Qiongzhu Temple, Buddhist temple in Yu'an Mountains, Kunming, China
Qiongzhu Temple sits on Yu'an Mountain and features a traditional layout with three courtyards and structures arranged from west to east across the site. The complex displays carefully crafted architectural elements and artistic details throughout its interconnected spaces.
This temple traces its roots to the Tang Dynasty, though fires over the centuries led to multiple reconstructions of the site. The structures you see today originated mainly during the Ming and Qing periods.
The temple houses roughly 500 clay Arhat sculptures that display distinct facial expressions and varied body positions reflecting Buddhist teachings. These figures represent different spiritual practitioners and their individual journeys on the path to enlightenment.
The temple sits about 7 kilometers from downtown Kunming and is easily accessible by public bus from the city center. Wear comfortable shoes since exploring the different levels and courtyards involves walking across the sloped grounds.
Each Arhat sculpture stands roughly one meter tall and depicts monks in unconventional poses, some reaching for the moon or crossing oceans. This creative approach gives the figures a lively and imaginative quality that you seldom encounter in other temples.
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