Tianfengshan Mountain in Xiangyun County, Dali
Introduction
Tianfengshan Mountain, also known as Yusun Peak (玉笋峰), and commonly referred to as Laojun Mountain (老君山) or Laojun Hall (老君殿), is located in Puzhu Town, Xiangyun County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The main peak rises to an elevation of 2,578 meters. The mountain features a pyramid-like structure with steep terrain, standing tall amidst surrounding mountains. Laojun Hall, built during the Ming Dynasty (万历年间), is a wooden structure with a single eave and hip roof, adorned with a pair of dragon columns. A large plaque reading “Dao De Wu Qian” (道德五千) hangs prominently in front, dedicated to the worship of Taishang Laojun (太上老君), hence the name Laojun Hall. To the right is a stone-carved merit archway, leading to the magnificent Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁).
Tianfengshan is a prominent Taoist site, known for its architectural unity of the Three Teachings (Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and exquisite wooden carvings. It is regarded as “the first Taoist mountain in the South” and serves as a key Taoist and scenic site in Xiangyun County. The mountain is surrounded by dense forests, and every year on the 15th day of the second lunar month, the Puzhu Tianfengshan “Singing Festival” (歌会节) attracts thousands of local Yi (彝族) people who gather to sing and dance.
General Information
- Chinese Name: 天峰山
- Alternate Name: 玉笋峰 (Yusun Peak)
- Main Peak Elevation: 2,578 meters
- Established: Ming Dynasty (万历年间)
Honorary Status
Recently, the architectural complex of Laojun Hall at Tianfengshan Mountain has been designated as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit by the Yunnan Provincial Government. The site features a rich array of Taoist architecture with intricate carvings and golden decorations, showcasing cultural artistry.
Geographic Location
Tianfengshan Mountain is situated in Xiangyun County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is a well-known Taoist mountain and a significant scenic area in the region. The mountain is densely forested and located at the intersection of the Yi districts of Xiangyun, Nanhua, Ya’an, and Midu counties. It is easily accessible from the provincial capital, Kunming, which is approximately 300 kilometers away, and Dali City, about 40 kilometers away.
Notable Attractions
- Laojun Hall (老君殿)
- Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁)
- Merit Archway (功德坊)
- Lingguan Hall (灵官殿)
- Yaowang Hall (药王殿)
- Three Heavenly Gates (三天门)
Cultural Significance
Festival Activities
The Tianfengshan Singing Festival originated from the Taoist event “Laojun’s Birthday Celebration.” This festival has a history of over 500 years and is held on the 15th day of the second lunar month. Tens of thousands of participants, including Yi and Han people, gather to celebrate, sing, and dance in the designated singing area.
During the festival, the atmosphere is vibrant and lively, with traditional instruments like the lusheng (芦笙), sanxian (三弦), and flutes filling the air with beautiful melodies. The gathering serves not only as a religious event but also as an occasion for young people to meet and socialize.
Related Works
- Essay: “本色天峰山” by Hu Bing (胡冰) – This essay reflects on the natural beauty and cultural significance of Tianfengshan Mountain, emphasizing its authenticity and unadorned charm.
How to Get There
Tianfengshan Mountain is accessible by bus from Kunming to Xiangyun County, with frequent daily services. From Xiangyun, local transport options can take you to Puzhu Town, where the mountain is located.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore Tianfengshan is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best.
- Safety Precautions: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for hiking and carry sufficient water.
- Respect Local Culture: Engage with local customs, especially during the Singing Festival, and be mindful of the sacredness of the Taoist sites.
- Photography: Capture the stunning views but remember to respect the environment and other visitors.
