Western Hills Pilgrimage in Kunming

A Pilgrimage to Xishan: The Ultimate Experience at Da Guanyin Zen Temple
Explore Xishan and immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of Da Guanyin Zen Temple, where Buddhist culture leaves a profound impact on the soul. From the start to the end of the pilgrimage path, every step is filled with reverence and devotion.
🌸 The Grand Guanyin Statues Surround the Plaza
At the plaza of Da Guanyin Zen Temple, towering Guanyin statues radiate mystery and solemnity. Four elderly women in vibrant clothing, led by one in a colorful outfit, perform a sacred ritual. Chanting devoutly, they seem to transcend time, transporting you to an ancient era.
🌊 The Sacred Waterfall
Sacred water flows from the mouth of the mythical Mounting Beast (犼), Guanyin’s celestial mount, cascading down the mountain like a waterfall. At night, illuminated by lights, it resembles a celestial river of seven colors, mesmerizingly beautiful. Here, you can make a wish to the Great Compassionate Guanyin, write it on a lotus flower, and cast it into the wishing pool, hoping the sacred water will wash away your worries.
🌳 The Pilgrimage Path Divided into Four Seasons
The pilgrimage path is divided into four sections, symbolizing spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each section has exactly 108 steps, representing the 108 afflictions in Buddhism. With each step, one affliction is said to be eliminated. After climbing all four sets of 108 steps, the worries of the four seasons will vanish.
🏛️ The Majesty of the Heavenly Kings Hall
The Heavenly Kings Hall exudes grandeur, with Maitreya Buddha facing forward andSkanda (Weituo) (韦陀) the Dharma Protector at the back. The Four Heavenly Kings ride clouds, symbolizing “prosperity, peace, and harmony.” All statues are crafted with top-tier techniques, using gold foil, pure gold powder, and rare pigments, showcasing the pinnacle of artistic craftsmanship.
🎨 The Main Hall: The Great Round Pavilion
The Great Round Pavilion is the temple’s centerpiece, housing 33 Guanyin statues. The central figure, the Sacred Guanyin, radiates compassion, backed by a wisdom flame made of pure gold foil and ancientcoloured glaze (古法琉璃). The ceiling glows with Buddha light, and flying celestial beings dance against the blue sky, creating a serene and radiant Buddhist paradise.
🕊️ The Pure White Mahākaruṇā Hall
The Mahākaruṇā Hall is pristine and white, featuring a White-robed Guanyin. The ceiling’s nine-layered dome is adorned with gentle starlight, surrounded by Guanyin’s 42 Hand-Eye Dharma Gates. The hall’s pure whiteness evokes a profound sense of peace and spiritual cleansing, allowing you to let go of worldly distractions.
In this pilgrimage, you will experience the profound influence of Buddhist culture and find inner peace and tranquility. May you leave with a deep sense of blessings and serenity.