The origin of the Dali Bai Carnival, a place that embodies the faith of a people.

Hidden deep in Qingdong Village, Xizhou, at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, the Shendu Benzhu Temple is the most Bai-style and niche check-in place in Dali! It is not only a beautiful and quiet ancient village, but also one of the core starting points of the famous Bai festival "Rao San Ling", full of mysterious and ancient cultural atmosphere. ✨Must-see highlights 1. Bai-style courtyard architecture The Shendu Benzhu Temple is built side by side with Shengyuan Temple, and the temple architecture combines the style of traditional Bai dwellings, simple and plain. Especially the caisson carvings on the gatehouse of the Shendu Temple, the blue and white floral patterns of birds and animals are exquisite and charming, and the paintings of the door gods on the gate are vivid and lifelike. 2. The legend of the "Five Hundred Gods" Benzhu God The main hall is dedicated to the Benzhu God "Five Hundred Gods", namely Duan Zongbang, a meritorious minister of the Nanzhao Kingdom and a royal family of the Dali Kingdom. He was ordered to go on an expedition to Burma, repelled the invasion of the Lion Kingdom, and was revered by the people as the Benzhu God who commanded 71 villages, and is the guardian god in the hearts of the Bai people. 3. Bai culture experience The temple is full of unique Bai folk activities: from the Bai old lady knocking on wooden fish and chanting scriptures, to the Bai women cooking sacrificial food on the ground stove in the corridor, a living picture of Bai culture unfolds. 4. The origin of Rao San Ling Every year from April 23 to 25 of the lunar calendar, the grandest Bai festival in Dali, "Rao San Ling", is held here, with hundreds of villages lining up in costumes. Even if you miss the festival, you can still feel the excitement and mystery of Shendu. Tips Best time to visit: Morning is preferred, as the Benzhu Temple in Dali is usually open in the morning and only open in the afternoon when there are events. The soft light in the morning or evening is suitable for photographing the temple. If you encounter a festival, be sure to experience it in person! Countryside cycling: Qingdong Village → Erhai Ecological Corridor → Corridor Bridge by Erhai Lake → Xizhou Ancient Town Address & Transportation Shendu Benzhu Temple is located in the west of Qingdong Village, Xizhou Town, Dali, about 20 km from Dali Ancient Town. It is very convenient to drive, just navigate to "Shendu Benzhu Temple". If you take public transportation, you can go to Xizhou Town first and then transfer to Qingdong Village, the countryside scenery along the way is very healing.