Religious Sites in Yunnan, China 2023

Most reviewed Religious Sites in Yunnan

4.5 Sumtsaling Monastery (684 reviews)
- A must see in Shangri-la
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Religious Sites

The biggest monastery in Shangri-La. See more..
4.5 Yuantong Temple (254 reviews)
- Nice and peaceful scenery
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

A 1200 years old temple. Unlike most temples in China, which are built on the ascendant, visitors enter the temple from above and descend along a sloping path, downhill along the central axis, In the mid-way, the "Yuantong Wonderful Realm (圓通勝景坊)" is a majestic archway built by General Wu Sangui (吳三桂) in 1669. Don't miss the exquisite stone carving on the pillars At the center of the temple area, there is a fish pool with the Octagon Pavilion in the middle. Pavilion, three-holes stone bridges, and the green pool creates a beautiful scene. There are numerous scenic spots in the temple. However, I have a special preference on the roof of the side chambers. The wave-like roof edges (due to old age), the reflections, and the green water add radiance and beauty to each other. Amazing! See more..
4.0 Wangu Pavilion (87 reviews)
- Great views of Lijiang
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Lookouts • Religious Sites

Fantastic views of Lijiang and the mountains surrounding the area. The Tower is also a temple and offers further views. Go there in the early hours of the morning to avoid crowds. See more..
4.0 Jianshui Confucius Temple (79 reviews)
- Another peaceful afternoon in JianShui
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

At the main entrance there is a huge lake and at the end of the lake is the temple. My friends tell me that it used to be a school and there are still reminantes of the tokens boards that the sturdents used to show that they were in attendance. Out the back there is like a mini activities area for kids to do different things (cost involved). That band was good, we could hear them tuning up and sat and listened to them for a while. At the end you are invited into the temple to pray and donate. See more..
4.0 Bamboo Temple (Qióngzhú Sì) (48 reviews)
- Quiet and impressive
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Religious Sites

We headed to the temple late in the day (arriving at 4.15 pm, 45 mins before closing). The temple appeared to be free to enter - it had a sign saying Free Admittance. There was a service starting as we arrived, so we strolled around to the sound of gongs and chanting and singing which was really beautiful. The rooms with the amazing human sculptures were both locked, we waited around for a while and eventually asked a volunteer security guard with a red arm band whether he could unlock it (entirely by mime). He happily obliged and we had the rooms all to ourselves for half an hour. It really is amazingly interesting and entertaining to look at! In terms of transport there is a public bus that goes to right outside the temple. The C61. It costs 8 Yuan per person and terminates at Dianmian Road. If you flag it down outside the temple it will stop and pick you up! See more..
3.5 Dongsi Pagoda (40 reviews)
- Check out if in the Area
Religious Sites

Not a very special pagoda and they have a very small park around it. It is a little out of the way and not near much. We went here because it was close to our hostel and it was not too spectacular. There is a smaller pagoda at the other end of the road and a temple as well. See more..
4.5 Yufeng Temple of Lijiang (39 reviews)
- Peaceful garden and Buddhist site
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

This lamesary built in the Qing Dynasty has a 500 year old Camelia Tree which we did not see in full bloom but none the less quite a tree that was saved during the Cultural Revolution by a monk as he told them to chop himself down with a sword instead of the tree. There is a monument now to the monk. See more..
4.5 Dali Erhai Tianjing Temple (37 reviews)
- For views only
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

This is authentic but not really in operation. China is officially atheist so don't expect to see the real McCoy. There are still Buddhist monks but not all temples are being used for worship. See more..
4.0 Buddhist temple (30 reviews)
- The most beautiful buddhist temple I ever seen in China
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

Actually this is not a traditional Chinese buddhist temple, because the style is Thai. It was rebuilt and restored one year ago, therefore now is in a perfect shape. It is really gorgeous! And after seeing Manting Park, you totally don't expect to see such a building in a corner of the park. I was marveled by this structure and its beauty. Gold everywhere and full of statues and color. If access the ground floor, you will also be able to see a buddha built by bamboo. If you are curious about the history and other aspects of this temple, feel free to ask some buddhist monk. They are very nice and for sure some of them speak a very good English! See more..
4.5 Shangri-La Zhongxin Town Church (29 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM Religious Sites

