Huating Temple, National Key Buddhist Temple in Xishan District, China
Huating Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary in Kunming's western mountains with multiple large halls built following traditional Chinese construction methods. The Hall of the Four Heavenly Kings and the Mahavira Hall form the complex's centers, with the latter housing an impressive collection of statues.
The temple was founded in 1320 and received its current name through imperial appointment in 1441 during the Ming period. These two events mark important phases in the site's development as a significant religious location.
The name reflects the temple's location high in Kunming's western mountains. Visitors encounter religious statues and artwork throughout the grounds that shaped daily practice for monks and pilgrims across generations.
The temple sits on a mountain slope near Kunming and is reachable by local transport. Wear comfortable shoes since some paths are steep and shade is limited throughout the grounds.
The founder brought back a large collection of Buddhist scripture texts after visiting regions south of Shanghai. These texts shape religious teaching and study at the site to this day.
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