Cangshan Shenci Temple in Dali City
Overview
Cangshan Shenci Temple (苍山神祠) is situated about 2000 meters west of Dali Ancient City (大理古城) in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Nestled at the southern foot of Zhonghe Peak (中和峰) of Cangshan Mountain (苍山), the temple faces Zhongxi River (中溪) and is bordered by the mountains to the west and north. Originally constructed during the Nanzhao period (南诏), the temple features renovations from the Qing Dynasty (清) during the Jiaqing (嘉庆) and Daoguang (道光) reigns.
Cangshan Shenci Temple holds historical significance as the site of the alliance between Nanzhao and the Tang Dynasty (唐朝). The complex includes a gate tower, a main hall, and two side pavilions, covering an area of 1411 square meters, designed in a traditional quadrangle layout. The main hall consists of five bays, with a hipped roof measuring 14 meters in length, 8 meters in height, and 10.3 meters in depth. The gate tower features a single-eave hard roof, with a width of 10.2 meters and a depth of 7 meters, also accommodating a stage at the back.
Historical Significance
Cangshan Shenci Temple is recognized as a witness to historical events that reflect ethnic unity and national integrity. In September 1985, the Dali Municipal People’s Government designated it as a key cultural relic protection unit at the municipal level. In December 1987, the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government recognized it as a key provincial-level cultural relic.
Historical Evolution
- Nanzhao Period: The temple was first established.
- Ming Dynasty: Rebuilt in the 7th year of Jiajing (1528) and again in the 31st year (1552).
- Qing Dynasty: Underwent significant restoration in the 31st year of Kangxi (1692) and during the Guangxu reign (1875-1908) after being damaged in the Xianfeng (1851-1861) and Tongzhi (1862-1874) periods.
- Republic of China: Restored in 1945 by local elites.
- 1988: Fundraising efforts led to further repairs by the community.
Architectural Layout
The architectural design of Cangshan Shenci Temple follows a quadrangle layout, featuring a gate tower, one main hall, and two side pavilions. The main hall’s central stone tablet, inscribed with “Chifu Diancang Zhaoming Zhengguo Lingdi Shenwei” (敕封点苍昭明镇国灵帝神位), emphasizes the temple’s cultural and historical importance.
The temple’s design includes:
- Main Hall:
- Five-bay structure
- Hipped roof design
- Dimensions: 14 meters long, 8 meters high, and 10.3 meters deep.
- Gate Tower:
- Single-eave hard roof
- Width: 10.2 meters; Depth: 7 meters
- Contains a stage at the back.
The temple serves as the local deity’s main temple for seven nearby villages outside the western gate of Dali Ancient City.
Cultural Relics
In 1947, the temple erected the “Stele of Renovation of Cangshan Temple” and the “Stele of the Enfeoffment of Diancang Zhaoming Zhengguo Lingdi,” both reflecting the temple’s significance in Nanzhao’s history. One notable inscription is a poem embedded in the temple’s corridor:
“钦哉姓名，金重九首；
正直居心，怒目张口；
原本武士，扶三尺剑；
漫说貌丑，蹈足舞手；
邪魔一见，掉头而走；
怯懦一见，汗下三斗。”
This poem depicts the upright character of Zhong Gan (钟尴), illustrating a virtuous and brave figure.
Additionally, an eastern wall bears a poem celebrating the region’s beauty:
“西南雄阔地，苍洱大名垂。
众壑雪同古，此峰云更奇。
神灵趋白帝，风雨下金支。
莫问劫尘事，仙人方弈棋。”
This verse praises the grandeur of Dali’s landscapes.
Cultural and Historical Context
Cangshan Shenci Temple is closely linked to the historical event known as the “Cangshan Alliance” (苍山会盟). According to tradition, the temple’s main deity is Du Guangting (杜光庭), who is said to have written the inscription on the “Dehua Stele” (德化碑). Historical texts indicate that during the Nanzhao period, the fifth king, Ge Luofeng (阁罗凤), experienced the devastating Tianbao War, which strained relations between the Tang and Nanzhao kingdoms.
In an effort to restore peace, the sixth king, Yi Moxun (异牟寻), sought to re-establish diplomatic relations with the Tang Dynasty. In 793, he dispatched envoys to Chang’an (长安) to negotiate peace, resulting in the signing of an alliance document, with copies placed at various locations, including Cangshan Shenci Temple.
Archaeological and Cultural Value
Cangshan Shenci Temple is not only a significant historical site but also a symbol of national unity and harmony among different ethnic groups in China. Its architectural and cultural relics provide insights into the region’s rich history and the interactions between the Tang Dynasty and the Nanzhao kingdom.
Travel Information
How to Get There
Cangshan Shenci Temple is accessible from Dali Ancient City. Visitors can take a taxi or rent a bike for a scenic ride through the picturesque landscapes. The approximate travel time is around 10-15 minutes by vehicle. For public transportation, local buses frequently operate between the ancient city and various attractions in the area.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer mild weather, making it ideal for exploring the temple and surrounding areas.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local Dali dishes, such as “Crossing the Bridge Noodles” (过桥米线) and various mushroom dishes.
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting, be respectful of the temple’s religious significance and local traditions. Dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor.
- Photography: The temple’s architecture and the surrounding natural beauty provide excellent opportunities for photography. Be sure to capture the intricate details of the structures and the stunning views of Cangshan Mountain.
With its rich history, architectural beauty, and cultural significance, Cangshan Shenci Temple offers a captivating glimpse into the past and a serene environment for reflection and appreciation of Yunnan’s heritage.