We were warned off visiting Shangri La because there is 'not much left to see'. Quite the opposite. It's a fascinating city and this town church site is very charming. See more..
4.0 Little Putuo Island (28 reviews)
- Temple Island
Islands • Religious Sites

The small temple is nice, and right-sized for the island of Dali Little Putuo. No photo-taking is allowed within the temple. See more..
4.5 Dongzhulin Temple (27 reviews)
- Peaceful Temple
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Observation Decks & Towers • Religious Sites

I stopped at this place on my way from to Deqin, local driver suggested us to visit the temple. It was a very peaceful place and I enjoyed my time there. Inside there are Tibetan Buddhism statues. See more..
4.0 Xingjiao Temple, Shaxi (21 reviews)
- Bai/Ming historical architecture
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites

If you have any interest in historical architecture, this building is fascinating. It's on the ist of Chinese cultural relics protection. It is situated on the Tea and Horse Caravan Trail and is in the style of both the Ming and the Bai minority culture. There are a few stairs to enter the temple. The entrance fee is small. See more..
4.5 Puji Temple, Lijiang (21 reviews)
- Puji Temple
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

Impressive temple and pagoda, but far too many vendors selling the usual trinkets and useless souvenirs. See more..
4.0 Yufeng Temple (18 reviews)
- Temple + 500 year old Camellia
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

The temple is one of the well known lamaseries among five in Lijiang. The highlight of Yufeng temple is a 500 year old Camellia in the Northern courtyard. This tree has an intricate pattern of twisted stems, and shows thousands of flowers. Tree lovers will also appreciate a rare species of a Yunnan Michaela Figo, that has a less respectable age of only 200 years. See more..
4.5 Shizhongshan Grottoes (16 reviews)
- An untouched wonder
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Caverns & Caves • Religious Sites

This is possibly the most peaceful and secluded of all the holy spots in China, and you can experience it without hordes of tourists. I only wish I could have spent more time hiking around to the various grottoes and temples. See more..
4.5 Huating Temple (12 reviews)
- Next to Taihua Temple
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Huating is bigger than Taihua and rebuild, but very nice too. It is just 30 minutes by food fron Taihua. Both temples have very nice garden See more..
4.5 Weibaoshan Taoistes (10 reviews)
- On respire et on y va
Spent More than 3 hours Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

Superbe ballade dans la montagne pour découvrir une multitude temples bouddhistes et taoïstes. Un peu physique tout de même car il y a beaucoup de marches à monter mais cela vaut largement la peine. Prenez votre temps See more..
4.0 Mengle Dafo Temple (10 reviews)
- It will be even more impressive when it is completed
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

On the edge of the conurbation is a new temple complex. Take the electric car to the summit. Here you can view the outside of a brand new, super shiny temple. The view is from a distance for now as this place won't be completed until later this year. Still impressive though. Also at the summit is a viewing platform made of glass. Slippers on and you can walk on over it to snap some pix of the view downhill towards a big golden Buddha. The car takes you down to the Buddha so you can take more pix. Then one more trip to see the working heart of the temple before driving to the base for the water splashing demo and the peacock show. A great afternoon out. See more..
4.5 Jizu Mountain (9 reviews)
- Possibility to hike all the way up and to sleep on top to watch sunrise and sunset
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites

