Xishuangbanna General Buddhist Temple (Wat Pa Jay)

总佛寺（洼巴洁）

The highest-ranking Southern Buddhist temple in Xishuangbanna, known in Dai as Wa Ba Jie, with a golden-roofed main hall and a monastic college. It is the ideal first stop for understanding Dai faith.

The General Buddhist Temple lies beside Manting Park. Known in Dai as Wa Ba Jie, it is said to have been founded in 615 CE. It is the highest-ranking Theravada Buddhist temple in Xishuangbanna. Historically it was where the Dai royal family worshipped, and it serves as the administrative headquarters for all Buddhist temples in the prefecture. The Xishuangbanna branch of the Yunnan Buddhist Academy is based here.

The temple was rebuilt in 1989–1990 and expanded in 2012. Its main buildings include the main hall, a three-tiered hall with a golden roof and overlapping eaves that houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, with murals depicting the Jataka tales; the Buddhist academy; monks' quarters; and bell and drum towers. The layered gold and red roofs are typical of Dai and Thai architecture.

Each morning you can see young novices (Dai boys often become novices for a period) attending class or chanting sutras. Large ceremonies and merit-making events take place during the Buddhist Lent entry festival (July), the exit festival (October) and the Dai New Year. Admission is free. A visit takes 45 minutes to an hour and is usually combined with Manting Park, which is adjacent and can be entered directly from the park. A taxi from the city centre takes 10–15 minutes.

Tips: Remove your shoes before entering the main hall. Dress modestly, with knee-length clothing and covered shoulders; wraps are provided. Don't point at Buddha statues or touch monks, and women should avoid physical contact with monks. Ask permission before photographing during ceremonies. Nearby smaller temples, such as Mandou Buddhist Temple, are within walking distance.

Xishuangbanna General Buddhist Temple (Wat Pa Jay)

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