Wenfeng Monastery in Lijiang
Chinese Name: 文峰寺
English Name: Wenfeng Monastery, Lijiang
Chinese Pinying: Wen Feng Si
Location : In the Wenbifeng Mountain, Southwest of Lijiang City
Highlights: One of the 5 famous Lamaist Monasteries in Lijiang
Open Hour: 08:30-18:00
Ticket: 15 CNY
Where is Wenfeng Temple
Wenfeng Temple (文峰寺) is located in southwest of Lijiang City at an elevation of 3,465 meters. The monastery, built between 1739 and 1743, is situated at the foot of Mt. Wenbi about eight kilometers from Lijiang’s Old Town. The monastery was the supreme academy of the Gagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The property is abundant with numerous varieties and colors of camellias. The structure of this temple was the largest in Lijiang prefecture until the Cultural Revolution, where many of its structure were badly destroyed. In the 1980’s, government rebuilt this temple. This place has now become a very scenic spot with many big pine trees and the beautiful camellia flowers.
Mu Tian Wang and Wenfeng Temple
These temples were founded under Mu Tian Wang, the 17th-century Naxi king. He was a religious man, instrumental in the growth of the Red Hat Sect of Buddhism in his domain.
Wenfeng Si was famous in its time as a meditation centre. Above the temple is a hole in the earth, near a sacred spring where monks would stay for over three years to engage in intense meditation.
What to see in Wenfeng Temple
Wenfeng Temple is located in the hinterland of writing mountain, was built in the reign of four years (1739), the Tibetan Karma Kagyu (White Sect) four treasures of His Holiness to Lijiang, require prefect Official propaganda advocating to build the temple, which lasted five marble. Dynasty eight years (1828) rebuilt the hall, Tibetan name Lin Sang Najia table. Meaning secret religious shrines and Lotte blessed monastery, later renamed Wenfeng Temple today. Prosperous period in the history of public housing had five homes, Sengfang twenty four homes, up to hundreds of monks, the first temple of the largest in Lijiang. The existing hall and Sengfang two homes. Hall for three storeyed pavilion-style building, the hall is a grand space, up to four meters. Temple has statues, murals and trees, especially camellia, cedar famous. Temple, Tibetan Buddhism Week conifers, gurgling streams, fresh air, quiet environment, are still a tourist attraction.
Wenfeng Temple is the highest institution of China Northwest trips to Lijiang Yunnan Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism thirteen large monastery, where monks have to get all Palestinian degree must sit far away from the Temple Church night sit-year March 3 three forty-five qualify rites. Wenfeng Temple quite famous not only in Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet region, but also have an impact in India, Nepal, Myanmar and other countries in the Buddhist community. 1956, Buddha’s relic (tooth), back to China from Burma, August 8, Wenfeng Temple usher Fozusheli held unprecedented tooth welcome ceremony, becoming an important event in the history of Buddhism, and more so Wenfeng Temple put a glorious religious overtones.
Attractions Near Wenfeng Temple
The Baisha Ancient Village is one of the oldest towns in Lijiang City. It got its name “Baisha” meaning “white sand” from the natural white sand in the area. It was the cradle-land of the Tusi Dynasty evolved from the Mu Clan. It was also the earliest settlement of the Naxi people. There are many ancient constructions built in the Ming Dynasty: the Dabaoji Palace, the Liuli Temple and the Wenchang Palace. The well-known Baisha Frescoes are situated in the Dabaoji Palace.
Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Course
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club is one of the icons of China golf. This Kunming golf course is set in the bottom of a valley that faces the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that is 5596 meters (18,360 ft.) high. You can enjoy mountain views from almost every place on this Kunming golf course. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club is situated at 3100 meters (10,800 ft.) above see level, the second highest in the world and the highest in Asia.
Jade Water Village or Yushuizhai in Lijiang
Yushuizhai is under the foot of the Yulong Snow Mountain, facing the ancient city of Lijiang, which is only 15 kilometers from the city. The sacred water out of the Yushui Village brings up a generation after generation, giving them courage, wisdom and happiness.
Black Dragon Pool (also Heilongtan), or Jade Spring(Yuquan) Park is the main headwater of the Yushui River which goes through the Old Town. People believe that the gods of the Naxi people are living in the chestnut woods, beside the mouth of springs, behind the carved doors and below the bridges. The springs come from the god-protected mountains and gather in this place and finally form the dragon pool. Then water goes down a waterfall and becomes the Yuhe River, pouring life to the Old Town.
A trekking route leads to the amazing Dongba Valley. It is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and 15 kilometers away from Lijiang Old Town. The Dongba Valley is home and livelihood of Naxi people. Traditional houses of Naxi and other peoples are open to visit.
Admission Fee:¥230
Opening Hours:6:00-18:00 (May 1st to Oct. 31st); 6:30-18:00 (Nov. 1st to Apr. 30)
Attraction Transportation:Because there is no public bus, tourists need to charter a taxi / car/ mini-van or carpool together from the downtown area. The distance is around 10 miles (15 kilometers). It takes around 40 minutes. The round-trip charter rate is around CNY 200.
How to get to Wenfeng Temple
First, people need to Yulong County.
Yulong county is an important part of Lijiang central city. The road network of Yulong County covers every township and village. The second largest railway station in Yunnan province, Lijiang Railway Station is located in the county seat. Lijiang airport is 22 kilometers from the county seat.
Since the scenic spots is relatively far away from each other, we introduce you some detailed information about how to get in/out and get around in Yulong County.
1. Car-rental
There is no doubt that renting a car is the fastest and most convenient way to get around. Negotiate the price with the driver in advance or share a car with other travelers is very economical.
2. Bus
For some budget travelers, bus travel is a good way to save money. Make sure where you want to go, and then use the electronic map to find where and when to take the bus. You can also ask our consultants about how to get there.
3. Cycling
Cycling is a better way to enjoy the scenery along the way. For some sights in Yulong county, it’s very convenient to cycle there.
Where to stay in Yulong County
Generally the tourists who pay a visit to the sights in Yulong County will choose to stay in Baisha Old Town or back to Lijiang Old Town. There are many characteristics hotels, guesthouses and inns to choose. People who want a more beautiful living environment can also choose to live in the Shuhe Ancient Town. More information please check the accommodation of Dali Old Town, Shuhe Old Town and Baisha Old Town.