Yuantong Temple


With a history of more than 1200 years, Yuantong Temple is one of Kunming’s most active Buddhist
temples in Kunming.

The temple was built in the Tang Dynasty, with a history of over 1,200 years. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties,
the temple was reconstructed and repaired for several times to the present size. the temple took on its
present design, with covered corridors, bridges and grand halls.

The architecture of the temple buildings is rather typical, but the halls of the temple are visited in order on a
declining slope, not on an ascending slope as is typical in Chinese Buddhist temples.

This old Temple is noted for its unusual structure which is high at the front and low at the back, From the front archway named "Yuantong
Shengjing" (Wonderland), one can behold the entire garden. To the north is the splendid Yuantong main hall. At both sides of the hall are covered
corridors running beside clear pools. This structure of a Buddhist hall surrounded by water is unique in China. The main hall maintains the style
of the Yuan Dynasty architecture .Circling the two central pillars inside the hall are two giant dragons carved during the Ming Dynasty. The blue and
yellow dragons face each other, as if they are ready to fight. Behind the main hall are two caves, the " Yougu" and "Chaoying". The caves wind far
into the mysterious depths of the mountain, and, according to local legend, were once the home of dragons.

Yuantong Temple is grandeur, unique. Its brilliant appearance, grand building complex and tranquil surroundings have intoxicated generations of
poets, painters who written poems, brushed scrolls about it.

The only Buddhist temple within the city, Yuantong temple is very popular among tourists and pilgrimages
alike. Throngs swarm to the temple all year round. Especially on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month,
people gather here to take part in all kinds of Buddhist services. There is also a good vegetarian
restaurant on the premises serving lunch and dinner.