youyuan Valley (有缘谷森林游乐园)
- Guanyin Pond (观音池)
- Various Halls (e.g., Sleeping Buddha Hall, Guanyin Hall, Dizang Hall, Mahavira Hall)
