Shennong Ancestral Temple in Shuangjiang County, Lincang
Overview
The Shennong Ancestral Temple (神农祠, Shénnóng Cí) is located in Shuangjiang County (双江自治县, Shuāngjiāng Zìzhìxiàn), Lincang (临沧, Líncāng), situated upstream of the Nanmeng River (南勐河, Nánméng Hé) in the northern part of Mengku Town (勐库镇, Měngkù Zhèn). It lies at the center of the ancient tea valley at the foot of the ancient wild tea tree community in the Daxueshan Mountain (大雪山, Dàxuěshān).
Temple Features
Inside the temple, there is a statue of the Yan Emperor Shennong (炎帝神农, Yándì Shénnóng), sculpted from snowflake white stone, standing 9.5 meters tall, with a base height of 9 meters and a width of 4 meters. The temple features two symmetrical traditional ethnic-style houses:
- Tea Exhibition Hall (茶展馆, Chá Zhǎnguǎn): Located on the left.
- Tea Art Hall (茶艺馆, Chá Yìguǎn): Located on the right.
The statue’s base and the surrounding central square are paved with 530.9 square meters of Dali blue stone slabs (大理青石板, Dàlǐ Qīngshíbǎn). From the temple’s archway (牌坊, Páifāng) to the statue of Shennong, there are a total of 69 steps.
Scenic Environment
Nestled by the mountains and rivers, the Shennong Ancestral Temple boasts a shaded environment with lush trees and the convergence of two rivers, making it an ideal spot for visitors to relax, vacation, and pay homage to the Tea Ancestor, Shennong.
Online Resources
For further information about the Shennong Ancestral Temple, including visitor guidelines, historical background, and upcoming events, you can check local tourism websites or community pages that focus on Lincang and Shuangjiang County. These platforms often provide insights into tea culture and local festivals related to the temple.
How to Get There
To reach the Shennong Ancestral Temple:
- By Air: Fly into Lincang Airport (临沧机场, Líncāng Jīchǎng) and take a taxi to Mengku Town.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses operate from Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng) to Shuangjiang County, with local transport options available to reach the temple.
- By Car: If driving, follow the G213 national road from Kunming, approximately a 5-6 hour journey.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is pleasant.
- Cultural Etiquette: Show respect while visiting the temple, especially during ceremonies or when interacting with local worshippers.
- Photography: Capture the beautiful landscapes and the intricacies of the temple but be mindful of restricted areas.
- Bring Supplies: Pack water and snacks, as nearby facilities may be limited.
- Explore Tea Culture: Take the opportunity to learn about the local tea culture through exhibitions and workshops available at the tea halls.
