Qiannuo Buddhist Temple

Introducing Qiannuo Buddhist Temple

Qiannuo Buddhist Temple, located in Qiannuo Village, Jinggu County, is a Qing Dynasty building built in 1778. It comprises a gatehouse, a precept hall, monk quarters, a main hall, and kitchens. The magnificent temple, covering 3,960 square meters, is one of the largest Dai Theravada Buddhist temples in Yunnan. The main hall, a three-tiered, hip-and-gable roof garden-style building, is 15.5 meters wide and 22.5 meters deep, with three layers of brackets under the eaves. Stone carvings depicting Buddhist stories adorn the hall's base, while the wood carvings on the eaves and caisson ceiling are of high artistic value. It has been designated a provincial key cultural relic.

The main entrance to the temple features an exquisite double-eaved memorial archway, its wood carvings and openwork, with their harmonious blend of thick and thin lines, making it a highly ornamental site. Above the gate stands a wooden plaque with three simple, large characters inscribed with "Qingfo Temple." To the right of this plaque are the gilded inscriptions "Repaired by Monk Qiannuo and Township Officials," and to the left, the inscriptions "Dragon Soars in the Spring of the First Day of the Wuxu Year of the Qianlong Emperor."

The three characters "Fugui Gate" are engraved on the back of the golden plaque, implying that visitors entering and leaving here and those who worship Buddha will have a life of wealth and good fortune. On either side of the temple gate are a pair of wooden couplets, but unfortunately only the top couplet remains, which reads "The temple gate faces the pond, and the morality and joy are the same as the Jingshan jade."

Climate and best time to travel

The subtropical mountain monsoon climate; Qiannuo Buddhist Temple is one of the largest Dai Theravada Buddhist temples in Yunnan, suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

---

Most Popular FAQs for Qiannuo Buddhist Temple

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Qiannuo Buddhist Temple is located in Qiannuo (迁糯) village, Yongping Town, Jinggu County, in Pu’er City Prefecture, Yunnan. The temple is a fine representative of the Dai ethnic group’s Theravada Buddhist heritage in this region and features a wooden assembly hall built in 1778 with rich decorative carvings on stone bases and wooden brackets. Additionally, the area of Jinggu County is known for its “Buddha‐Trails” (footprints, hand‐prints and other relics attributed to Buddha) and the temple is part of that religious landscape.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The temple is located at Dazhai Village, Qiannuo Township, Yongping Town, Jinggu County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, China. To reach it: you can drive or take a local vehicle from Pu’er city to Jinggu County, then onward toward Yongping and Qiannuo village (about 16-17 km south of Yongping). Local buses may be limited, so hiring a taxi or arranging transport from Jinggu is advisable.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Opening hours: According to Tripadvisor listing, the temple shows as open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Best times to visit: Avoid rainy season when mountain roads may become difficult; early morning visits are quieter and light is softer for photography.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

According to online travel guides, you can book “Qiannuo Temple” via Trip.com indicating there is a ticket. However, specific pricing is not prominently listed—expect a small fee payable onsite or via local booking. It’s safer to check at the local tourism office in Jinggu.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not strictly required. For convenience, especially during ethnic festivals or busy local holidays, you may reserve through local travel platforms a day ahead.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Allow about 1 hour to explore the main temple buildings and grounds; if combining with the sacred rock and village walk, 1.5-2 hours would be comfortable.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The wooden assembly hall built in 1778 with sweeping tiled roofs and ornate carvings.
• The large Buddha image inside the main hall.
• The stone base carvings around the hall depicting everyday scenes (e.g., farmer on water buffalo) which show local artistry.
• The sacred rock west of the village used in annual Dai ceremonies.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

No formal guided tour or audio guide is publicly noted for this temple. You may hire a local guide via Jinggu tourism services (likely in Chinese; English may be limited).

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The front façade of the assembly hall, showing the three-tiered roof and carved stone base—great for architecture shots.
• The interior with large Buddha statue and colorful banners/hanging cloths in the hall.
• The temple courtyard during early morning light or when monks are present.
• The sacred rock site outside the village during festival time—it offers atmospheric cultural scenes.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Enter the temple gate and first view the front façade and stone carvings around the base.
• Proceed into the main assembly hall to see the central Buddha statue and interior decorations.
• Walk around the courtyard and visit smaller side buildings (library, monks’ quarters) if open.
• After finishing inside, optionally walk or drive a short way to the sacred rock site for a brief visit and village viewpoint.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are not typical and the temple usually closes by evening. No regular light shows or special tours are noted.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The site is relatively quiet compared to major tourist temples. Weekdays are the least crowded. Festival days (e.g., Dai New Year period) may draw more visitors. Early morning is best for minimal crowds.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Basic facilities: there should be toilets near the temple entrance or within the village (though likely simple in standard).
• Food and drink: Small local eateries in the village or Yongping town—expect modest offerings.
• Rest areas: The temple courtyard offers shaded space; bring water and snacks as facilities may be minimal.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The temple ground is relatively flat, but roads to reach the village may be winding and not ideal for mobility-impaired visitors. Inside the hall there may be steps—elderly and children should take care. Disabled access is likely limited.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In remote village settings like Qiannuo, cash is still important. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) may be accepted in some cases, but don’t rely solely on cards. Bring some Chinese Yuan cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Local village eateries in Qiannuo and Yongping serve Dai ethnic cuisine, simple noodles, rice dishes, etc.
• In Yongping town you will find more varied dining options before or after your visit.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options: Simple stir-fried vegetables or tofu dishes may be available in local Dai restaurants. Halal options might be minimal in this remote village setting.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Accommodation in Jinggu County town is available (guesthouses, small hotels).
• For closer stay, local homestays in Yongping or nearby villages may be found—advance booking recommended.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The “Tree-Wrapped Pagoda / Pagoda-Wrapped Tree” site in Jinggu — a famous Dai Buddhist relic.
• Other temples in Yongping and Jinggu County (e.g., Mangdao Buddha Temple) which can be visited in the same day.
• The tea culture sites of Pu’er region—if you have additional time you could combine a tea‐mountain visit.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

In the village or Yongping town you might find small shops selling local ethnic crafts (woven cloth banners, Dai ornaments) and regional tea. Typical souvenirs: tea leaves from the region, ethnic woven items.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• You can return by car/taxi to Jinggu town then onward to other attractions or to Pu’er city.
• If self-driving, continue along the local mountain roads to visit other nearby Buddhist relic sites or tea‐cultural destinations.
• Local bus/travel service may connect back to Yongping or Jinggu, but schedule may be limited—plan accordingly.