I visited Jizu Mountain (鸡足山) in mid January. I hiked all the way up and slept in a small hostel on top of the mountain to watch the sunset and sunrise. How to get there from Dali Ancient town: -take bus 8 to Dali new town (大理市）until the last stop which is the train station (around 1h, 3rmb) -across the street is Dali Eastern bus station (大理东站). From there you can take a shuttle bus to Jizushan (around 2h, 32rmb) How to get to the top of Jizushan: The bus to Jizushan will make a stop at the entrance and you will have to get off the bus to buy tickets (70rmb). Then you can either start hiking from the entrance, or get back in the bus which will take you halfway to the top, where you will be able to either hike up the last stairs for around 2h or take the cable car. If you start hiking from the entrance make sure to take a picture of the map located at the entrance which has both pinyin and characters names, because sometimes the signs on the trails only show the characters. However the trails are well indicated and it is nearly impossible to get lost, just follow Jinding Temple (金顶寺) It took me 4 hours to hike all the way up from the entrance, and I visited 2 temples on the way. Climbing stairs for 4 hours was a little bit boring but the views at the top made it all worth it. On top just below Jinding temple are a hotel and 3 small hostels. I got a double room for 80rmb in one of the hostels (very simple, no bathroom, but a more than appreciated electric blanket). The views on top of the mountain are simply unique and I highly recommend the experience of sleeping there, for those who want to enjoy both an amazing sunrise and sunset. On the next day, after watching the sunrise I went down the stairs until the bus station (located halfway to the top) where I took a shuttle bus directly to Dali new town for 32rmb. See more..
5.0 Bodhidharma Cave (7 reviews)
- Secret Holly mountain
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Caverns & Caves • Religious Sites

This Bodhidharma Cave is located at the Top hill of Tacheng Secret Holly mountain.Which local people from village say that every year of the Monkey here lots of people comes from different part of Deqin region to visit this Secret Holly mountain.Even for pilgrims.When you get to this place you can feel very quite.Around the Secret Holly mountain you can do hike for 1 hrs.And the Holly mountain is all cover and hangover by Tibetan prayer flags. See more..
4.5 Puti Temple (6 reviews)
- Awesome
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

Wow what a great view... And it was a lovely walk all the way to the top to see this temple. I didn't expect to see anything so breath taking, I would rank this place above a lot of the temple visited in Myanmar and Thailand. See more..
4.0 Liwubi Temple (6 reviews)
- Tibetan Buddhist Temple
Religious Sites

Took a traditional boat from Luoshui Jetty. The weather was good and the journey quite scenic. The crossing to the island on which the temple is situated takes about 30 minutes to reach. As you have already guessed lots of steep steps to reach the top. Firstly you will come across three stupas at the top of the first staircase and a temple complex at the top of the second longer winding staircase. Images of Buddha are in the main temple hall and photography is not allowed inside. Rest a while to get your breath back and the ascend the long marble staircase. You will reach the top temple, much lighter than the lower and with four attractive tangad’s on display. Plenty of Tibetan monastic prayer wheels everywhere. Great views from the top towards Luoshui. Although a temple was on this island from 1634, the present temple dates from 1999. The temple is small but quite famous in the region. Not suitable if you are disabled or unable to climb approximately 200+ steps, and another 200 down again. Makes for a nice half day adventure. See more..
4.0 Wuyun Temple (4 reviews)
- Tranquil temple
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM Religious Sites

A small temple within a clean compound. There is a large buddha statue. There was no crowds and it is quite tranquil. No entry fee. See more..
5.0 Laomudeng Christian Church (4 reviews)
- 在姥姆登基督教堂里聆听天籁之音
Closed now - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

在姥姆登基督教堂聆听天籁之音！神奇啊，普通村民，各自坐在自己声调区域的座位上，男女高、男女低，各自唱自己的声部，四个声部唱得和谐、完美！台上的指挥只打一个节拍，并未分别指挥四个声部，甚至都没用眼神看一眼不同的声部～教堂中前面的三分之二是村民基督教徒，后面三分之一是游客。小杆子非常乖，全程一声不吭，安静听唱。在姥姆登村过了中秋。中秋之夜，吃到的晚餐是客栈的土菜、尝到的月饼是自己带的流心和五仁，见到的月亮是山顶上巨大的中秋月。
在姥姆登基督教堂聆听天籁之音！神奇啊，普通村民，各自坐在自己声调区域的座位上，男女高、男女低，各自唱自己的声部，四个声部唱得和谐、完美！台上的指挥只打一个节拍，并未分别指挥四个声部，甚至都没用眼神看一眼不同的声部～教堂中前面的三分之二是村民基督教徒，后面三分之一是游客。小杆子非常乖，全程一声不吭，安静听唱。在姥姆登村过了中秋。中秋之夜，吃到的晚餐是客栈的土菜、尝到的月饼是自己带的流心和五仁，见到的月亮是山顶上巨大的中秋月。 See more..
5.0 Gantong Temple (4 reviews)
- Best starting point to explore the mountain.
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Explore every trail for a slow climb up the mountain from here. This is one of the best things to do in Dali. I won't say too much. See more..
4.0 Manfeilong Pagoda (3 reviews)
- Very old, but not very big pagoda
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

