Cangshan - Jizhao Temple

苍山 - 寂照寺

Jizhao Temple of Gantong Mountain in Dali is located on the southern foot of Shengying Peak of Cangshan Mountain in Dali. The temple is shaded by lush green pines and ancient cypresses. Incense smoke curls around the temple and lingers in the forest. Surrounded by thousands of pines and cypresses, the environment is quiet and it is a pure land for Buddhism.

Attractions Location: Cangshan Scenic Area, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

Tickets: free

Opening hours:
08:00-17:30 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)

Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
4009001558

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Cangshan - Jizhao Temple tours

1-Day Itinerary

Brief intro: Visit the serene and historic Jizhao Temple nestled on Cangshan Mountain, combined with a short hike and views of Dali and Erhai Lake.

  • Morning: From Dali Ancient Town, take a taxi (~30 minutes) to the Jizhao Temple parking lot near Cangshan. Hike the short trail (about 30 minutes) up to the temple and explore the tranquil grounds.
  • Lunch: Return by taxi to Dali Ancient Town (~30 minutes). Have lunch at a local Bai restaurant offering specialties like “Crossing-the-bridge noodles” or mushroom hotpot.
  • Afternoon: Stroll around Dali Ancient Town, visiting Foreigner Street for shopping and cultural experiences.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town guesthouses or boutique hotels. Dinner options include Bai grilled fish and local dairy products.

Souvenirs: Buddhist prayer beads, temple charms, Bai embroidery, and local teas.


2-Day Itinerary

Brief intro: Combine the Jizhao Temple visit with the Three Pagodas and Butterfly Spring for a blend of spiritual and natural sites.

  • Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary focusing on Jizhao Temple and Dali Ancient Town.
  • Day 2 Morning: Taxi or bus (~30 minutes) to the Three Pagodas Scenic Area. Explore the pagodas and temple grounds for 2–3 hours.
  • Day 2 Afternoon: Visit Butterfly Spring (~15 minutes taxi from Three Pagodas), enjoy the floral scenery and clear pools. Return to Dali Ancient Town.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town or near Three Pagodas. Try Bai-style roasted pork and wild mushroom dishes.

Souvenirs: Pagoda crafts, flower teas, incense, and Buddhist artifacts.


3-Day Itinerary

Brief intro: Add Erhai Lake cycling and traditional Bai villages to experience local culture and stunning lakeside views.

  • Days 1–2: As above.
  • Day 3 Morning: Rent a bike or take a taxi (~15 minutes) to Erhai Lake. Cycle along the shore visiting Bai villages such as Xizhou and Zhoucheng.
  • Day 3 Afternoon: Explore Bai architecture, markets, and sample local dairy products.
  • Evening: Return to Dali Ancient Town and dine near Foreigner Street.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town or lakeside guesthouses. Try Bai yogurt, handmade noodles, and grilled lake fish.

Souvenirs: Bai embroidered clothing, dairy products, handwoven textiles, and local spices.


4-Day Itinerary

Brief intro: Include a day trip to Shaxi Ancient Town to explore historic Tea Horse Road heritage and crafts.

  • Days 1–3: As above.
  • Day 4 Morning: Taxi or bus (~1.5 hours) to Shaxi Ancient Town. Visit temples, old streets, and artisan workshops.
  • Day 4 Afternoon: Explore Sideng Market and local craft shops. Return to Dali in the evening.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town. Enjoy Shaxi specialties like roasted pork and steamed buns.

Souvenirs: Tea sets, wooden carvings, batik fabrics, and ancient map prints.


5-Day Itinerary

Brief intro: Add visits to Butterfly Spring and Chongsheng Temple for natural beauty and spiritual reflection.

  • Days 1–4: As above.
  • Day 5 Morning: Taxi or bus (~30 minutes) to Butterfly Spring Scenic Area. Walk amid the flower-filled springs and clear pools.
  • Day 5 Afternoon: Visit Chongsheng Temple and gardens, then return to Dali Ancient Town.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town. Sample flower teas, Bai hotpot, and fresh lake fish dishes.

Souvenirs: Flower teas, temple crafts, prayer beads, and herbal remedies.


6-Day Itinerary

Brief intro: Explore ethnic minority villages near Dali to experience authentic customs and handicrafts.

  • Days 1–5: As above.
  • Day 6 Morning: Hire a taxi or join a local tour (~1 hour) to visit Bai and Naxi villages. Participate in craft workshops and traditional performances.
  • Day 6 Afternoon: Enjoy local home-cooked meals and return to Dali.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town or villages. Try fresh ethnic dishes like potato cakes and smoked ham.

Souvenirs: Handwoven baskets, embroidered clothing, ethnic musical instruments, and spices.


7-Day Itinerary

Brief intro: A complete week combining nature, culture, wellness, and ethnic experiences centered around Jizhao Temple and Dali surroundings.

  • Days 1–6: As above.
  • Day 7 Morning: Leisurely revisit favorite spots such as Jizhao Temple, Erhai Lake, or Dali Ancient Town.
  • Day 7 Afternoon: Enjoy a farewell dinner with Bai-Tibetan fusion cuisine and live local music.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Dali Ancient Town or lakeside guesthouses. Dine on grilled yak, flower cakes, butter tea, and fresh lake fish.

Souvenirs: Ethnic jewelry, pottery, local teas, hand-painted fans, and musical instruments.


User Reviews

By No Violation Travel |

I often go there, and it's always crowded, but the succulents are truly beautiful. I went there with friends again, and we noticed that the main gate and the buildings on either side of Jizhao Temple are under renovation. If you're planning to go, be careful; the renovations will affect photography. The hike up the mountain from the Gantong Temple parking lot to Jizhao Temple is quite strenuous, but the vegetarian food at Jizhao Temple is truly exceptional. I could easily finish a full bowl of it (of course, no wasting is allowed, or you'd have to kneel for the entire length of an incense stick).

By Li Xiaoqi |

It's a very quiet and peaceful nunnery, with succulents everywhere, which was a pleasant surprise. There are also two cats. One seems to be sick and very afraid of people. The nunnery staff said they took it to the doctor. It was better a few days ago, but it seems to be getting worse today. The other cat was sleeping soundly when I arrived and allowed me to pet it. The vegetarian dinner was also very delicious. The most memorable thing was that I drew a lucky number 😄

By Twin Moms Xiaoqi |

I took my family to Jizhao Temple! Let me tell you about it for those who will be visiting soon! I live in Dali Old Town, and to make it in time for vegetarian dinner, I took a Didi taxi early in the morning, right after 9:00 AM. I have to mention that Didi taxis used to drive all the way to the Gantong Cableway parking lot. The walk to Jizhao Temple took about 20 minutes up a mountain road. Currently, the road to the parking lot is under construction, so taxis can only drive down the mountain and can't go back up. You have to walk to the parking lot and then walk up the mountain road! My parents and I wanted to walk up and refused to take an illegal taxi, but after about 100 meters, we couldn't. The dust was so thick, and the two-way traffic with cars and trucks was dangerous! In the end, we took an illegal taxi for 10 yuan per person! We drove all the way to the cableway parking lot! Once we got there, we were so glad we made the right choice! From there, we slowly walked to Jizhao Temple, saving some energy! The subsequent mountain walk, without steps, was also quite demanding! But the air up there was amazingly fresh! It was quite crowded at Jizhao Temple, so everyone took photos and rested, and bought meal cards for 20 yuan each! The line started lining up at 11:30 AM! The vegetarian food was very good, the succulents were beautiful, and there was a tea room where it was very quiet! It was worth the trip!

