Qiongzhu Temple
筇竹寺
An ancient temple in the Yu'an Mountains, where 500 colorful arhat sculptures strike a range of poses and exaggerated expressions. It is hailed as a pearl in the treasure house of Eastern sculpture.
Qiongzhu Temple is said to have been founded during the Nanzhao or Yuan period, and it was the first temple where Chan Buddhism entered Yunnan. Its most famous feature is the 500 arhats, sculpted during the Guangxu era of the Qing dynasty by Li Guangxiu, a sculptor from Sichuan, and his disciples. They are arranged along the walls of the Great Hall, the Fanyin Pavilion, and the Tiantai Laixuan Pavilion. Some wade through waves, some ride beasts, and some have long arms and long eyebrows, with realistic and vivid expressions. Admission is about 10 yuan. The temple lies in the Yu'an Mountains about 12 km northwest of downtown. Take a taxi or hire a car, and combine the trip with the Western Hills.
Opening hours
08:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Grand View Tower (Daguan Park)
- Former Site of National Southwestern Associated University
- Zhuanxin Farmers' Market
- Wenlin Street & Wenhua Lane
- Chuangku Art Zone (Loft Kunming)
- Yunnan University (Donglu Campus)
- Yunnan Military Academy
- Green Lake Park (Cuihu)