Yunjue Temple in Yunxian County, Lincang
Overview
Yunjue Temple, originally known as Wumiao (武庙), is located at No. 8, Yunjue Alley, Aihua Community, Aihua Town, Yunxian County (云县), Lincang (临沧), Yunnan Province (云南省). The temple faces east and occupies an area of 1,588 square meters, with a building area of 779 square meters. It consists of several key structures: the Main Hall (大雄宝殿), the North and South Wing Rooms (南北两厢房), the Hall of Heavenly Kings (天王殿), the Hall of Weituo (韦陀殿), and the Guanyin Hall (观音殿).
The Main Hall is five bays wide, measuring 18.5 meters in width and 13 meters in depth, featuring a single eave hipped roof supported by a truss structure. The doors, windows, eaves, and column capitals are intricately carved with floral and dragon motifs, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
Introduction
Yunjue Temple, colloquially known as Dawu Miao (大武庙), is situated at the foot of Xiangshan Mountain (象山) in Yun County. The environment is serene and peaceful, with a historic ancient mosque to the south and Xiugan Temple (岫庵) to the north. The original structure was a Confucian temple built between the eighth year of the Guangxu Era (光绪八年, 1882) and the twenty-eighth year (光绪二十八年, 1902). It was later converted into a military temple by Governor Lei Yuanshu (雷元澍), who also relocated the Confucian temple back to its original site.
Temple Features
The temple’s architectural layout includes the Main Hall, two side wings, and a mountain gate. The Main Hall features three large bays, with a width of 18.5 meters and a depth of 13 meters. The single eave hipped roof has a rafter system adorned with elegant brackets, standing at a height of 10 meters, with a terrace elevated at 4 meters. The entire structure resembles a palace, decorated with intricate carvings and ornate decorations, creating a spacious and majestic atmosphere.
Flanking the entrance to the temple are sculptures of the Four Heavenly Kings (四大金刚), while the interior houses statues of various Buddhist figures, including the Tathāgata (如来), the Three Buddha (三世佛), Kṣitigarbha (伽蓝), Bodhidharma (达摩), Guanyin (观世音), Maitreya (弥勒佛), and the Eighteen Arhats (十八罗汉), all crafted to evoke a sense of solemnity and grandeur. Today, Yunjue Temple serves as the headquarters for the Yunxian Buddhist Association and is recognized as a county-level protected site.
Since its designation as a place for Buddhist activities, the temple has been adorned with plaques and couplets, and the grounds have been landscaped with flowers and trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere filled with the sounds of morning bells and evening drums. It has become a center for Buddhist activities and a popular destination for tourists in Yun County.
How to Get There
By Car
From Yun County (云县) city center, drive along Xianglin Highway (祥临公路) for approximately 20 minutes. Turn right near the Yun County Passenger Station (云县客运站) to enter the Yunjue Temple Scenic Area (云觉寺景区). The total distance is about 8 kilometers, taking around 30 minutes by car.
By Public Transportation
Take a bus from Yun County city center to Yunjue Temple. The journey takes about 20 minutes, with a ticket price of approximately ¥5 per person. After disembarking, follow the signs to walk to the temple.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of Buddhist practices and decorum while inside the temple.
- Photography: Ensure you check for any restrictions on photography in sacred areas to preserve the sanctity of the space.
- Local Cuisine: Consider trying local dishes at nearby restaurants to enhance your travel experience in Yun County.
- Guided Tours: Hiring a local guide can provide deeper insights into the temple’s history and cultural significance.
