Tongwadian, Buddhist temple in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, China

Tongwadian is a Buddhist temple complex that includes multiple halls arranged around courtyards, along with a bell tower, drum tower, and a thirteen-story pagoda standing 42 meters (138 feet) tall. These structures are organized in the traditional manner of Chinese monastic compounds, creating distinct spaces for different religious functions.

The temple was originally built in the Zhengtong period (1436–1449) of the Ming dynasty. During the Cultural Revolution, it was completely destroyed, with only the main hall and the Śūraṅgama Pagoda surviving. It was inscribed to the National Key Buddhist Temple in Han Chinese Area List in 1983, and a modern restoration of the entire complex was carried out in 2000 under the leadership of Shi Weisheng.

The name reflects Buddhist teachings, and the architecture follows traditional Chinese wooden construction methods. Walking through the grounds today, you see how these designs shape the experience of worship and daily practice.

Visit during daylight hours to see the architectural details and the layout of the various buildings clearly. The grounds are accessible for walking, allowing you to explore how the different structures relate to each other.

The Śūraṅgama Pagoda, a 13-storey, 42-metre tower built in 1641, was the specific structure used as a navigation mark by pilots flying the Hump during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It survived the Cultural Revolution when most of the temple was destroyed.