Haiyunju Temple in Jianchuan County, Dali

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Haiyunju Temple (海云居) is the first Buddhist temple encountered when entering the Shibaoshan Scenic Area (石宝山风景区). It is located at the foot of Shisanshan (石伞山), on the left side of the Shibaoshan mountain gate.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 大理剑川石宝山海云居 (Dàlǐ Jiànchuān Shíbǎoshān Hǎiyúnjū)
• Location: Jianchuan County (剑川县), Dali Prefecture (大理州), Yunnan Province (云南省)
• Notable Landmark: Copper Bell (铜钟)
• Established by: Master Puliang (普联和尚)
• View: Faces the serene Jian Lake (剑湖) and overlooks the Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山).
• Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday to Sunday, 08:00-18:00

Main Attractions

Haiyunju Temple is oriented southwest and faces northeast, providing a stunning view of Jian Lake, with the Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance. The scenic location has earned praise from historical figures, including Huang Yuanzhi (黄元治), who once wrote a couplet celebrating its beauty: “剑海开明镜，雪山列画屏” (The sword lake opens like a bright mirror; the snow mountain stands as a painted screen).

Architecture and Layout

The temple consists of three courtyards and is built on a tiered layout. Despite its small size, it has a well-planned structure with winding paths leading through the Zen rooms. Entering through the mountain gate, visitors first arrive at the Heavenly Kings Hall (天王殿), and from there ascend the steps to reach the Main Hall (大雄宝殿), which features a single-eave roof with five ridges.

Haiyunju is one of the well-preserved temples among many, showcasing exquisite Qing Dynasty (清代) wood carvings, including depictions of flying deities (飞天) and mythical beasts (神兽) on the eaves. A copper bell, cast in the 22nd year of the Jiajing era (嘉靖) during the Ming Dynasty (明代) (1543), was personally brought to the temple by Master Puliang in the 40th year of the Kangxi era (康熙) (1701). These elements are significant for both appreciation and study.

Surrounded by towering pines and cypress trees, the temple garden is adorned with unique flowers and trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Poets and scholars from past and present have composed verses about Haiyunju, with a notable couplet by He Qiwei (何其伟) capturing its essence: “古柏风清游客醉，香台露冷老僧知” (The ancient cypress sways in the clear wind, enchanting tourists; the cold dew on the incense platform reveals the wisdom of the old monk).

Surrounding Natural Attractions

Bat Cave (蝙蝠洞)

Also known as the Niu Mo Wang Cave (牛魔王洞), this cave is located about 1.5 kilometers north of Haiyunju. The entrance is approximately 7 meters high and 4 meters wide, with a clear spring flowing inside. A wooden bridge leads into the cave, where darkness prevails after 10 meters, requiring a torch to proceed. After 30 more meters, a beam of light from above reveals a grand hall about 20 meters high and 200 meters around, filled with stunning stalactites and bats that hang in clusters along the walls, which is how it got its name. The cave’s winding paths can be disorienting, making a local guide helpful.

Shisan Mountain (石伞山)

Located behind Haiyunju and opposite Baoxiang Temple (宝相寺), Shisan Mountain is named for its umbrella-like rock formations. Legend has it that three immortals visited this area, captivated by its lush greenery and peculiar stones, they left behind their magic umbrellas, which transformed into giant stone umbrellas. Three large umbrellas are aligned in descending order, the tallest reaching about 12 meters, with a diameter of approximately 8 meters at the top, which can accommodate several people. The middle umbrella is slender and elegantly twisted, while the other is sturdy and cone-shaped, adorned with clusters of stone lotus flowers, creating a unique sight.

Travel Information

How to Get There

• By Car: From Dali Passenger Station (大理客运站), take the Dali-Lijiang Expressway (大丽高速), and follow the signs to Shibaoshan Scenic Area (石宝山风景区).

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
• What to Bring: A flashlight for exploring the Bat Cave, comfortable walking shoes, and water.
• Local Cuisine: Try local vegetarian dishes available near the temple; they are well-reviewed.
• Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide for a more enriching experience of the area and its attractions.

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