Live Your Best Lives
At Xilongtan Three Religions Hall, you can:
The Xilongtan Three Religions Hall is located at the foot of the Xibailongtan Slope, near Longtan, in Kaiyuan City, Yunnan Province. It is named after the statues of the Three Religions deities enshrined within it: Guanyin, Zhenwu Patriarch, and Wenchang Emperor. The hall covers an area of 116 square meters. Originally known as Guanyin Temple, it was built during the Ming Dynasty and destroyed during the turmoil of 1856 during the reign of Emperor Xianfeng of the Qing Dynasty.
The temple was rebuilt with donations from the government and the public between 1898 and 1928. The entire building, built along the west-facing east axis following the slope of Longtan Hill, consists of the main hall, middle hall, lower hall, two wings, and a symmetrical hexagonal pavilion halfway up the hill, covering an area of 1,900 square meters.
In 1919, the Lianger Building, the Longtankou Waterside Pavilion, and the hexagonal pavilion were rebuilt. In 1928, the central hall was completed, resulting in the current structure of the Sanjiao Hall with its upper, middle, and lower halls. With its emerald waters brimming with springtime, and its verdant walls shrouded in verdant greenery, the Sanjiao Hall earned the nickname "Longtan Spring Dawn." Throughout history, numerous poets and scholars have inscribed poems here, including prominent figures in central Yunnan, such as Yang Shen and Wang Tingbiao.
Located in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, it is spring-like 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.
The main hall is a single-eaved, gable-roofed, three-beam wooden structure. It is 13.5 meters long across three rooms, 8 meters deep across three rooms, and 9.6 meters high. The caisson is painted with elegant ink paintings of fruits, vegetables, bamboo, orchids, etc., giving it a strong sense of life.
The left and right wing rooms are two-story wooden structures with single eaves and gable roofs, three beams, and a total height of 8.5 meters. In the past, the north wing housed a statue of Mu Guiying, the "Frost Goddess" in military uniform, flanked by standing statues of Yang Wenguang and Bai Hua Nu. The shrines prayed for the autumn frost to kill pests and ensure a good harvest in the coming year.
The central hall is a single-eaved, gable-roofed, three-beam wooden structure, 12 meters wide across three bays and 5 meters deep across three bays. Originally, the hall housed statues of Guanyin, Manjusri, and Samantabhadra, along with lesser deities from the three realms of heaven, earth, and water. These statues were destroyed in 1931. Later, a remodeled temple was built to enshrine the Earth Mother and the God of Wealth, hence the name "God of Wealth Hall."
The hexagonal pavilion at the hillside is a traditional wooden structure, with a base 3.6 meters long and a height of approximately 9 meters. Under the eaves, brackets extend outwards in four steps. The capitals and spaces between the columns are treated with cement plaster and sand-plaster strips.
The lower hall is a two-story wooden pavilion with a single-eaved hip roof and five beams. It is 15 meters long through five bays, 9 meters deep through four bays, and 11 meters tall. The exterior columns are all square, and the corbels between them have been replaced with Western-style vaulted arches. The main hall downstairs features six lattice doors adorned with carvings such as "Shanbo Visits a Friend," "Phoenix Flying Through Peonies," and "Liu Hai Plays with the Golden Toad." The secondary hall features two wooden windows decorated with the inscription "Happiness is Before Your Eyes." Below the pavilion, the "West Gate Dragon Pond" is the first of the Seven Springs of Ami, whose water never runs dry.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
free
08:00-18:00
The Xilongtan Three Religions Hall is a unique cultural site that integrates the three main religions of China—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism—within a single complex. It represents the historical and spiritual convergence of these beliefs and serves as an important symbol of religious harmony in the region.
Xilongtan Three Religions Hall is located in the Red River region of Yunnan. The easiest way to reach the site is by taxi or private car from nearby towns or cities, as public transportation options may be limited. It is also accessible by bus, depending on the local routes.
The hall is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The entrance fee is generally around 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance to the hall. There are no major online ticketing services available for this site.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, as the hall is not typically crowded. You can easily buy tickets on-site on the day of your visit.
You’ll need about 1 to 2 hours to explore the Three Religions Hall and its surroundings. If you plan to learn in-depth about its history and significance, allow for extra time.
The main highlights include the three religious areas representing Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The stunning architecture, spiritual sculptures, and serene atmosphere are also key features of the hall.
Guided tours are typically available in Mandarin, and some local guides may offer limited English-speaking tours. Audio guides in English may not be commonly provided, but a guide can help explain the religious significance of the site.
The best photography spots include the main hall’s exterior with its unique architectural details, the serene courtyards, and panoramic shots of the surrounding landscape, which offers a beautiful contrast to the religious structures.
Start by visiting the main hall where the three religions are symbolized, then explore the inner courtyards and smaller shrines. If you have time, take a walk around the surrounding area for scenic views of the Red River region.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no regular light shows or special tours offered at the Xilongtan Three Religions Hall. It is mainly a daytime attraction.
The hall can get slightly crowded during weekends and holidays. The best time to visit is on weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when the place is less crowded.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available. There are no major food or shopping facilities directly at the hall, so it’s best to bring water and snacks or visit nearby areas for food.
The site is somewhat accessible, but some parts may involve uneven terrain and stairs. It’s advisable to check the accessibility for the elderly or disabled visitors before visiting, especially for those with mobility challenges.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in the area. Credit cards may not be accepted, so it's best to carry cash or use mobile payment apps.
There are local restaurants and eateries in nearby towns where you can enjoy traditional Yunnan dishes. Lijiang Old Town is a good place for a wider variety of dining options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some local restaurants around Lijiang. Halal food may be harder to find in this area, so it's best to inquire with local restaurants for specific dietary requirements.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels in Lijiang, about a short drive from Xilongtan Three Religions Hall. For more luxury options, there are high-end hotels in the town offering comfortable stays and scenic views.
Nearby attractions include Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Black Dragon Pool. These can be easily visited in a single day along with Xilongtan Three Religions Hall.
Yes, you can find souvenir shops around Lijiang selling traditional Yunnan handicrafts, including wooden carvings, ethnic textiles, and silver jewelry. These make great souvenirs to take home.
After visiting Xilongtan Three Religions Hall, taxis or private cars are the best way to continue your trip. If you're heading to Lijiang Old Town or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, they are a short drive away and easily accessible.
