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Shiping Xiushan, located 10 kilometers west of Shiping County and south of Baoxiu Town, is located in Wuying Village, southwest of Baoxiu Town, and 12 kilometers from Shiping County. It is one of the famous mountain resorts in southern Yunnan. Zhenjue Temple was built during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty and was renovated several times during the Qing Dynasty.
Shiping Xiushan, formerly known as Jiushan, boasts lush bamboo forests, ancient trees, and rare flowers and plants that bloom year-round. The temples within Shiping Xiushan, sometimes appearing and disappearing amidst the white clouds and verdant greenery, create an elegant and picturesque scene. In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, local scholars elegantly renamed it "Xiushan."
At the end of the Qing Dynasty, Ren Ying, a native of Shiping Prefecture, Honghe, Yunnan, wrote a poem titled "Ode to Xiushan": "The wild steps are filled with fragrance from the ground-covered pine flowers, the water vapor rolls over the flat fields, the sound of the springs is still alive, and the pavilion is resting on the green mountain peaks like flowing water." This poem vividly depicts the beauty of Xiushan.
The subtropical monsoon climate is like spring all year round, with plenty of sunshine, no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
At the foot of Xiushan Mountain in Shiping, beside the shimmering reservoir, stands a Qing Dynasty-built "Rest Pavilion." The pavilion is exquisitely elegant and graceful. Beside it stands a stone tablet bearing the Chinese characters "Xiushan." The tablet was inscribed by Tu Yingheng, a Qing Dynasty academy student from Shiping, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The cursive script, reminiscent of a dragon, is elegant and graceful. Visitors can rest here, overlooking the verdant mountains and waters, listening to the chirping of birds and cicadas, and admiring the calligraphy of the literati, and their fatigue will soon fade away.
Zhenjue Temple was built during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty and renovated several times during the Qing Dynasty. Extant buildings include the mountain gate, the Main Hall, and the Lingyun Pavilion. Inside the main hall is a statue of Sakyamuni, flanked by statues of Samantabhadra and Manjusri. From the tower, one can see the village of Baoxiu Town in full view.
Green pines frame the mountain's breathtaking scenery, while ancient cypresses line the mountain path. Legend has it that the Dai people of the Tang Dynasty built a Buddhist temple here. Zhenjue Temple was built during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1398), and was renovated several times during the Qing Dynasty. Extant ancient buildings include the mountain gate, the Main Hall, and the Lingyun Pavilion. Inside the main hall is a statue of Sakyamuni, flanked by statues of Samantabhadra and Manjusri. The sculptures are meticulously crafted, their clothing flowing, and their expressions distinct.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
Shiping Xiushan is known for its historical importance as a religious and cultural center in Yunnan. The mountain is dotted with ancient temples and pagodas, which serve as symbols of local spiritual life. The area is also significant for its beautiful natural scenery, attracting both history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Shiping Xiushan is located in Shiping County, Yunnan Province. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or private car, as public transport options are limited. It’s approximately a 1-1.5 hour drive from the city of Kunming, which has better transport connections.
The site is open year-round, with the best time to visit being during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild and comfortable. It’s open from 8 AM to 6 PM, though it is recommended to visit in the early morning to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee to Shiping Xiushan typically ranges from ¥30 to ¥60, depending on the activities you plan to participate in (like guided tours or special access). Tickets can be purchased on-site or, in some cases, online through travel websites.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for general entry. However, if you plan to visit during peak seasons (such as Chinese New Year or National Holidays), it’s advisable to book tickets at least a day ahead, especially if you want to secure a spot for a guided tour or special events.
To fully explore Shiping Xiushan, including hiking, visiting temples, and exploring local villages, plan for around 3 to 4 hours. If you want to enjoy the natural surroundings and take in the views, a full day can also be enjoyable.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and in some cases, English-speaking guides can be arranged. Audio guides may be available in Mandarin, but it’s best to check ahead if you require a guide in other languages.
Start with a hike to the peak of Xiushan for the best views. Afterward, visit the nearby temples and take a walk along the scenic trails in the forest. If you have time, explore the local villages to experience rural life.
Night visits are not typically offered, as the attraction mainly focuses on daytime outdoor and cultural activities. Special tours may be available during festivals or holidays, but these should be checked in advance.
The site can get crowded during weekends and Chinese public holidays. For a more peaceful experience, visit on weekdays, particularly in the morning or during the off-peak seasons (late autumn to early spring).
Some areas of Shiping Xiushan may be difficult to access for elderly or disabled visitors due to the mountainous terrain and narrow paths. However, the lower temple areas and surrounding villages are more accessible for children and those with limited mobility.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely used at most locations. It’s recommended to carry some cash just in case of any payment issues.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, mainly consisting of stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and rice. Halal food options may be available upon request but are limited in the area.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the attraction selling local handicrafts such as pottery, wood carvings, and traditional clothing. You can also find tea, spices, and other Yunnanese products.
