Kunming Panlong Temple

History - Construction and Naming: Built in 1347 by Monk Lianfeng, originally named Wansong Temple. Later renamed Panlong Temple after Monk Chongzhao practiced here. - Historical Changes: In the early Ming Dynasty, Monk Zuyuan continued to expand the temple, building the Sutra Pavilion, Guanyin Hall, etc., giving Panlong Temple its initial scale. It reached its peak in the Ming Dynasty, with dozens of temples, 450 halls, and over 1,000 Buddha statues. Architectural Features and Scenery - Layout: The temple is built on a mountain, with over 20 courtyards, including the First, Second, and Third Heaven Gates, Yingxian Bridge, Sleeping Buddha Hall, Lüzu Hall, Patriarch Hall, and Mahavira Hall. It features pavilions, towers, ancient bells, and numerous steles. - Ancient Trees and Famous Flowers: It has Yuan Dynasty camellias, Ming Dynasty cinnabar magnolias, Ming Dynasty red plums, and Qing Dynasty silver osmanthus. There is also a "Camellia Hall" with two camellias said to be planted by Monk Lianfeng, over 600 years old. - Cultural Relics: Many poets and scholars left poems, paintings, couplets, plaques, and steles. The works of Emperor Yongli of the Ming Dynasty, Prince Liang of the Yuan Dynasty, Xu Xiake, Dandang, Qian Nanyuan, and Yuan Jiagu are especially precious. There are also over ten ancient stone inscriptions. Religious Culture - Religious Integration: Panlong Temple is a large temple integrating Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, worshiping gods from all three religions. - Temple Fair: The "Panlong Temple Fair" is held annually from the 17th day of the 7th lunar month to the 18th day of the 8th lunar month, featuring traditional activities like lanterns, opera, and dance. Travel Guide - Tickets and Opening Hours: Tickets are CNY 8, open from 8:00 to 17:00. - Transportation: From downtown Kunming, take a bus to Jinning District, then transfer to a local bus or charter a car. You can also drive along the Kunming-Jinning Expressway, follow the signs after reaching Jinning District, or take a bus to Jincheng Bus Station and then a taxi.