By Moon Fruit |

This is the first time I've seen such a beautiful temple! I'd heard it was small and beautiful, but seeing it in person was even more captivating, as I marveled at its exquisite elegance. Nestled on Ganying Mountain, its yellow walls and green tiles are shaded by towering ancient trees. Stepping into the temple, groups of succulents lined up to welcome guests from afar, adding a touch of charm. The vibrant flowers and succulents within the courtyard, seemingly randomly placed, yet each one conceals a subtle touch. I was delighted!

By Autumn |

[Jizhao Temple] is located in the quiet Cangshan Mountain, above [Gantong Temple]. It is surrounded by forests and ancient trees, and there is a gurgling stream flowing through the mountains. It is a good place for self-cultivation.

On the mountain road to Jizhao Temple, there were many local residents selling fruits, many of which we couldn’t name. Finally, we climbed to the Jizhao Temple we had been thinking about, and as soon as we climbed up, we were amazed by its gate.

The small [Ji Zhao Temple] is simply a "Succulent Kingdom"

Various varieties of succulent elves grow vigorously in this place full of sunshine and Zen.

The light around 10 o'clock is very good but not dazzling. There is a very soft feeling through the layers of green leaves. The colorful succulents have just been watered and have a crystal clear feeling in the sun, like beautiful gems.

In addition to succulents, there are also many beautiful flowers, which are hung in layers in front of the pavilion like curtains. There is a small tea table in the corner. I guess the owner of the temple often drinks tea and reads here.

What a luxurious enjoyment it is to be with the life of nature and with one's own soul.

The masters who guard the temples are very concerned about these flowers and plants. In their eyes, these green plants are small but they are also alive.

When we were excited to take pictures, they were always walking around us, afraid that our backpacks, posing hands, or our careless destruction of these lovely plants would be a problem. Sometimes we couldn't help but say a few more words to the tourists.

Although it's a little hard to hear, and there's a mix of dialects, you can still feel the old ladies' anxiety and distress. So everyone must be careful when taking pictures, otherwise you will get scolded.

At noon, we prepared to enjoy delicious vegetarian food at Jizhao Temple.

The guy at the B&B told us: "Eating vegetarian food at Jizhao Temple is definitely one of the best ways to start your trip to Dali."

I heard that the vegetarian food provided by Jizhao Temple is limited, so we bought the menu from the nun at 10 o'clock.

So I don't know if vegetarian food is limited.

But when you queue up for meals, you can see that there are still tourists who come specifically to eat vegetarian food.

When ordering vegetarian dishes, be sure to order only as much as you can eat. Don't try everything. If you think you might not like something, don't eat it. If you are caught pouring out the rice, you will end up cleaning the yard at Jizhao Temple.

By Ballrice |

Numerous orchids grew in front of the nunnery. A sign, inscribed with the precepts, stood amidst the orchids. One of the precepts, the "Flower and Plant Precept," was quite interesting. It essentially stated that one must not touch or break the flowers and plants inside or outside the nunnery. Doing so would constitute a violation, requiring one to kneel before the Buddha and burn a stick of incense as a token of repentance. With orchids planted everywhere outside the nunnery and succulents planted within, this precept, while somewhat hilariously frivolous, was also perfectly reasonable. It felt like the precepts a teacher might write for naughty children in elementary school.

Buddhism is inherently a place of tranquility, and the name Jizhao Temple evokes a sense of coolness and aloofness, like the cold, warmthless rays of sunlight. The name derives from the phrase "feeling and then understanding, silence and illumination."

The vegetarian food at Jizhao Temple is really delicious.

By Seven |

Jizhao Temple is located near the Gantong Cableway on Cangshan Mountain. Walking to the mountain gate, you'll find plenty of illegal taxi drivers offering rides for 5 yuan per person. The hike up the mountain takes 30 minutes. You'll pass Gantong Temple on the way to Jizhao Temple, which also serves vegetarian food, so don't miss it. Lunch at Jizhao Temple starts at 11:30 AM and runs until 1:30 PM. No reservations are required; the kitchen is constantly cooking, just like a large cafeteria... The price is 20 yuan per person, scan the WeChat QR code. For the price, the food was generally acceptable, just like home-style vegetarian dishes. The only problem is that it was a bit too oily! It wasn't as delicious as some people say. For 20 yuan, six or seven dishes—what else do you expect?! Serve as much as you want, and refills are available if you're not full. Try to minimize waste. There were so many people dining that I felt the small Jizhao Temple couldn't accommodate them all. As long as there's room for people to sit, it's usually full, and some even have standing areas to eat... It gets less crowded after 1:00 PM. Overall impression: This internet-famous nunnery is truly internet-famous. There are too many people, and it lacks the tranquility that a nunnery should have. I didn't see a single nun, just tourists...

By The Third Pole |

You must go to Jizhao Temple. It is a nunnery. It seems to be very popular now. It is said on the Internet to be the most beautiful nunnery and the most artistic temple.

Now, walking into Jizhao Temple, the steps are covered with green moss.

Once you enter the temple, you will find that it is far from a traditional temple. The environment here is quiet and truly poetic. You can take pictures with your camera. Visitors and volunteers speak softly, for fear of disturbing the tranquility of the place.

What’s even more eye-catching are the succulents all over the yard. This is what it means to have a world in one flower.

Even more famous is the vegetarian meal here, which costs 20 yuan per portion and is the best I've had in Yunnan so far. The flavors of the world are all distinct, each dish a delight in its own right. The vibrantly colored dishes, served in large, coarse porcelain bowls, taste especially delicious sitting casually amidst the forest. The meals are meticulously prepared by volunteer chefs. If you're not full with one bowl, you can get more, but if you leave any, there's a penalty: you'll kneel before the Buddha, light an incense stick, and reflect on your mistakes.

After dinner, you don't have to rush to leave. You can enjoy Zen tea at Jizhao Temple. You need to boil the water yourself and brew the tea leaves for free. After drinking, just pour out the tea leaves and rinse the cup. There are Buddhist scriptures placed by the table by the masters. In the afternoon, you can brew a bowl of tea here and read the scriptures at the stone table. It's a quiet and peaceful time.



Location: Located in the Cangshan Scenic Area in Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Go up the mountain to the left of Gantong Temple (there's a driveway leading up the mountain from the parking lot, with a guardrail along the side). It's a 20-minute drive. Private vehicles should also be available along the Dali Line at the foot of the mountain, with an estimated 10 yuan per person charge.

Reference time: 2-3 hours

Transportation: Taxi is recommended

Admission: Free

Time: 8:00-18:00

Food: Vegetarian meal is 20 yuan per person. At 11 am, there is already a long queue for vegetarian meal.

By lululululu |

The vegetarian meals in the nunnery are very famous. It is said that they were free in the past, but later on everyone came here to eat, so the price became 20 yuan per person. Lunch starts at 11:30, and we arrived early, so we walked around the nunnery and took a rest.

There's nothing here like the solemnity of shaving your head to become a nun, nor the melancholy of a concubine disillusioned with worldly affairs like in a TV drama. Instead, it's a courtyard filled with flowers and succulents, full of life and warmth. Perhaps thanks to the warm climate and abundant sunshine, the peaches here are plump and round, a delightful sight.