This pagoda as such is not very interesting for non-buddhist who has seen religious sites before. It is very old (800 years or so). The avtual color of this white pagoda is more gray, and it was a lot smaller than I expected based on some photos I had seen. Anyway we had great time in the village of Manfeilong (village of flying dragon), where our kids enjoyed making some pottery in a traditional way. See more..
3.5 Zhiyun Temple (3 reviews)
- Beau temple
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites

Un très beau temple dans un vaste espace auquel on accède par de nombreuses marches, on peut admirer les statues des dalaï lama et déambuler dans l'enceinte.
Les moines sont accueillants. See more..
3.5 Yunyan Stupa (2 reviews)
- Only worth visiting if you're already close by
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites

Yunyyan Stupa is not a particuarly interesting place. While the stupa itself is beautiful on a blue sky day, I would not take time to come and visit unless I was already in the area for other reasons. It is set in a wooded park, which is unfortuantly not well maintained, with a lot of rubbish scattered around when I visitied in November 2015. But it does offer some pleasent views over Yingjiang Town and surrounding mountains, which may be of interest, but are again nothing spectacular. The stupa is also a 15 minute walk from Leyuan Temple, which is to the south. It is a small temple, but when combined with a visit to Yunyan Stupa, may make the outing more worth it. See more..
4.5 Shadian Grand Masjid (2 reviews)
- Lovely experience
Religious Sites

It was just like being in saudi Arabia or other Islamic country. It was a great visit. We drove from kunming to here and read our Friday prayer and stayed a night. The locals saw us as travellers and paid for our food and showed us around. I loved the character of the locals and the atmosphere. You will get checked often by police and security department officials as there are no forigeners here. Nice shops and hotels around. A must visit place See more..
4.5 Guangyunmian Temple (2 reviews)
- 清静
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

名气很大，不收门票，早上去的是有一个小沙弥为大家做介绍，如果光看根本不了解他的意义在哪里，二十分钟就能全部看完，希望能有宣传资料推介它 See more..
5.0 Puhua Temple (2 reviews)
- 田野，寺廟，人家，簡單質樸的美景
Religious Sites

離鎮上大概五公里路，不少人選擇早晨步行前往，普華寺裏面有兩個大殿，一個是新修的，即將竣工，另外一個就是現用的舊大殿，比較小的寺廟，周邊種了很多的格桑花，很美~雲霧又在這山穀裡轉，神秘而美麗！村莊前還有一大片的稻田，在秋收的季節，很美！ See more..
4.5 Zhamei Temple (2 reviews)
- One of a Kind
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites

Our tour guide, sophia from Keith Lyons Tour Service, took us to many local sites not often seen by touists. One of these was the beautiful Zhiyun Temple. As we approached the drive up to the temple, there was a beautiful, painted entrance way depicting the year of the lamb. Very unusual columns lined the road up to the monastary. Prayers written by the monks on different colored flags hung from many of the trees before you entered the temple. We learned so much about the life of the monk and were surprised to see young boys around 7 /8 years old running around. It is well worth your time to visit. See more..
4.0 Longhua Temple, Yanan (1 review)
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites
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5.0 Jingfo Temple, Mengding (1 review)
- 孟定洞井缅寺
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites

孟定是个目前尚未开发的旅游圣地，是云南省傣族居住的三大坝子之一。在这里你能感受到淳朴的民风，优美亚热带雨林，深厚的傣族文化。尤其是一年一度的泼水节热闹非凡，盛况空前。 See more..
5.0 Jinding Temple (1 review)
- “中华第一门”
Religious Sites

