Introdution
Yuantong Temple is the most famous Buddhist temple in Kunming, Yunnan province, China. Yuantong Temple is located in a protected natural depression and in recent years Yuantong Temple has been expanded with funding from Thailand.
In the 1950s, Yuantong Temple hosted a grand ceremony to greet and send on the sacred teeth of the Buddha and so it became important in Southeast Asia.
History & Background
Yuantong Temple was first built in the late 8th and early 9th century, the time of the Nanzhao Kingdom in the Tang dynasty. After two major restorations and expansion in the Chenghua period (1465-1487) of the Ming dynasty and in 1686 during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor in the Qing dynasty, the temple took on its present design, with covered corridors, bridges and grand halls.
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.
Information
Best Time to Visit: All Year
Recommended Time for a Visit: 1 Hour
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30 (On the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month, the opening time is 5:30-17:30)
Admission Fee: CNY 6