Guanyin Temple in Binchuan County, Dali
Location and Overview
Guanyin Temple (观音寺) is located 56 kilometers from the county town of Binchuan (宾川), nestled 2 kilometers northeast of Pingchuan Town (平川镇), at the foot of Niujiao Mountain (牛角山) and Mu Yu Mountain (木鱼山). The temple is perched on a cliff, with the Guanyin Hall (观音殿) hidden beneath it, surrounded by peculiar rock formations, ancient trees, and hanging vines. In front of the temple, a stone arch bridge spans clear waters, with a gentle stream flowing nearby, creating a pleasant climate and thriving ecology.
Historical Significance
The temple was established in the first year of the Wanli period during the Ming Dynasty (1573), initiated by the Governor of Yunnan, Zou Yinglong (邹应龙), from Xi’an, Shaanxi Province (陕西西安). In 2005, the local government invested over one million yuan to develop the temple, renovating Longquan Pool (龙泉池), paving a stone road from Jiangwai Village (江外村) to Guanyin Temple, and constructing Guanyin Temple Park (观音寺公园). Covering over 3,000 square meters, the temple complex features a central axis layout with three levels and six halls, integrating natural scenery, cultural heritage, and religious significance. In 1989, it was designated as a key cultural heritage site, and in 2005, it became a center for cultural activities, tourism, elderly services, and religious affairs management.
Cultural Traditions
Every year during the lunar new year, particularly from the first to the fifteenth day, Pingchuan holds a lively lion dance (闹狮灯) tradition. After breakfast, locals gather at Guanyin Temple to enjoy the festivities. As visitors approach the temple, they encounter neatly arranged vendors selling delicious local snacks, including hot Zhu Kula coffee (朱苦拉咖啡), sizzling Huang Jian Liangfen (黄煎凉粉), sweet sugar residue (糖渣), and soft rice vermicelli (米凉虾), creating a bustling market atmosphere.
The performance venue is always packed, featuring over 20 artistic groups presenting more than 30 vibrant programs, such as “Warmly Welcome You to Pingchuan” (热忱欢迎你到平川来) and traditional lantern dance shows. The songs and dances convey the warm hospitality of the Pingchuan people, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The Pingchuan lion dance is a centuries-old intangible cultural heritage. Performers use lion, deer, and crane props, blending music with drama, acrobatics, and dance, while incorporating auspicious phrases for a joyful celebration, creating a festive atmosphere filled with cheer and harmony.
Personal Reflections
For many children raised in Pingchuan, Guanyin Temple holds cherished memories. As a child, I would gaze at the temple from my family’s ancient well, its dark green trees resembling a large umbrella over our small courtyard. The nearby fields of lotus made for a fragrant journey as we walked along familiar paths into the temple’s embrace.
The temple stands proudly against the majestic Niujiao Mountain, known for its shape resembling a water buffalo’s horn. Local lore tells of a cave where water from the Dragon King Temple (龙王庙) flows, nourishing the fertile lands. Although recent droughts have diminished the water flow, the legend remains.
Guanyin Temple’s stone arch bridge, with its historic inscriptions, connects us to the labor and lives of past generations. Upon approaching the temple’s grand entrance, one feels a deep respect for its enduring presence, built upon a massive rock that evokes childhood memories and a lifelong fascination with unique stones.
Community Events and Activities
Every New Year, the temple buzzes with activity—cultural performances, dragon dances, and a bustling market atmosphere. The local community often engages in selling handmade wild fruits during these festivities, capturing joyous moments that linger in memory.
Guanyin Temple is not just a religious site; it embodies the cultural, ethnic, and spiritual life of the Pingchuan area. During various festivals like the Taizi Festival (太子会), Chongyang Festival (重阳节), and Dragon Boat Festival (端午节), the temple attracts numerous visitors, reinforcing its role as a hub for cultural activities and tourism.
How to Get There
To reach Guanyin Temple, visitors can drive or take a local bus from Dali (大理) to Binchuan County (宾川), then head towards Pingchuan Town (平川镇). The journey offers scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Travel Tips
- Timing: Visit during local festivals for vibrant cultural experiences.
- What to Bring: Cash for local snacks and souvenirs, as well as a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
- Stay Hydrated: The temple’s natural beauty invites exploration, so remember to carry water.
- Respect Local Customs: Engage with locals and learn about their traditions to enrich your visit.