There are many kinds of vegetarian dishes, you can choose according to your preferences, but you must eat according to your ability and don't leave any rice. I have to say that this is the most impressive meal we had in Dali, because the taste is really good... The cold rice noodles with shredded chicken look delicious! ! ! It is actually very delicious! ! ! Unfortunately, the lady in charge of serving the rice noodles was very fierce and refused my request for more 555555

After eating, I looked at the empty bowl and felt very satisfied. I couldn’t help but silently say in my heart: Amitabha!

By Steamed Pork with Rice Flour |

Jizhao Temple is a popular succulent temple! Cars can't enter from outside, only the parking lot. Those who don't want to hike up can take local villagers' cars up and down the mountain for 10 yuan per person. We looked at the map and thought it was close, so we hiked up. However, it was raining and the path was slippery, so we took a car down. The highlight of Jizhao Temple is the incredible vegetarian food! The vegetarian food here is very famous, and it costs 20 yuan per person. You pay for your meal card by the main hall, then pick up your meal in the dining hall. Food here is not to be wasted; if you don't finish it, you must kneel and burn an incense stick in the main hall. So, don't overeat; you can always get more. Every grain of rice is hard-earned, so don't waste it. As a popular tourist attraction, the lunch line was very long. We arrived early, so we had to eat by the window.

There is no other place in the country where vegetarian food is the best!

One portion per person, no beating allowed.

By Lazy Cat Loves Yogurt |

Drive to the Cangshan National Geopark parking lot and walk 800 meters up the park entrance.

After rushing for a long time, I finally arrived at around 6 o'clock. My legs were shaking from climbing the mountain. 800 meters is quite a distance. It took me about 10 to 20 minutes to climb...

It seems that the main road is easier to walk on. I regret not taking a car. There are private cars that can take passengers up the mountain, but we didn’t ask the price.

The sun had already set, and it was overcast. I was anxious, so my photos weren't very good, but I was truly amazed by what I saw. It's a meaty paradise, I just want to take some home! I'm so jealous of other people's meat.

Vegetarian meal: ¥20/person

It tastes good. You can try it. Remember to eat as much as you can and don't waste it.

By Peach Blossom Island Little Witch |

I heard that there is a Jizhao Temple in Dali. Since it is a "temple", it is a place where nuns practice. The place where monks live is called a "temple". People who practice always live in the mountains. Dali has majestic mountains. There are a total of 19 peaks in Cangshan Mountain. Jizhao Temple is located on the southern foot of Shengying Peak, one of them, on Gantong Mountain. There is also a famous "Gantong Temple" on Gantong Mountain. Jizhao Temple is not far up. Both places provide vegetarian food, but it is obvious that Jizhao Temple is more popular. Most of the guests coming and going are here for the flowers and plants in the temple. Mr. Xue and I are no exception.

Arriving at the entrance to Jizhao Temple, we were shaded by ancient trees and surrounded by blooming red flowers. The path leading to the main gate was lined with pots of green plants, neatly arranged on both sides, lush and verdant. Even the moss in the forest seemed meticulously tended, like balls rolling down the slope, bathed in sunlight, creating a refreshing green scene that was truly endearing. Coming from Gantong Temple, we couldn't help but quip: just by comparing the monks and nuns, we can see that men are more crude, while women are truly capable of managing life, leading a refined life surrounded by ancient Buddhas and green lamps.

"Feelings lead to understanding, silence illuminates"—this is how the name Jizhao Temple gets its name. It sounds quaint and meaningful, suggesting a quiet and cool place. But when I stepped inside, I was greeted by a vibrant world—more precisely, a world of succulents. Inside and outside the gates, rows of small courtyards filled with vibrant colors, flowers in full bloom, creating a vibrant scene of spring. From the ground to the ceiling, succulents are everywhere, each plant and leaf meticulously cultivated. Looking around, the place is poetically beautiful.

It happened to be the weekend, and I happened upon a free vegetarian meal. If you hadn't queued up, you wouldn't have known how many guests had come to this small nunnery. The meal was all-you-can-eat, so take as much as you want, adhering to the principle of not wasting food. One bowl filled my stomach and I was quite satisfied. Although it was all vegetarian, the dishes were plentiful and colorful. Sitting among a riot of flowers and plants, with the sky overhead, I naturally felt very satisfied.

By Su Xiaosu |

There are some comic version of the feeling ~~~

As soon as you enter the door, you will see fields of succulents, of various colors, large in size, and exquisite in appearance... You will be fascinated and unable to take your eyes off them.

Because it was a weekday, there were not many people in Jizhao Temple, and everyone deliberately spoke in low voices, so the tranquility of the temple could still be experienced.

I applied for a meal card early, which cost 20 yuan per person.

While basking in the sun and waiting for dinner, I went for a walk in the back mountain. A whole shed of succulents was full of vitality.

Succulents grow even in the cracks of the rocks, giving a feeling of surviving from a cliff.

We sat down in the living room in front of the kitchen just in time. When the call for "Dinner is ready" sounded, we quickly lined up and got our fill. We had a huge bowl full of tender potatoes, crispy lotus root, soft pumpkin, and some fried, unidentified item... Once the rest of the group arrived, we took a photo and started tucking into the food. I don't know if it was the chef, the wood-fired rice, or just the surroundings, but the vegetarian food at Jizhao Temple was incredibly delicious.

After wolfing down the first bowl, I went to get the second bowl, and suddenly found that there were so many people who came here specifically to eat, and the empty yard was now full of people sitting there.

I only got half the second bowl because I was afraid I would be punished by kneeling if I couldn’t finish it!

After eating and drinking enough, I went down the mountain with a bulging belly. This trip was not in vain~~

By 🐾Blue Speed👣 |

Dali Jizhao Temple - It is said to be a popular place on the Internet, a temple where nuns do not burn incense but only plant flowers

There is no need for me to say much about how popular succulents are right now, and the succulents in a nunnery are definitely worth a look!

Although the temple is small, there are too many people. I am afraid of bumping into these lovely succulents because of the crowds. The vegetarian food in the temple has been famous for a long time. You can have a vegetarian meal in the temple by adding 20 yuan of incense. Since I am here, I must try it. But there are too many people who come here to eat this bowl of vegetarian food.

After waiting in line for an hour, it was finally my turn. (You can have whatever you like and eat as much as you can. No waste.)

As for the taste, it was really delicious, probably because I was hungry!

There is a Gantong Temple near Jizhao Temple, which also serves vegetarian food, but few people go there to eat. This is probably a phenomenon in China.

By Miss_Malin |

Jizhao Temple is also a popular check-in spot recently.

We arrived at lunch time to have a vegetarian meal here.

In this small temple, these pink, round succulents make people feel closer to the world.

There is a tea room in the temple

Looking out from the glass window of the tea room, you can see the jade butterfly stone lotus covering halfway up the mountain.

When we went further in, the courtyard was already full of tourists who were having a meal.

Everyone paid, served rice and dishes in an orderly manner

The taste is simple, but it is also a rare experience

There are several farmlands and two greenhouses on the back hill of the temple.

I planted a lot of vegetables, so I think I can be self-sufficient.

A large part of the temple is not open to the public. The design and decoration are very modern.

By Still wanting more |

Jizhao Temple is located in the Cangshan Scenic Area, on the same line as the Cangshan Gantong Cableway and Gantong Temple.

Jizhao Nunnery, named after the phrase "feelings and then understanding" and "silently looking at the signs," is known as the most beautiful nunnery and the most artistic temple. The nunnery is filled with flowers, plants, and succulents, and offers delicious vegetarian meals for 20 yuan per person, attracting many tourists.

