Puhua Monastery
普化寺
A Tibetan Buddhist monastery on the hillside west of Bingzhongluo Valley, a sign of Tibetan culture extending from northwest Yunnan into the Nu River Gorge, with a view over the whole valley.
Puhua Monastery lies on the hillside west of Bingzhongluo town. It is the main Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the northern Nu River Gorge. Founded in the Qing dynasty, it was once the religious centre for Tibetan and Nu believers around Gongshan; it was later rebuilt. The monastery is modest in size, with its prayer hall, stupas and prayer flags built into the mountainside. In front of it, you can look over Bingzhongluo Valley, the Nu River and the Biluo Snow Mountains opposite, making it an excellent spot for panoramic photos of the valley. Tibetan and Nu villagers living nearby often turn prayer wheels and burn offerings beside the temple. Entry is free, and donations are welcome. When entering the prayer hall, remove your hat, and walk clockwise around the stupas and prayer wheels. Do not photograph the Buddha statues or monks inside the hall without permission. Allow about 40 minutes. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top by taxi or on foot from the town. It can be visited on the same day as Chongding Church to experience the coexistence of multiple religions in Bingzhongluo.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Chongding Village & Sacred Heart Church
- Shimen Pass
- Bingzhongluo Valley
- Peach Blossom Island
- First Bend of the Nujiang River
- Wuli Village
- Qiunatong Village
- Dimaluo Village