Golden Temple

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Golden Temple

ChinaChinaKunming

Maximum number of tourists: 20
Price per tour: 70 USD
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Tour by: timmy tao (Date: 18.10.2012)

Tour description

On Mingfeng Mountain about 7 kilometers northeast of Kunming sits the Golden Temple (Jindian). Originally built using bronze in 1602 by Emperor Wanli, in honor of the Taoist god Zishi it was moved in 1637 to Jizu Mountain in western Yunnan. An exact replica was built in 1671 by the governor of Yunnan, Wu Sangui. Rebuilt again in 1890 because of damage, it stands 25 feet high, 21 feet wide and weighs over 250 tons, making the temple the largest bronze structure in China.

Nearly the entire decoration of the temple's interior - walls, columns, statues etc. is made of copper and the shine is what gives the temple its name.

To reach the temple you must walk up the mountain via a stone staircase through the three "Heavenly Gates" which are beautifully decorated with paintings and carvings. Walking through the Lingxing Gate you come to the Golden Temple.

Inside, the centerpiece is a copper statue of the Emperor Zhenwu, a Taoist deity, at the altar with two children by his side. Also here, is a huge, 20 kilogram, double edged sword with the big dipper constellation carved on it, which is said to belong to Zhenwu who uses it to guard Mingfeng Mountain.

Other popular attractions of the temple are the three story bell tower built in1984 that houses a 580 year old, 14 ton copper bell and the 600 year old Camellia tree the blossoms beautifully each February. The forested area of Mingfeng Mountain and its surroundings are protected and a well known beauty spot that attracts many visitors.

golden temple

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