Free admission, opening hours: 8:00-18:00, vegetarian meal time: 11:30-14:30

By A yellow |

Anyone who has looked through Dali’s TO DO LIST will almost certainly see one item: Go to Jizhao Temple for a vegetarian meal.

So, hoping to experience the tranquility of a temple, we headed to the little-known Jizhao Temple. We figured arriving at noon would be just in time for a vegetarian meal, so we didn't arrive too early. After about half an hour of climbing the steep mountain path, we were breathless. By the time we reached the entrance at 12:30, we were stunned by the sheer number of people. This supposedly niche attraction had become a check-in destination.

From the entrance to the inner courtyard, every corner was filled with people, giving it the subtle feeling of a large dining hall. When we went to ask the temple staff where we could get food, we were told that lunch was out and we had to wait until dinner time. We felt like we were struck by lightning.



Here are some suggestions for friends who want to go to Jizhao Temple:

1. Avoid the peak tourist season during holidays and avoid the first and fifteenth day of each month (the first and fifteenth days are free and there will be more people)

2. Go up the mountain early. It takes half an hour to walk from the Gantong Cableway to Jizhao Temple. It is best to arrive before 11 o'clock to ensure that you can have a bowl of hot rice.

By Strolling in the garden |

Jizhao Temple, located at the southern foot of Cangshan Mountain in Dali, was originally a nunnery, named after the phrase "feelings lead to enlightenment, and silence illuminates the mind." Although small, the temple is renowned for its lush succulents and delicious vegetarian cuisine, earning it the nickname "China's most artistic temple" and "the most beautiful nunnery."

From the South Gate Tourist Center of Dali Ancient Town, take the scenic area direct bus (round trip 13 yuan/person) to the Gantong Cableway Station of Cangshan Geological Park. After a few steps, there is a cement road that is open to traffic as shown in the picture below. It takes more than 20 minutes to walk slowly to Jizhao Temple, passing Gantong Temple. The road is not steep.

Please note that it is forbidden to bring any kind of fire to the mountain. When entering the mountain, the staff will throw any lighters and other items they collect directly into a bucket. If you really don't want to walk, there are privately operated cars here. They cost 10 yuan per person to Jizhao Temple and will only leave when the car is full.

Inside, unlike other temples, Jizhao Temple lacks the aroma of incense and instead exudes a fresh, ethereal atmosphere. The temple is small, consisting of a front courtyard and teahouse. As its name suggests, the sun-drenched grounds are filled with succulents, greenery, and lush greenery. Many of the succulents are surprisingly large, growing everywhere, on the ground, under the corridors, on the steps, in front of the incense burner, and in every nook and cranny.

Arrive early and rent a tea set for a 100 yuan deposit, which must be returned clean and intact. The tea money is at your own expense. Sipping tea, whispering, or meditating, watch as the crowds of tourists waiting for their vegetarian meal gather. By 11:30 a.m., the two courtyards are already packed.

Vegetarian meals are 20 yuan per person. Every meal should be cherished, and not a single grain of rice should be left in the bowl. Otherwise, you will be punished by washing numerous bowls or kneeling before the Buddha to burn an incense stick. Of course, if one bowl isn't enough, you can get more without having to queue again.

By Group Mom |

I won't go into detail about the scenery at Jizhao Temple, as everyone has already mentioned it. Let me focus on the route. Take a taxi to the Gantong Temple parking lot and start walking up. At the cable car, there are two paths. One is on the left, accessible by car, and there are illegal taxis that will take you up. You can also walk up, but be prepared for at least a half-hour uphill climb. On the right is the Gantong Temple mountain gate, which you can reach by hiking up the mountain path. It's a bit steep and has steps, but it's closer than the road. Vegetarian meals are available both at noon and in the evening, starting at 5:30 PM.

By Want to eat clay pot rice |

The most striking feature of this internet-famous temple is its courtyard overflowing with succulents of all colors and varieties, some placed in pots on the ground, some hanging, and some arranged in beautiful formations, making it a truly remarkable sight to behold. Add to this the vibrant floral embellishments and the numerous visitors who flock to see it, and the courtyard seems surprisingly cramped, belying its name, "Jingzhao." The name itself, derives from the phrase "Gantong, then communicate, Silence illuminates," a fitting connection to the Gantong Temple below. Vegetarian meals are served daily at 11:30 AM and 5:30 PM, and are cash-only, costing 20 yuan per person.

By China-TravelNote users |

I don't know why some people say it's not fun. After I went there, I wanted to stay. It's really beautiful. People can calm down there. There are signs everywhere saying to be quiet, but there are still noisy people, even playing cards there. It's really low quality.

Although I missed the lunch time, it was still very pleasant to have afternoon tea there.

By grace_yellow |

Finally, I finally got to visit Jizhao Nunnery, the most beautiful nunnery I've ever visited. It's incredibly popular. From the Gantong Cableway parking lot, you can only walk about 20 minutes by following the signs (no private vehicles are allowed). Besides the succulents lining the grounds, be sure to explore the upper backyard, where you'll find a rose garden and a variety of flowers in a greenhouse. If you're looking for vegetarian food, avoid visiting on the first, fifteenth, and Sunday free days. We went there on Saturday, and it was already packed. Try to buy a meal card from the staff to the right of the Main Hall before 11:00 AM. It's 20 yuan per person and only accepts cash. Get in line before 11:30 AM to get a seat. Remember to eat only as much as you can; if you waste food, you'll be punished by kneeling before the Buddha for half an incense stick. The vegetarian food was delicious, and everyone cleaned their bowls. After 12:00 PM, the staff won't sell any meal cards, so you'll have to wait in line. If there's any extra food, pay directly to the staff in the dining hall. The names of the toilets are also nice, good women, good men, and clean.

By The east wind awakens the hero's dream |

The succulents are beautiful, the vegetarian food is delicious, and the mountains are quiet.

By Sea of clouds on the mountain top |

Enter Cangshan from the direction of Gantong Cableway and go up the mountain. As we need to leave for Lijiang in the afternoon, we arrive at Gantong Cableway early.

By girl |

While this is a popular online attraction with frequent visitors, it's a great place for a succulent lover like me. Some say the succulents at Jizhao Temple are bathed in the Buddha's light, resulting in their exceptional beauty. I believe the tranquility of mind found deep within a Zen room truly reveals the true meaning of all things.

By Lili some |

Gantong Temple and Jizhao Nunnery are worth a visit. Each place has its own charm. Jizhao Nunnery is gentle and elegant and is known as the most beautiful nunnery in China. The vegetarian food in Jizhao Nunnery is also delicious. Now I want to go back and eat it.

By Little Apple |

It wasn't quiet at all; the place was bustling with people and noisy. Plus, it happened to be Dali's state celebration, so all the residents had a three-day holiday. It was absolutely packed with people, all succulents. It was like a succulent kingdom.

By Noer |

Jizhao Temple is truly stunning. It doesn't look like a nunnery at all; it's practically a backyard garden. Sitting in the courtyard, drinking tea, chatting, basking in the sun, and smelling the flowers—that must be the most pleasant life in the world!

By Xiaoyi |

This is a paradise for succulents. You don't know where to start taking pictures. Okay, then I'll just watch, quietly watching. The vegetarian meal is especially delicious. I ate a big bowl. The self-service vegetarian meal is 20 yuan per person. No leftovers are allowed. If you leave any leftovers, you will be punished by kneeling and burning incense. But it's so delicious, who would be willing to leave any leftovers?

