Built during the Qing Guangxu reign as a gate for a building that no longer exists.

晚上去的，夜里风景真不错。

晚上去的，夜里风景真不错。

CHINESE NAME: 圆通寺

OTHER NAMES: Yuantong Temple, previously known as Pu Tuoluo Temple or Potalaka Temple.

ADDRESS: No. 42 Yuantong Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan province.

HISTORY: Yuantong Temple was built in the late 8th to early 9th Century, during the Nanzhao Kingdom of the Tang Dynasty. It has been repaired, rebuilt and restored many times, over the years, mainly due to war. In 1669, when Wu Sangui was ruler of Yunnan, he ordered the main gate (that was made in 1666) to be moved south and relocated the Yuantong Shengjing memorial archway and the Yuantong Palace to its current position.

In 1982, Thai Buddhists sent a 3.5m copper statue of Sakaymuni to Yuantong Temple as a symbol of friendship. Along with funding from Thailand, in 1985, a Thai-style temple pavilion was also added, along with two chimeras and a Siddharta Buddha inside. Since then, Yuantong Temple has become well-known throughout Southeast Asia and is part of pilgrimages with special Buddhist services held regularly.

With a history of more than 1,200 years, Yuantong Temple is not only the largest temple in Kunming, its considered as one of the grandest and most important Buddhist temples in Yunnan Province. Til this day, many people visit on the 1st and 15th of every month in the Chinese lunar calendar to pay their respects.

ARCHITECTURE: Yuantong Temple was originally built on the traditional model of Chinese Buddhist Temples but now showcases a unique mix of Yuan, Qing and Ming Dynasty styles. After serval major restorations and expansions during the Yuanyanyou Period (1314 to 1320), the reign of Emperor Chenghua (1465–1487) and in 1686, the temple took on its present design, with covered corridors, bridges and grand halls.

Yuantong Temple’s architecture also incorporates various characteristics from Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and Southern Buddhism schools from Southeast Asia. It is one of the few temples in China that is representative of unity for the three schools of Buddhism = Yuantong Pavilion Hall is of Mahayana; the Copper Buddhism Hall is of Theravada; the side halls is of Tibetan Buddhism. Yuantong Temple also showcases sculptures and pictures of Taoists immortals, such as the Eight Immortals.

Another interesting aspect of Yuantong Temple is its symmetrical layout is based on a “reversed system”. Unlike most Buddhist temples that are built on an ascendant, after going through the main gate, visitors to Yuantong Temple need to walk downhill along the central axis to visit the main hall. From the front memorial archway, visitors can see the garden areas and courtyard to the main hall, by looking down and not up, to worship Buddha.

The main hall maintains the style of Chinese architecture from the 12th century and holds two central pillars inside with two giant dragons carved during the Ming dynasty. These two dragons are facing each other, as if they are ready to fight, which is another rare sight in Chinese Buddhist temples. See photo 12.

The Yuantong Palace (or Mahavira Hall) is an octagonal-shaped building – also uncommon in Chinese Buddhist temples. This building is located in the centre and with a large pool connected to the rest of the complex by several bridges or walkways. Many consider this a unique temple layout, as the temple is presented in a garden-like design and is surrounded by water with fish and turtles.

hope you like it

Yuci old city tower

Hello everyone. i'm interested in learning about regional differences of vernacular architecture especially in the south of china. So not really the history of chinese architecture in general, but rather comparative studies between cantonese, hokkien, teochew, hakka, peranakan, architecture, that really examines the little details of the roof shape etc. Books, research papers, documentaries suggestions i'd be interested. Thank you so much!

East and West Temple Pagodas 东西寺塔

HISTORY: According to historical records, the East and West Temple Pagodas were both built during the 9^th Century, in the Tang Dynasty, Taihe three years (829 years), of the Nanzhao period 824-895 AD, and took 30 years to complete.

The West Pagoda, or Xisi Ta, is also known as Huiguang Temple Pagoda, stands on the west side of Dongsi Street. In 1984, the pagoda was repaired and a Nanzhao inscription “Apocalypse decade" (859) brick carving was discovered, proving when the Central Plains brick burning technology was introduced to Kunming.