华首门在鸡足山不但因为独特的奇、险而闻名内外，还因为相传它是释迦牟尼十大弟子之一的迦叶守衣入定即打坐参禅的地方，被佛教称为“中华第一门”。
如果到了华首门，倚于石门，贴耳静听，石门内有鼓乐经声飘入耳际，表示你的这次朝山之旅因缘很好。如果你这一次听不到鼓乐经声，那么，机会有的是，你下次朝拜华首门，礼叩饮光佛、大势至菩萨，你的虔诚之心，一定会感动菩萨的。那时，你的心愿就达到了。 See more..
4.0 Wofo Temple, Baoshan (1 review)
- Was the Buddha Jade?
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

Expecting to see the Biggest Jade Buddha in China, I was slightly underwhelmed to not find any form of Jade in the cave. But the architecture proved interesting and entertaining for about 30 min. See more..
4.0 Zhoucheng Confucian Temple and Wu Temple (1 review)
- My first Confucius temple
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Religious Sites

This was the first time we visited a Confucius Temple. They are harder to find and specially so well restored. It is not so far from the old town of Dali en the entrance is free for the park. Completely different on the inside; Outside the difference with an other temple is hard to see. In the evening the lighting is very nice. Get on time while it closes at sundown. See more..
5.0 Yanquan Temple (1 review)
- 岩泉寺一游
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites
今年是我未婚夫的本命年，一直都很不顺，我们今年来宜良工作，听说岩泉寺挺好，庙宇多，香火旺，我们以前都不太相信神、佛之说，但同事都说在里面许愿，上香什么的挺灵，我俩就去了。正好是农历的十五，上香的人很多，门口是一个笑呵呵的弥勒佛，进入大厅，里面挺环境很好，一共有十多个庙宇吧，观音庙、关公庙、玉皇殿.......我未婚夫还在观音庙求了一签，感觉挺灵。有各地的游客在这里立了功德碑，到我们出来，还来了三个旅游团。总体上，我对岩泉寺一行，非常满意。 See more..
3.0 Kunming Wanfu Temple (1 review)
- 云南印象
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites
这个题目好象有些大,老谋子是不是导演了个同名的戏?这只是我个人此次云南之行的印象罢了.
其实这次云南之行经历了一波三折,LD的学校在5月就说要组织出去旅游(负责飞机票),一直到放假还没定下来,直到临行前一周,才突然通知说去.这时的费用要比之前贵了1000多元,为了俺们家领导,去!
于是坐了夜里的飞机,到昆明已经夜里2:30了,草草洗漱,在此不表.第一天的行程就算结束.(参加旅行团就是这样)天刚亮,就迫不及待的起来,想看看昆明的街景,下了小雨,对于刚从闷热的北京来的人说还算舒服,第一个印象就是整个城市比较落后,没有规划似的,楼房也都是些旧楼.来之前已经查了书,昆明的小吃不少,同时也想看看人家早上的早饭吃什么,就和LD上了街,记得有米线\饵块,就找了家人比较多的小店坐下,也许是不正宗,吃起来味道不太好,剩了许多.接到LD同事的电话,匆匆回了宾馆,准备第二天的行程. See more..
2.0 Haiyuju Temple (1 review)
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

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4.0 Wenfeng Temple (1 review)
- Wenfeng temple
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Religious Sites
We had a lovely visit to this temple in May 2014. I would highly recommend a visit if you enjoy hiking though a mountain forest. See more..
Mosque Temple, Zhaotong (0 review)
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites
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Guanyin Cabinet (0 review)
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Religious Sites
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Huafo Hill (0 review)
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Mountains • Religious Sites
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Defeng Temple (0 review)
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
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Shidong Temple (0 review)
Religious Sites
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Heilongtan Temple (0 review)
Religious Sites
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Wuchi Road (0 review)
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
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Yuanming Temple (0 review)
Thursday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites
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Most reviewed Religious Sites in Yunnan

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