By Black Curly |

This should be a must-see attraction in Cangshan. There are so many succulents. It is simply a paradise for succulents.

By Almighty in small fish |

From the entrance to Cangshan Mountain, there's a long, steep climb up a mountain. After the climb, there's a bus stop for private vehicles, which take people up the mountain. Security guards maintain order. The ascent is 20 yuan per person, no bargaining required, and the descent seems to be only 10 yuan. The drive takes about five or six minutes, but the fare is a rip-off. The hike up on your own can take nearly half an hour and be exhausting. The driver usually drops you off at the entrance outside the nunnery, and upstairs you'll find Jizhao Nunnery. Jizhao Nunnery is a nunnery known for its vegetarian cuisine. While it doesn't have any meat, it's incredibly delicious. Before lining up for food, you need to get a meal card at the entrance. It costs 20 yuan per person. When it's your turn, you'll receive your bowl. Be sure to arrive early; if you're late, the food might be gone. We arrived around noon, and it seemed like the food stopped just as we finished eating. You need to choose your own bowl; you can choose a large or small bowl when you receive it, and you can also choose what dishes you want or don't want when you're served. I chose a small bowl, a small portion of main course, and the dishes were given as much as I could, so after a short walk, my bowl was quite full. Although no one would punish you by kneeling for a stick of incense if you didn't finish your meal, everyone was still very conscientious.

There's only one indoor dining area, and space is limited. So many people flocked to eat that every available seat was filled, even outside. Some people simply ate standing up when there was no place to sit. Everyone ate quietly, even chatting quietly, seeming to be so focused on their food that it felt like everyone was truly devout in this sacred Buddhist place.

This place is also famous for its succulents, which are plentiful and well-grown. After dinner, it's a great time to wander around and digest some of the produce. Just up the slope from the entrance, you'll find several succulent sheds, all growing beautifully. You can buy any of them.

By Elin-Han~🍦 |

Jizhao Temple is home to the most succulent plants! A must-see for succulent lovers!

For me, the main focus is on the vegetarian meals at Jizhao Temple!

Remember to finish your vegetarian meal and don’t be greedy, otherwise you will have to kneel down and burn a stick of incense in front of the Buddha!

It's really delicious, especially the vegetables, hahahaha. I ate more for these twenty yuan than I did at lunch!

I think it's worth climbing the hill for such a long time just for this vegetarian meal!!!

By Beijing Wangwangwang |

Jizhao Temple was more beautiful and peaceful than I'd imagined. People were constantly coming and going, yet it wasn't noisy at all. Even the children were speaking in whispers. After passing the first courtyard, I arrived at the open backyard. I sat there quietly, waiting for the vegetarian meal to begin...

The vegetarian food at Jizhao Temple is a must-try. Meal tickets are available starting at 11:30 AM, and for just 20 yuan, you can enjoy a meal meticulously prepared by the monks. You can help yourself to both rice and vegetables. If one bowl isn't enough, you can always get more. However, if you leave any rice, you'll be punished by kneeling for one incense stick.

As the crowds fade away in the afternoon, Jizhao Temple becomes even quieter. If there is nothing urgent, it would be nice to just sit here and stare blankly.

By quiet |

This is a very artistic nunnery, "feeling and understanding, quiet and shining". The succulent plants in the garden attract many tourists.

The climb to Jizhao Temple was quite tiring (about 40 minutes from the Gantong parking lot towards the cable car). We arrived past lunchtime and didn't get to try the legendary vegetarian meal. There were more tourists than expected, and the small courtyard was packed. We had vegetarian lunch at noon, but we heard you had to make a reservation, so we missed it. It cost 20 yuan per person, and you had to finish your meal, otherwise you'd be punished by the nun and made to kneel.

By Carole |

It’s a very small temple, but the vegetarian meals and succulents inside are very famous.

There were long lines every day for vegetarian meals. The owner of the guesthouse I stayed at told me that there were volunteers who came to her home, but she never got to eat any of the vegetarian meals, so she always had to wait in line. Everyone brought their bowls of vegetarian food and found a place to sit; there were no dedicated tables like in restaurants. So when I arrived, there were a lot of people inside, and the line was long too.

Another feature is that there are many flowers in front of the Buddha enshrined in the temple, which is not common.

By Zhang Ya's five-clawed shadow clone |

Going to Jizhao Temple is generally for the vegetarian food, which costs 20 yuan per portion and is free on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month. But don't expect to get something for free; even paying might not guarantee you'll get it. It's crowded. The temple isn't big, but it has lots of succulents and some calligraphy. There's also a place for people to rest and drink tea.

By Never expected |

The master has planted many flowers and succulents in the temple, keeping them neat and tidy. I believe this is also a form of spiritual practice.

By Bingbing is on the road |

Fresh air, flowers and succulents everywhere, and delicious vegetarian food. The meal is free on weekends and the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, and 20 yuan per person on weekdays. Highly recommended.

By nature0809 |

Inside Cangshan Geopark, above Gantong Temple, lies a quiet, small, and unique nunnery. Accessible by foot, car, or tricycle, the path is steep and has many sharp turns, so be careful when driving. Alternatively, walking is a pleasant experience, as you can listen to the birdsong, the gurgling stream, and the lush greenery along the way, savoring the tranquility. The courtyard itself isn't large, but it's best known for its succulents, a unique environment that allows them to thrive. The fragrance of roses wafts through the backyard, where the two large rocs are located, creating a truly stunning backdrop. Succulent lovers, if you have time in Dali, definitely visit!

By Honglefang |

We took a 40 RMB taxi from the foot of the mountain where Jizhao Temple is located. The six of us drove along the hairpin bends to the hillside where Jizhao Temple is located. All things have spirits, so before entering, we carefully read the instructions for entering the temple with the children before we began our journey.

This truly is a sacred place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery. There are no incense burners here, but instead, clusters of flowers! Here, when praying, offer a bouquet of lilies or a bunch of flowers to express your heartfelt gratitude!

By Big sugar amuse |

We arrived around 1:00 PM, and our first impression was how crowded the place was! So much meat! Then there were people standing, sitting, and squatting with their bowls in hand, eating their vegetarian meals. When we were about to buy two bowls, we were told they were sold out!

By KateKate |

Dinner starts at 11:30, and even though we arrived at 11:40, the line was already incredibly long! We waited patiently, waiting until our turn arrived a little after 12:00. Then, we started eating! It's all vegetarian, and I was so happy to have so many dishes! Even my carnivore husband enjoyed it! But you still have to get there early, otherwise there won't be enough seating. After dinner, we started taking photos of this nunnery, known as the most beautiful in China. There are so many succulents in the courtyard! They're so cute! And there are so many lilies.

By Nabo L |

Jizhao Temple is not far from the ancient city, but it is still far from Xizhou.

The electric car stopped at the entrance and couldn't go up. The mountain road is quite steep and the horsepower is insufficient! To make it to the evening vegetarian meal, we took the minivan at the entrance. The total cost of the shuttle was 50 yuan. The driver drove fast, accurately and steadily. We made it to the vegetarian meal! It was 5 pm. The driver said that the line usually starts at 11:00 am and will be gone if you arrive late. The vegetarian meal was delicious. It used to be free here. Later, because there were too many people, they charged 20 yuan per person, and you can eat until you are full to avoid waste. After eating, you can rent a tea set and drink tea and chat with friends, which is a pleasant escape from the heat.

After eating, I started taking pictures!