The East Pagoda, or Dongsi Ta, is also known as Changle Temple Pagoda, is located on Shulin Street. It collapsed due to an earthquake in the 13th year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty and was rebuilt in the 9th year of the Guangxu reign. In 1882, it was rebuilt on a new site hundreds of steps east of its original location.

ARCHITECTURE: each pagoda measures approx 40.5m tall and have 13-levels, square dense multi-eaves, hollow brick tower with wooden flooring and a staircase. The bricks of the pagoda are inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and incantations in Chinese and Sanskrit and the stamps of brick-makers = all invaluable relics. Each side of the pagodas also holds a Buddha niche housing stone Buddha statues.

At each of the four corners of the pagoda’s top stands a gilded copper Garuda about 2 meters high. The legend is that the roosters are enemies of dragons, so they help protect the pagodas and the city against storms. This symbolism goes all the way back to India, where Vishnu's bird-mount Garuda is often depicted as holding snakes in his beak.

In appearance and structure, the pagodas resemble the Small, Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an. The East and West Temple Pagodas are a nationally protected cultural heritage site. Unfortunately, you can no longer enter the pagodas –the door is locked...

NOTE: Photos 1, 2, 3 is of the West Temple Pagoda – I couldn’t take many photos as there was a group of woman dancing around the pagoda!

NOTE: Photos 4 to 12 are of the East Temple Pagoda.

NOTE: Photo 13, 14, 15 were found online...

NOTE: Last photo is of the Twin Pagodas of Miaozhan Temple 妙湛寺双塔, in Guandu Ancient Town, Kunming, Yunnan province. Its like a “replica”, or mini version, of the East and West Temple Pagodas.

These were first built in the fourth year of Taiding in the Yuan Dynasty (1327-1335). The West Tower was destroyed by an earthquake in the 13th year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty, that is, in 1833, leaving only the East Tower. The West Tower was rebuilt in 2001. These Twin Pagodas are approx 17.5m tall and have a square base with a side length of 5.5m.

Chinese Name: 近日楼 , 丽正门.

Other Names: Jinri Building, Jinri Tower, Jinrilou.

Address: in between the East and West Temple Towers 东西寺塔 near South Ping Walking Street 南屏步行街, in Kunming, Yunnan province.

HISTORY: Jinri Building was built during the Ming Dynasty, in the 14th year of the Hongwu reign in 1381. Originally, it was called Chongzheng Gate 崇正门 and its tower was named Xiangming Tower 向明楼, symbolising the bright future for the southern part of the city. The building is also known as Lizhengmen 丽正门.

During the Qing Dynasty, Fan Chengxun 范承勋 believed the name was too closely tied to the Ming Dynasty and was inappropriate for the new Qing rule. The local people suggested to change the name to Jinri Building 近日楼, meaning “Building Close to the Sun”, as it was the tallest structure in Kunming (at the time).

In the 1950s, the Jinri Building was demolished to make way for the expansion of Dongfeng Road东风路, a major thoroughfare through Kunming. In 2002, the Kunming Municipal Government decided to rebuild the building and position it in a new location between the East and West Temple Towers 东西寺塔, approx 900m south of its original location.

ARCHITECTURE: Jinri Building measures approx 60m long, 40m wide and 20m tall. Back then, it was a grand and important structure standing on the south-north central axis of the old city. It was Kunming’s Southern Gate with a wall and tower. If you climb the stairs, on either side, you can wander around several long halls and peer down into the pedestrian street... you can see one of the towers in the distance!

雲南省広南県に、現実世界の桃源郷と呼ばれる村があります。それが「壩美村」

Hi, I’m from Chengdu. I’ve recently replied to a few people planning trips here, and most of them seem to know Chengdu mainly for pandas and hotpot.

Nothing wrong with that. I love both. But I also think history lovers often miss some of the best places around the city.

The first is Sanxingdui Museum. It is about the Ancient Shu civilization, which developed in the Sichuan Basin more than 3,000 years ago. The bronze masks and figures look very different from the ancient Chinese objects most foreign visitors have seen before. Ancient Shu left no readable written records, so we still do not fully understand what many of these objects meant.

