Jianggong Temple in Dali Old Town, Dali
Overview
Jianggong Temple, located at 123 Yuer Road (玉洱路), Dali Ancient Town (大理古城), is dedicated to the worship of Jiang Zonghan (蒋宗汉), a military leader of the Qing Dynasty (清朝). It is one of the best-preserved Qing Dynasty ancestral halls featuring Bai ethnic (白族) architectural characteristics. The Dali Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum (大理非物质文化遗产博物馆) was expanded and reconstructed based on the original Jianggong Temple. In February 2019, it was announced by the Yunnan Provincial Government (云南省人民政府) as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.
Historical Significance
Jianggong Temple is dedicated to Jiang Zonghan (1838-1903) from Heqing County (鹤庆县), an important figure in suppressing the Du Wenxiu Rebellion (杜文秀起义). The temple is a representative of preserved Qing architecture in Dali, holding significant historical and artistic value.
Built in 1905 (公元1905年), the temple has a north-south orientation and features two courtyards. The complex includes a main gate, a hall, a stela pavilion, the main hall, and east and west wing rooms, covering a total area of 1,100 square meters.
Architectural Features
- Main Gate: Features three openings; the middle has a gable roof, while the two sides have a hipped roof. There are low walls on both sides, leading into a square area.
- Interior Layout: The central hall has a single eave hard mountain roof. The main hall behind it also has a single eave hipped roof, featuring a combination of bracket sets and half-penetrating structures. The main hall spans 14 meters wide and 10 meters deep.
- Wing Rooms: There are three rooms on each side, with additional rooms in the rear courtyard.
Jiang Zonghan’s Contributions
Jiang Zonghan was known for his contributions to local infrastructure, including the construction of the Jinlong Bridge (金龙桥) across the Jinsha River (金沙江) in 1880, which served as a critical transportation link for 70 years.
Protection and Preservation
The temple’s protective scope extends to the east wing’s eaves, the southern boundary at Yuer Road, the western wing’s eaves, and the northern boundary at the main hall’s eaves. The construction control zone aligns with the ancient town’s protection planning.
Important Dates
- Established: 1905
- Protected Unit: Recognized as a municipal cultural relic protection unit in 1985.
Getting There
To reach Jianggong Temple, you can take public transportation to Dali Ancient Town. Buses and taxis are available from the Dali Railway Station (大理火车站) and Dali Airport (大理机场). The temple is located a short walk from popular landmarks in the ancient town.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Dali is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) for mild weather and clear skies.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local Bai dishes in nearby restaurants.
- Respectful Behavior: As it is a religious site, visitors should be respectful of the customs and traditions.
- Photography: Capture the unique architecture but be mindful of signs indicating where photography may be restricted.
Summary
Jianggong Temple serves as a cultural and historical landmark in Dali, reflecting the architectural styles of the Qing Dynasty and honoring the legacy of Jiang Zonghan. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or culture, it’s a must-visit site in Dali Ancient Town.