There are clusters of flowers and lush succulents in Jizhao Temple. There is a flower garden inside with a whole wall of succulents. I couldn't help but sneak in to take pictures.

By Sidney Carton |

Jizhao Temple is no longer a secret. A direct bus from the Dali Tourism Company takes you to the Dagantong Cableway. No tickets are required. Just to the left of Gantong Temple, you can ascend the mountain in 20 minutes. Private vehicles also offer access from the foot of the mountain for 10 yuan per person. To conserve energy, I opted for the bus.

"A winding path leads to a secluded place, where a Zen room is surrounded by flowers and trees." The charm of ancient poetry shines through here once again. The Zen room is surrounded by a variety of succulents, while the temple grounds are surrounded by hydrangeas, clearly showing that the nun is a flower lover. At the time, I thought, the name "Succulent Temple" is also a good name, with a sense of humor, haha. When we arrived, it was already 11:00 am, and the line for the vegetarian meal was already forming. The vegetarian meal here is very famous, said to be the best in Dali, 20 yuan per portion, and you can ask for more according to your appetite. After the vegetarian meal, you can also have free tea, but it was so crowded that day that there was no place for tea. After the vegetarian meal, we walked around, took some photos of the flowers, and then wandered down the mountain road.

Although the vegetarian meal was completely vegetarian, the colors were well matched and the taste was good. I don’t know if it was because I was hungry, but I finished one portion.

The succulents planted on the hill behind the temple are so overwhelming that even the flowers are intoxicating.

There are two or three greenhouses in the back mountain of the nun, mainly planted with succulents. It seems that the climate here is really suitable for the survival of succulents.

By A beautiful girl who makes a living by her strength |

It's a true paradise, incredibly beautiful! We first visited the Hundred Flowers Garden behind Jizhao Temple. The flowers are everywhere, supposedly tended by the abbot! Then we walked into the courtyard, still filled with flowers and tons of succulents! It truly deserves to be called "China's Most Beautiful Nunnery," a temple dedicated solely to flowers and no incense. Free tea is provided for visitors, with a 100 yuan deposit. You just have to pour out the tea leaves and clean the teacups. Returning the tea set will refund your deposit. The temple also offers vegetarian meals for 20 yuan per person, with pre-orders starting at 4:30 PM and servings starting at 5:30 PM. I'd heard the vegetarian meals were delicious, and today, even the simplest stir-fried carrots turned out incredibly delicious. It's said the monks go to the village every morning to pick the freshest ingredients, then wash and cook them with mountain spring water. That's why the food is so delicious! The rule in the temple is that you can only eat as much as you can. If you can't finish it, you have to kneel in front of the Buddha for the time of an incense stick. This rule is to avoid waste and is very necessary. If possible, everyone can abide by the order and eat and drink tea quietly.

By The Lion King |

The most distinctive feature of Jizhao Temple is its diverse array of succulents, each in a unique style. They're so captivating you'll want to be seen once you enter. A vegetarian lunch is available for a fee. Teaware and tea leaves are provided by the teahouse, and a 100 yuan deposit is required. After your tea, wash the teaware and cups and return them to receive your deposit back. Donations are optional. Maintain quiet in the teahouse and donate to the monks practicing next door.

There is also a swastika made of succulents, which is so creative.

By _Charlie1043 |

To the right and in front of the entrance, there are Buddha statues for pilgrims to worship, both inside the house. To the left of the front door for worshipping Buddha, there's a small boat covered in colorful flowers. To the left of the entrance, there's a small room where you can draw lots. A nun sits to the right of the entrance. Facing her is a dark wooden cabinet with numerous small compartments, each containing a stack of lots. In the center of the room, a Buddha statue sits, and in front of it is a table with incense. In front of the table is a thick, round cushion for those seeking lots to kneel on. Each lot costs 10 yuan per person, and cash only.

After entering, walk a short distance to the right and then turn left. This is the path the master led us down. Following the master, we explored the deeper parts of Jizhao Temple. We saw the quiet and elegant inn. The master explained that this used to be a place for accommodation, and the adjacent restaurant was also open for dining, but it's no longer in use. The scenery outside the inn is beautiful and peaceful, surrounded by birdsong in the forest. Staying there for a while is sure to bring peace of mind. A shorter stay, perhaps a vacation of three, five, or seven days, would be a truly idyllic experience. Further in, we saw several vegetable sheds. The master said that if we arrived earlier, he could take us inside. We simply looked and walked around outside. The plants there are truly unique, with a wide variety of colors. For example, a single flower isn't a single color, but rather a unique mosaic of red, blue, yellow, and purple.

By Awa |

The environment is good. There are many meats. It is quiet to rest inside.

By Liu Fei |

The beautiful volunteer at the inn recommended us to go to Cangshan Jizhao Nunnery, which is known as the most beautiful nunnery and is famous for its vegetarian food! Because we missed the inn's group tour too late, we had to go there on our own.

Arriving at Jizhao Temple, the entrance was filled with giant clusters of flowers. I honestly don't know what they were called, but they were beautiful! There were a lot of people taking photos, so we went straight up. The further we walked inside, the quieter it became. Inside, you couldn't help but lower your voice, afraid to speak loudly. The succulents and flowers in the courtyard were incredibly lush, and after the recent rain, the grounds were lush green with pink raindrops. It was so beautiful that I couldn't help but take photos of them; they seemed like they had spirits. The sound of chanting can be heard from the main hall from time to time, and the murmuring is very pleasant~ The back mountain is also a large piece of scenery. The unknown flowers at the gate are full of the back mountain~ It is simply a sea of flowers, with all kinds of colors, white, pink, blue, purple, red, etc.~~ It is extremely beautiful after the rain~ Don't miss it~ The overall main courtyard is not large. There is a tea room at the back, open to tourists, with a deposit of 100. Free tea and hot water are provided. After the end, there are incense offerings, which can be given as you like~ But the tea set must be cherished~ Sitting in the corridor drinking tea, listening to the murmuring of chanting, looking at the various succulent plants and tourists in the yard, plus the thin rain curtain~~ This feeling is full of Zen~~ After sitting for a while, it was time for the evening vegetarian meal, which usually starts at 5:30, 20 yuan per person, and the meal card is bought in advance, next to the main hall~ You can also donate merit here~ There were not many people in the yard after 5 o'clock. They all lined up to go to the dining room to get the meal. They could not be collected on behalf of others, and they could not be wasted. If they wasted, they would be punished by kneeling~ The vegetarian meal was absolutely delicious, every dish was tasty! Highly recommended. After dinner, most of the tourists left the mountain, so we briefly wandered around the backyard. It was still filled with beautiful flowers and plants, and there was a steep cliff covered in succulents that looked incredibly tenacious. We wandered to the front yard and ran into the nunnery owner. Since there were fewer people around, we took a photo and then headed back down the mountain. My friend particularly liked the tranquility of Jizhao Nunnery and said she'd stay for a few days if she had time.

By WO non-angel |

Jizhao Temple, located at the southern foot of Shengying Peak in Cangshan Mountain in Dali, is actually located halfway up the mountain from the Gantong Cableway. It is a bit far to go down from Gantong Temple, but it is relatively close to go up from the foot of the mountain. You can also ask local villagers to drive you directly to the door of the temple.