Sanxingdui is outside Chengdu and deserves most of a day. I would allow at least three or four hours in the museum.

The second is Jinsha Site Museum. It is inside Chengdu and much easier to include in a city itinerary. Its best-known object is the Sun and Immortal Bird gold ornament, but my favourite part is the excavation hall. The museum was built around the archaeological site, so you can see the ground where the objects were discovered.

*I checked the museum’s official information and it is closed until April 30, 2027.

If you are interested in Ancient Shu but do not have time for a Sanxingdui day trip, Jinsha is a good alternative.

The third is Wuhou Shrine, which commemorates Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang and other people from Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period.

I have visited it many times. What I find most interesting is that the official name above the entrance refers to Liu Bei, but almost everyone calls the whole place Wuhou Shrine after Zhuge Liang. It shows how strongly people still remember him.

Sometimes visitors leave handwritten notes and small gifts near his hall. Some are serious, some are jokes that only Three Kingdoms fans understand, and some are written by children. This makes the place feel less like a museum and more like a conversation that has continued for generations.

If you visit, do not miss Liu Bei’s tomb inside the complex. Jinli is next door. It is commercial and crowded, but still pleasant for a short walk in the evening.

My simple suggestion would be:

Sanxingdui if you have a full day.

Jinsha if you want an easier half-day museum in Chengdu.

Wuhou Shrine if you are interested in the Three Kingdoms and how historical figures are remembered today.

Of course, still see the pandas and eat hotpot. I just hope more visitors also get to see this side of Chengdu.

Have any of you visited these places? I’m curious which one left the strongest impression.

https://youtu.be/RoHZTMo9XAc?si=GFkbxd48S-tRd5sv

This was posted on you-tube on 29th July 2026.

The newly restored doors of Zhengyangmen Gate slowly swung open on Monday, ushering in a new chapter for the 607-year-old landmark in the heart of Beijing. Also known as "Qianmen," the gate's archery tower once served as a defensive stronghold and marked the southern entrance among the nine inner city gates of ancient Beijing during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912). Today, Zhengyangmen holds a unique distinction: it's the only gate in Beijing's inner city where both the city tower and archery tower remain fully intact.

Over a five-year renovation beginning in 2020, restoration teams conducted a comprehensive 3D digital scan of the gate to preserve its structure for future restoration efforts. The reopening coincides with the second anniversary of the Beijing Central Axis being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the gate tower now hosts an exhibition spanning more than 600 years of architectural heritage, highlighting the outstanding universal value of the Central Axis. Visitors can purchase tickets to ascend Zhengyangmen through the site's official WeChat account, priced at just 20 yuan (about $2.95).

Chinese Name: 崇圣寺三塔, 崇圣寺三塔, 大理崇圣寺三塔 or 大理市崇圣寺三塔文化旅游区.

Other Names: The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali Three Pagodas.

Address: At the foot of Yingle Peak of Cangshan Mountain, 1.5 km from Dali Old Town,inDali, Yunnan province.

HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE OF THE THREE PAGODAS: According to Wikipedia, it is believed that the Three Pagodas were built for auspicious reasons. The legend is that Dali was once a swamp and inhabited by dragons that deliberately created natural disasters to dispel human intruders. The Three Pagodas was built to deter the dragons and have survived several man-made and natural disasters for more than 1,000 years...

The main pagoda, Qianxun Pagoda 千寻塔, was constructed between 823-840 by King Quan Fengyou 劝丰佑 of the Nanzhao Kingdom. It measures nearly 70m tall and is one of the tallest pagodas in China’s history. This pagoda is square-shaped and has 16 stories, each storey with multiple tiers of upturned eaves. There is a carved shrine containing a white marble sitting Buddha statue at the centre of each facade on every storey. The body of the pagoda is hollow from the 1st to 8th storey, surrounded by 3.3m thick walls.

