Fengming Mountain in Kunming
Overview
Kunming Fengming Mountain(昆明凤鸣山) in Panlong District is home to the Taihe Palace, a Taoist temple dating back to the Ming Dynasty, commonly known as the “Golden Hall” or “Bronze House.” To reach it, visitors start from the foot of Mingfeng Mountain and pass through the First Heaven Gate, Second Heaven Gate, and Third Heaven Gate, ascending to a platform over 1000 meters high. There, they encounter a fortress-like structure with city walls, towers, and battlements. Inside the city walls lies the Taihe Palace, also known as the Fengming Immortal Palace, with “Lingxing Gate” inscribed above its entrance in golden characters. The couplet on the doorframe reads: “Dragons soar in the upper valley, unmatched jade palaces and unparalleled land; Bamboo dances in the eastern forest, half the green mountains and half the clouds.”
Tourist Resources
Upon entering, visitors will encounter the largest existing pure copper palace in China—the Golden Hall. Weighing approximately 200 tons, the palace boasts intricate copper craftsmanship, including beams, pillars, arches, roof ridges, plaques, statues, and vessels, all cast in copper. The palace, standing at 6.7 meters tall and measuring 6.2 meters wide and deep, features 16 cylindrical columns and walls constructed from 36 carved panels and blocks, creating a meticulously crafted and complex structure. Inside the palace are five gilded statues, with the central one depicting the True Martial Emperor (a Taoist deity known as the Master of Ten Thousand Laws), flanked by statues of the Golden Boy and Jade Girl and two guardian generals. The copper palace sits atop a tall marble terrace surrounded by two-tier stone railings, resembling a magnificent golden palace. Below the palace’s steps are two pavilions, with a 10-meter-tall flagpole on the left, flying a seven-star soap flag. The flagpole, flagpole base, and flag are all cast in copper, with the triangular flag featuring serrated edges and intricate carvings of the twenty-eight constellations, the sun, and the moon. The words “Peace under heaven, favorable weather, and prosperous country and people” are engraved on the flag’s surface. Historically, the copper palace was twice cast and built. The first construction took place in the thirtieth year of the Ming Wanli era (1602), with a design similar to the Wudang Mountain copper palace in Hubei’s Junxian County. It was dismantled at the end of the Ming Dynasty and relocated to the Jiuzufeng Temple in western Yunnan. Later, during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty, Wu Sangui reconstructed the copper palace on its original site, with an inscription left on the palace’s beams commemorating the event. In the seventh year of the Xianfeng era (1857), during the Muslim rebellion, the palace suffered minor damage. It was repaired and restored during the Guangxu era, becoming the existing copper palace, slightly larger than the one at Wudang Mountain, and designated as a national key cultural relic.
Mountain Attractions
In addition, on the rear mountain stands the Yongle Great Bell, measuring 2.1 meters in height with a circumference of 6.7 meters, weighing approximately 14 tons. It is the largest copper bell in Yunnan. Originally hung on the Xuanhua Building above the south gate of Kunming City, it was relocated to the Guzhuang Park after the demolition of the city gate in 1953 and later moved to the “Golden Hall” Park.
Fengming Mountain in Panlong District, Kunming, is home to the historic Taihe Palace, also known as the Golden Hall or Bronze House, a Taoist temple dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The temple complex is a significant cultural and historical site, featuring the largest existing pure copper palace in China, as well as other attractions like the Yongle Great Bell. Here’s how you can visit this remarkable site.
Getting to Fengming Mountain
- Starting Point: Kunming City Center
- Distance: Approximately 11 kilometers from Kunming city center.
- Travel Time: Around 30 minutes by car or taxi.
- Transportation Options:
- By Taxi or Ride-Hailing: The most convenient way to reach Fengming Mountain is by taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service like Didi. Simply input “Fengming Mountain (凤鸣山)” or “Golden Hall (金殿)” as your destination.
- By Public Bus:
- Take Bus No. 10, 71, or 146 from Kunming city center to the Golden Hall Park (金殿公园) bus stop.
- The bus stop is located near the entrance to Fengming Mountain, and you can walk up the mountain to the temple complex from there.
- By Car:
- If you have access to a car, you can drive directly to the site. Parking is available near the entrance.
Exploring Taihe Palace (Golden Hall)
- The Ascent:
- Start at the Foot of the Mountain: Begin your journey at the base of Fengming Mountain. You’ll pass through three gates—the First Heaven Gate, Second Heaven Gate, and Third Heaven Gate—ascending to a platform over 1,000 meters high.
- Scenic Walk: The walk up the mountain is scenic, with beautiful views and lush surroundings. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The Golden Hall (Taihe Palace):
- Architecture: The Golden Hall, made entirely of copper, is a stunning example of intricate craftsmanship. The palace is 6.7 meters tall and features copper beams, pillars, and statues.
- Historical Significance: The palace was originally constructed in 1602 during the Ming Dynasty and later rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty by Wu Sangui. It has been well-preserved and is a key cultural relic in China.
- Interior: Inside the palace, you’ll find five gilded statues, with the central one depicting the True Martial Emperor, flanked by other deities and guardians.
- Surroundings: The palace is situated on a marble terrace with stone railings, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Other Attractions:
- Yongle Great Bell: Located on the rear mountain, this 14-ton copper bell is the largest in Yunnan. It was relocated to the Golden Hall Park after the demolition of the Kunming city gate.
- Scenic Spots: The mountain also features various natural and man-made scenic spots, including statues and carvings that blend with the natural landscape.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours: The Golden Hall and park are typically open from early morning until late afternoon. Check local listings for exact times.
- Entrance Fee: An entrance fee is usually required to enter the park and visit the Golden Hall. Prices may vary.
- Guided Tours: If you’re interested in the history and cultural significance of the site, consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour.
Tips for Visitors
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is in the morning when the weather is cooler and the site is less crowded.
- Weather Considerations: The weather can change rapidly on the mountain, so bring a light jacket or umbrella.
- Cultural Respect: As a historical and religious site, it’s important to dress modestly and respect the local customs.
This guide should help you plan your visit to Fengming Mountain and the Golden Hall in Kunming, allowing you to fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance of this remarkable site.