The small mountain gate is difficult to find unless you've made a special trip there. The first thing that strikes the eye in the courtyard isn't the curling smoke from the typical Buddhist temple or the exquisitely designed architecture, but the astonishing array of succulents thriving in abundance. Yunnan's abundant sunlight and wide temperature swings between day and night are naturally ideal for the growth of succulents, but the vast planting area, the harmonious blend of varieties, and the vibrant colors, don't seem like they were just haphazardly planted by nuns in a temple; they must have been guided by a master.

After passing through the Buddhist hall and walking to the backyard, I was once again amazed by the entire courtyard, which was decorated as an extremely artistic and petty-bourgeois teahouse. Inside and outside, the seemingly casual but actually thoughtful arrangements were everywhere, creating a very interesting contrast.

By Xiangmeizai |

The succulents in Jizhao Temple are very famous, and I know it because of Tik Tok.

This is the home for nuns to practice. Unlike other temples, there are no incense burning here, no fortune tellers, no one to persuade you to give money for incense, and no amulets for good luck sold... It is very clean here. Even if there are many people, they will consciously lower their voices as soon as they enter the door. There are many tourists taking pictures here, and many children sketching. There are nuns who concentrate on taking care of every plant, tree and succulent here.

Everything is just right, and there are surprises everywhere.

The succulents in the temple have the most varieties that I have seen in all these years, and they are more vivid and lively than anything I have seen before. The most amazing thing is the succulent boat. When there are many people, you have to queue up to take pictures.

The layout of the entire environment reflects the meticulous construction and maintenance of the nuns in the temple. This may be the reason why succulents exude a vibrant vitality that is different from elsewhere.

We stayed in Jizhao Temple for almost 2 hours and went down the mountain around 3 o'clock. When we got down the mountain, we found that the entrance of the Gantong Temple cable car in Jizhao Temple was only about 15 minutes away. So, if you are only interested in Jizhao Temple, you only need to buy a 40 yuan mountain entrance fee and walk there.

By Door |

Jizhao Temple has become an internet-famous tourist attraction because of the succulents that fill the yard. In the small temple, all kinds of succulents compete with each other for beauty. In the baskets and flower pots, there are succulents everywhere... Jizhao Temple also provides vegetarian meals at noon every day. The meal starts at 12 o'clock, and there is a long queue after 11 o'clock.

By tassel |

This small and fresh temple surrounded by bustling crowds is highly recommended for young people who like literature and art. The temple is surrounded by a variety of succulents, and the environment is elegant. It also provides a vegetarian meal, which is definitely worth the trip (on the first and fifteenth day of every lunar month, the vegetarian meal is free, and you need to pay 20 yuan to experience it on other days. You can eat as much as you want. If you don't finish the meal, you will be punished to kneel for one stick of incense. Everyone eats according to their own taste, but it is indeed a delicious vegetarian meal)

Jizhao Temple gave me the feeling of a charming Jiangnan courtyard, fresh and elegant. Unlike other traditional temples, the decorations here are artistic and artistic. The tour guide explained that the abbot, Miaoshan, who manages the temple, is a person who truly enjoys life. It feels like a unique courtyard, one that makes one linger. Jizhao Temple isn't large, but it offers ample rest areas, and every corner is densely surrounded by plants. The temple is relatively quiet, allowing visitors to rest peacefully or take photos. When photographing plants, an elderly person would gently remind me to be careful not to crush them. It's clear that he's a plant lover. Perhaps this is why the plants within the temple thrive so well, thanks to the attentive care of those who care for them.

By Amissy@梦菲 |

I climbed the mountain at a leisurely pace, surrounded by lush trees. With every breath, oxygen filled my lungs and then passed into my blood. It was very pleasant.

I walked around the temple and saw very few people. It seemed like I was the only one there, kneeling devoutly and making a wish. When I made a wish, someone rang the bell for me, chanting that whatever I wished for would be granted.

The vegetarian food at Jizhao Temple is delicious, and they have a lot of beautiful succulents. They're growing beautifully, probably because they're bathed in the Buddha's light. Because of the Dragon Boat Festival, there were so many people there that the line for the vegetarian food stretched outside the temple. Fortunately, I got there early and got my food quickly. I really enjoyed it here. The vegetarian food is 20 yuan per person, and you can't get it on behalf of others, so don't waste it. Otherwise, kneel before the Buddha and burn a stick of incense. The courtyard is very beautifully decorated.

By Two cakes |

Jizhao Temple is located in the south of the ancient city. Compared to Wuwei Temple, Jizhao Temple has more tourists. Almost everyone has a bowl in their hands. Since it was lunchtime, we also chose to eat a bowl of vegetarian rice. We lined up to get the rice, which cost 2 yuan per bowl, and they did not allow leftovers...

Jizhao Temple is popular because it has a rather artistic and fresh atmosphere. There are many flowers, plants and various succulents. It is a great place for taking photos. Of course, it is not very crowded.

By Sweet taro seedlings |

The vegetarian meals at Jizhao Temple are charged, so they are no longer considered vegetarian meals. Also, there are too many tourists, so it is not quiet enough.

But I still went to Jizhao Nunnery. I'd looked it up online and it said it was a very artistic nunnery. It was indeed different from other temples. I went to get my meal card, which cost 20 yuan.

The lady at the front desk said that they start serving food at 11 o'clock, and if you go too late, there might be no food left. I didn't even have breakfast and rushed over directly to wait for the food to be served.

While waiting for the meal, I ran to the tea room to drink tea. The tea room was not big, but there were a lot of people, so I ran there and shared a table with others.

I went to the tea room to ask for teacups and was told that a deposit of 100 yuan was required. If I didn't have cash, I could pay with WeChat, but payments made with WeChat are non-refundable. If you want to drink tea for free when you go, remember to bring cash.

By yupingping |

Before arriving, I'd heard about the renowned vegetarian cuisine at Jizhao Temple. It happened to be right near the Gantong Cableway, so I decided to have a meal there first. Upon arrival, I realized this small temple was truly worth visiting—a must-do on any trip to Cangshan. After being hungry for most of the day, I finally had a chance to eat. There were tons of people getting their meals. A bowl cost 20 yuan, so you could get as much as you wanted. Those who didn't eat much had to kneel before the Buddha and burn an incense stick. The vegetarian food was surprisingly good; almost everyone left with an empty bowl.

The succulents here grow like crazy. I've seen people growing succulents, but I've never seen them planted into a small hillside. I guess it has a lot to do with the climate and the sunshine here. I didn't expect monks to live so freely. I used to think they only cared about vegetarianism and Buddhist teachings, but coming here really refreshed my perspective.

By wendy |

It was a world of succulents, a Zen temple, and cute succulents everywhere. Looking at the succulents, drinking tea, and listening to the rain, it was also a day of doing nothing. I was really surprised by this itinerary!

By Twisted sheep |

This succulent cultivation area is indeed well-deserved of its reputation. Every succulent plant is super big and fat, and the colors are super charming! Yes, the Internet celebrity vegetarian meal is really good!

By Dajin |

A small and fresh nunnery with two main features: first, it is filled with various kinds of succulents, which are very cute; second, the vegetarian food is very famous, and many people come here to eat it, which is indeed quite good.

By Natsume_A warm surname |

Dali Jizhao Temple is filled with various succulents, flowers and plants. Even though the outside world is experiencing storms, it remains calm like a person whose trouser legs are just wet by the rain. There is a calm and unhurried strength in the character of this nunnery, which is also gentle and unhurried.

Many tourists come to the temple because of the succulent plants and vegetarian food.

The vegetarian meal is served in a big bowl. Don’t worry about not being able to finish it, because the vegetarian meal is really delicious. You will also find that everyone is very willing to take as much as they can eat, and no one has leftovers.