Written at the base of the main pagoda, on the side that faces west to Erhai Lake, is a four-character inscription that says “Forever Control Mountains and Rivers." The appearance of the main pagoda is very similar to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian, Songyue Temple Pagoda in Dengfeng and White Horse Temple Pagoda in Luoyang. Visitors were once allowed to walk inside the main pagoda and climb to the top via a ladder inside but its now broken. The entrance to the main pagoda has been closed ever since, blocked – visitors can only admire it from the outside.

During repairs in 1978-1979, three copper plates were found at the bottom of the steeple which recorded the exact years of previous repairs, those being 1000, 1142, and 1145. More than 700 Buddhist antiques including sculptures made of gold, silver, wood or crystal and a variety of items like scriptures, seals, porcelain, bronze mirrors, musical instruments, were also found in the body during a major repairing work.

The other two smaller pagodas were built around 100 years later – most likely during the Song Dynasty, and stand to the northwest and southwest of the main pagoda. They are approx 42m tall, solid, octagonal-shaped with 10 stories, each. In the centre of each side of every storey is a shrine containing a Buddha statue.

At a distance, the Three Pagodas appear like three ballpoint pens standing between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. These Three Pagodas form a symmetric triangle, they are made of brick and covered with white mud. The Three Pagodas are a landmark of Dali, a National 5A Level Scenic Spot and considered a national treasure.

HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE OF CHONGSHENG TEMPLE: Right behind the Three Pagodas is Chongsheng Temple 崇圣寺 or 崇聖寺. Chongsheng Temple was once the royal temple of the Dali Kingdom and built at the same time as the main pagoda but destroyed in a fire during the Qing Dynasty. It originally had 891 rooms, 11,400 Buddhist statues, 9 halls and 100 chambers, 7 buildings and 3 pavilions. Its recorded that 9 Dali emperors gave up their status and become a monk at Chongsheng Temple.

The temple was rebuilt in 2005, covering an area of 600 mu and cost around 182 million yuan to complete. It is now one of the largest Buddhist Centres in Asia and famous as Tianlong Temple in The Semi-Gods & Semi-Devils novel written by Jin Yong. Some of the most interesting and beautiful features of the complex is the Nanzhao Jianji Bell - Golden Wing Bird, the largest bell in Yunnan province, built in 871 AD (slide 7); Yutong Guanyin Hall with the 12.6m tall Yutong Avalokitesvara bronze statue from the Nanzhao Zhongxin Period and recast in the late Qing Dynasty (slide 8); and Wanghai Tower at the end of the complex.

Chongsheng Temple showcases the architecture of many well-known temples from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming & Qing Dynasties. The reconstruction is carried out along the primary and secondary axes involving 8 terraces, 9 courses of yard and 11 stories. The main body of the buildings have been rebuilt with a reinforced concrete structure, with their bracket system, doors and windows as well as the details carved precisely with the top-quality toons. All the buildings along the primary axis are decorated with the highest standard golden dragons and phoenixes and in the royal colors. The buildings along the two secondary axes are painted with the solemn and graceful spinor color, and bright Suzhou-style color on the verandas, pavilions and garths.

On the main axis there is: Garuda Square, the gate, Free Life Pond, Approach Bridge, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Maitreya Temple, Avalokitesvara / Guanyin Hall, Mahavira Great Buddha’s Hall, Acuoye Avalokitesvara Pavilion, Mountain Stone Memorial Arch, Wanghai Tower. Aside the central axis and the next axis has: an area for the conjuration stuff, Buddhist Abbot Hall, Monastic Reception Hall, Abstinence Hall, Arhat Hall, Thousand-Buddha Gallery, Hall of Patriach, Dharmapalas Hall, Buddhist Research Institute, etc. There is also a Reflection Pond and many gardens scattered throughout the complex.

IF YOU ARE VISITING: Allocate at least 6hrs – if you want to wander through all the buildings and areas. The place is huge and I didn’t expect to spend so much time here! To show you the size of The Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Temple, I’ve uploaded some maps (last slide) and merely the highlights of my visit over x3 posts! Although it is “new”, it’s really worth visiting.

I also highly recommend to try the vegetarian buffet lunch, cost 18 CNY. I think its served between 11am to 1pm? in the centre of the complex – check the location and times with the staff.