Kunming's Forbidden City

A 600-Year-Old Royal Zen Temple Kunming Baohua Temple, a hidden Forbidden City in Kunming Kunming Baohua Temple is a pure land of Buddhism, steeped in the passage of time. Its red walls and yellow tiles tell ancient stories, while its flying eaves and dougong brackets bear the weight of history. Here, time seems to stand still, and the soul finds solace. Stepping into Baohua Temple is like walking into an ancient painting. The sound of Buddhist chants fills the air, and the scent of incense lingers. Every brick and stone embodies the power of faith. In this tranquil corner, one can find inner peace and harmony. 1. Historical Origins: ● Baohua Temple is located in Liujia Village, Liujia Township, Guandu District, Kunming City. It is said to have been built by Master Jinglun, a disciple of the 23rd patriarch of the Linji School of the Ming Dynasty, Master Guting. The temple has a history of nearly 600 years. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, such as being rebuilt in the sixth year of the Shunzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, destroyed by an earthquake in the third year of the Yongzheng period and rebuilt again, destroyed by war during the Tongzhi period, and rebuilt again in the ninth year of the Guangxu period. 2. Architectural Features: Grand Scale: After years of restoration and reconstruction, Baohua Temple is grand in scale and rich in architectural features, making it a classic example of contemporary temple construction in Yunnan. Unique Style: The temple's red walls, yellow tiles, flying eaves, wooden carved doors and windows, stone railings, and stone steps resemble the architectural style of the Forbidden City in Beijing, earning it the nickname "Kunming's Forbidden City." Main Buildings: The temple includes the Mountain Gate Hall, Guanyin Hall, Jiyin Hall, Dizang Hall, Duobao Hall, Mahavira Hall, Sutra Pavilion, as well as Pufa Hall, Shanfa Hall, Miaofa Hall, and Guest Hall. The Xumi Lecture Hall was completed before the Mahavira Hall and can accommodate 5,000 people for lectures and Buddhist chanting. 3. Religious Significance: Baohua Temple is the location of the Guandu District Buddhist Association and a key Buddhist temple in Kunming City. It is complete with the Three Jewels and a pure monastic community, with over 50 monks and thousands of lay practitioners who protect the Dharma year-round. 4. Cultural Activities: ● Historically, Baohua Temple was an important venue for Buddhist and folk cultural activities during the Lunar New Year in Guandu District, Kunming. Today, Baohua Temple continues to host traditional Buddhist cultural activities, such as Laba Festival porridge distribution and Buddha Bathing celebrations. Address: No. 4, Yangjiatou Village, Liujia Street, Guandu District, Kunming City. Opening Hours: 8:00–18:00 ● Admission: Free ● Transportation: For self-driving, navigate to the temple, which has a free parking lot. For public transportation, take Metro Line 1 to Fude Station, then take Bus 32 or 260 to Xiaokang Road (Fubao Road) Station, and walk 700 meters to the temple. Overnight, a palace and a building, with snow falling, Baohua Temple becomes the Forbidden City...