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The twin towers of the Mengwo Buddhist Temple in Jinggu Dai and Yi Autonomous County are called "Meihewo Guangmeng" and "Guangmenghewo Mei" in Dai language, and are commonly known as "tree-wrapped towers and tower-wrapped trees." Located in Dazhai, Weiyuan Town, this former official Buddhist temple boasts a mountain gate, side gates, twin towers, a precept hall, a main hall, and monk quarters, covering an area of 3.335 hectares. The twin towers flank the main hall, oriented north-south.
This complex was built by Dao Hanchen, a local Dai official from Weiyuan, during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties (1628-1661). The twin pagodas are part of the Theravada Buddhism tradition of the Dai people. Constructed from red sandstone, they feature a multi-layered Sumeru pedestal in the shape of a Chinese character "Y" (a character for "Yi"), with upturned lotus flowers. The pedestal, called "Maowuwonan" (lotus pedestal) in the Dai language, is square, four meters square, and features relief carvings on the foundation stone. Four stone "Aixiangnong" (strongmen) support the towers at their corners, while the upper portion of the towers is built with vertical, linked columns made of blue brick.
The six-story tree-encased pagoda stands 10.74 meters tall, with the tree encasing it 7.2 meters high. Its upper portion is curved, and the pagoda's top has been replaced by a large tree. The two pagodas are 30 meters apart, and the tree is approximately twice as tall as the pagodas. The pagodas are embossed with Dai Buddhist stories and folklore, offering valuable historical and artistic value for studying the religion, culture, and history of the Dai people in Jinggu. In August 1983, the Jinggu County People's Government designated them a county-level cultural relic protection site. In November 1993, the Yunnan Provincial People's Government designated them a provincial-level cultural relic protection site.
The subtropical mountain monsoon climate is breathtaking. The twin towers of Mengwo Buddha Temple are valuable artifacts for studying the religion, culture, and history of the Dai people in Jinggu. Surrounded by lush greenery, the towers offer visitors a breathtaking view of nature while also immersing themselves in the history of the region. It's a perfect place to visit in all seasons.
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Open all day
The Twin Pagodas of Mengwo Buddha Temple are important cultural and religious landmarks in Pu'er, Yunnan. These pagodas represent Buddhist teachings and serve as a place for meditation and worship. They are renowned for their unique architectural style and serene environment.
The Twin Pagodas are located in Pu'er, Yunnan. The easiest way to reach the temple is by taxi or private car. Public transportation options are limited, so taking a taxi or renting a car from nearby cities or towns is recommended.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Early mornings or weekdays are the best times to visit to avoid crowds, especially during public holidays or weekends.
The entrance fee is approximately 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the temple or, in some cases, through local tourist booking platforms online.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but during peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to book at least a few days ahead to avoid long queues or availability issues.
You will need about 1-2 hours to explore the Twin Pagodas and the surrounding area. If you're interested in learning more about the temple's history and architecture, it could take longer.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides may not be available, so it’s helpful to bring a translator app or hire a local guide if you don't speak Chinese.
The best viewpoints are from the base of the pagodas, as well as from the surrounding hills, which offer panoramic views of the temple and the natural surroundings.
Begin at the temple entrance, walk around the pagodas, and explore the surrounding gardens. Make sure to take time to enjoy the tranquility and view from different angles before heading to the scenic spots nearby.
Night visits or light shows are not commonly available at the Twin Pagodas of Mengwo Buddha Temple. The temple is mainly a daytime attraction with serene surroundings.
The temple can be crowded on weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or early in the morning.
Basic facilities like toilets are available at the temple. There are no large food outlets, but you may find small shops selling snacks and drinks nearby.
The temple and its grounds are relatively accessible, though some areas may have steps or uneven terrain. It may be challenging for those with mobility issues, but overall, it is suitable for children and elderly visitors with basic accessibility needs.
Cash is commonly accepted, but mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are also widely used. Credit cards are not typically accepted at the temple.
There are no major restaurants inside the temple, but there are local eateries in Pu'er offering traditional Yunnan cuisine, such as noodles, rice dishes, and local teas.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants, but halal food is less common in the area. It is advisable to check the menu or bring your own snacks if you have dietary restrictions.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels in Pu'er, such as those near the city center. If you prefer a more tranquil environment, consider staying at hotels located further away from the city center, which may offer views of the surrounding nature.
Nearby attractions include the Pu'er Tea Plantations, the Pu'er Museum, and the beautiful surrounding natural landscapes. You can easily combine a visit to the Twin Pagodas with a day trip to these other spots in Pu'er.
There are small souvenir shops around the temple selling religious artifacts, local crafts, and Pu'er tea, which is a famous specialty of the region.
The best transportation options after visiting the temple include taking a taxi or hiring a private car to explore other nearby attractions or to head back to Pu'er city center.