By Wang Meili took Lu Shadan and Chou Chou out to play |

I went to Jizhao Temple to have a vegetarian meal. There are many succulent plants in the temple, the flowers are very beautiful, and the koi at the door are also beautiful.

By Li Changze LCZ |

Vegetarian meals in the mountain courtyard cost only 20 yuan per person!

Don't leave any of the vegetarian food you eat that day, or you'll be punished by kneeling for a stick of incense. Let me tell you, I went in holding onto the wall (hungry) and left holding onto the wall (full).

By 🎈 |

This internet-famous temple is accessible by car, right up to the entrance of Jizhao Temple. I came here because I heard from the innkeepers that they offer vegetarian meals, and the courtyard is filled with succulents and flowers. Hearing that, I decided to come. We rode our motorcycle up there, and it was truly beautiful.

By I eat tofu |

It's a very stylish temple, with flowers and succulents all over the yard, and of course there are vegetarian meals, 20 per person. There will be a local vehicle to take you up the mountain at the mountain gate, I remember it should be 20 per person, I walked up, it's not far, about 15 minutes.

By Hi Travel |

This place is impossible to find unless you're specifically looking for it. Once dilapidated, it's now the most beautiful temple in Dali. Unlike other temples, it's filled with flowers and succulents. Besides burning incense and worshipping Buddha, you can also enjoy a special vegetarian meal, which costs about 10 or 20 yuan per person. The vegetarian meals are simple, prepared with minimal oil, salt, or MSG, allowing you to fully experience the basic characteristics and original taste of the ingredients. Master Miaohui constantly reminds everyone to only take as much as they can eat and not to waste food. It feels wonderful to sit in the sun, eat, and bask in the sun beside the succulents that fill the courtyard.

By Cosmos |

This is a Buddhist holy land that only grows flowers but does not burn incense. It has become an Internet celebrity because of its many varieties of succulents and exquisite garden-like courtyard.

Seeing the words "quiet" and "Zen", no matter how many tourists there are, it will not make you feel noisy. Everyone is enjoying themselves, taking photos, drinking tea or quietly waiting for the vegetarian meal time.

In addition to the exquisite landscape of the courtyard, what Liu and I admire most is the couplet on the screen wall: Fish read the moon in the clear water, birds chat in the quiet forest.

A quick search on Baidu reveals the original couplet, originally written by Chen Dingshan at Yangmingshan in Taipei: "Water is clear, fish read the moon; flowers are quiet, birds chat." Jizhao Temple changed the phrase "flowers are quiet" to "forests are quiet," adding a touch of artistic charm to the temple, nestled amidst the trees of Cangshan Mountain.

By Anna Coombs |

Vegetarian meals are a must-try. A vegetarian combination is nutritious. After the meal, you can walk around the house.

If you go down the mountain, there is a van at the door and you can share a ride back for about 15 minutes.

A natural oxygen bar with beautiful mountains and clear waters

The nun is good at making delicious tea. It would be wonderful if you are lucky enough to drink it.

The nun became a nun in her teens and took care of the entire temple by herself.

From flowers, plants and trees to succulents

Then to vegetarianism

The nun never complained

A large area of succulent potted plants on the back mountain

Satisfy the taste of succulent lovers

By Thoughts of Fish and Birds |

It was the weekend, and observing the stream of people descending the mountain, I suspected the nunnery might be a bit too quiet. While the succulents at Jizhao Nunnery are a prominent feature, the hydrangeas, calla lilies, and other plants outside are also beautiful. It's clear there must be a flower expert here. Sure enough, the moment I entered through the side door, I was greeted by a scene that outnumbered the flowers. They all seemed to have just finished their vegetarian meals, lazily huddled in the shade to rest. The sheer volume of people everywhere immediately dulled the atmosphere. However, even with all the people, there were some fascinating poems and paintings high up.

By Elbow |

Few people come in to worship, but many come in to take pictures. A nunnery is beautiful because of the succulents and flowers on the ground. But for a monastic place to have so many flowers and plants is it not "Buddhist" enough?

By Clown of the photo |

Jizhao Temple has been extremely popular in Dali in recent years. It's a unique nunnery. From the ancient city, you take a bus to the Gantong Cableway, then slowly walk up. Because it's located on a mountain, the path up is a steep cement road, but it's relatively easy to walk. At an altitude of over 2,000 meters, it's still quite breathless. About a kilometer above Gantong Temple, I've never seen so many succulents. Its location halfway up the mountain, where photosynthesis is essential, must be particularly suitable for growing these plants. Most of the succulents at Jizhao Temple are old roots. They have a succulent greenhouse and a flower shed.

Free tea is provided here in the afternoon. You can pick up tea sets and tea leaves to brew yourself. Be careful not to break them. It is very quiet to drink tea and read books here in the afternoon. I think this is something that Jizhao Temple is worth learning from for other industries.

There's also the vegetarian meals at Jizhao Temple. They used to offer free meals on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, and on weekends. Later, they reduced the number to just the first and fifteenth days, with a 20 yuan per person charge on weekdays. However, with the tourism economy, these days get incredibly crowded. I've seen nearly three hundred people lining up for meals at peak times, so I don't recommend going up there on the first and fifteenth days. Because they're becoming increasingly popular, Jizhao Temple's business seems especially brisk, and on weekdays, it's also packed. If you want to eat, I recommend arriving at 10:30 to line up. If you arrive at 11:30, when meals open, you'll likely be waiting in line for a long time. Remember to eat everything you get; don't waste the free meals, even if you paid for them.

By Vegetable heart (´・ω・`)  |

If you don't enter the Cangshan Scenic Area, you can go to the road next to the entrance of the scenic area. If you walk fast on the road, it will take 15 minutes to get there (very tiring), and it will take 10 minutes to walk down the mountain road. It is recommended to take the mountain road with steps. Going up the mountain from here in the picture should be faster and easier.

It's very beautiful, and there are a lot of people. Looking at the crowded line, eating? I dare not think about it... / waving hands

By People of all kinds |

Walking through the gate, there's no trace of everyday life. Instead, the diverse array of succulents creates an artistic garden filled with the scent of spring. There's no noise, no cigarettes, just a quiet atmosphere where people can either admire the flowers or wait for them to bloom.

Buddhism pays the most attention to the flourishing of incense, but in Jizhao Temple, there is no flourishing incense. Almost no one burns incense, and flowers are used instead of offering sacrifices to Buddha. This is because the abbot, Master Miaohui, said: Buddha lacks nothing. He does not care about your incense stick, but cares about your heart.

During the vegetarian meal, everyone waited quietly and orderly for the meal. The companion on the right said: Don’t waste food. If you waste food, you will be punished by kneeling in front of the Buddha for one stick of incense.

It didn't feel like a vegetarian meal, but more like an art dinner. Such an environment makes people feel peaceful and happy.

By ~ya |

The 20 yuan vegetarian meal was too late, so there were no dishes. The fermented tofu and red date cake were delicious, but the others were just average. I don't think they suit my taste. There were a lot of people in Jizhao Temple, probably tourists who came here because of its reputation. It seemed that Jizhao Temple had lost its original tranquility. When I took pictures, I found that the place was full of people, which was a bit disappointing.

By Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang young |

Jizhao Temple offers tranquility and tranquility. The interior is filled with flowers and plants. Succulent lovers should check it out. They also offer vegetarian meals, though you'll need to queue. It's also a great place for photos!


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