Upper City Buddhist Temple

Introducing Upper City Buddhist Temple

Shangcheng Buddhist Temple, also known as "Jing'er" (Dragon City Buddhist Temple in the Dai language), is located on Jinshan Mountain in Nayun Town, Menglian County, Pu'er City. Nestled close to a cluster of dragon blood trees, it is a key component of the ancient Nayun Dai city. Legend has it that a stone cave within the temple connects to the Dragon Pond of the Nanlei River. Because dragons from the Dragon Pond often travel through this passage to the temple to listen to sermons and receive incense offerings, the temple earned the name "Longmian Temple."

Built in 1868, Shangcheng Buddhist Temple covers over 5,000 square meters and comprises a Buddhist hall, monks' quarters, a main gate, a corridor, a scripture pavilion, a gold pagoda, and a silver pagoda. The main building, the Buddhist hall, is a three-tiered, earthenware structure with a hip roof and a veranda. Fifty-six columns are arranged symmetrically in eight rows. Each column, beam, purlin, and purlin are decorated with gold-painted designs of flowers, animals, and figures. The roof is covered with small hanging tiles. A statue of Sakyamuni is located in the niche, surrounded by a variety of banners presented by believers. These banners depict Dai myths and legends, depicting scenes of daily life, and vividly depict Dai history, architecture, production, life, religion, and beliefs through traditional folk art forms such as paper-cutting, brocade weaving, and colorful painting.

Climate and best time to travel

The climate is tropical in southern China. The Buddhist temple has a high reputation. It was the exclusive Buddhist temple of the Tusi family during the Tusi period. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Upper City Buddhist Temple

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

The Upper City Buddhist Temple is among the Buddhist temples in Pu’er prefecture of Yunnan associated with the Dai ethnic group’s Theravada Buddhist tradition. Such temples serve as important cultural-religious centres for the Dai community, preserving architectural styles, ritual practice and ethnic heritage in southwestern China.

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

The temple is located in Pu’er City region, Yunnan Province, China. To get there you would typically travel by taxi or chartered car from the Pu’er city centre (or nearest bus station), since local public transport may be limited. Walking from the temple gate into its grounds is straightforward once you arrive, though access roads may be rural.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Opening hours: Often daily from approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (typical for regional temples).
• Best time to visit: Early morning when the light is soft and fewer visitors; avoid rainy season when access roads may be slippery.

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

There is no well-documented entrance fee available online. Many local temples in such rural settings have either free entry or a small donation fee payable onsite. Tickets likely purchase offline at the entrance.

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

No advance booking is required. Walk-in visits are typical and sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

About 30 minutes to 1 hour is usually sufficient to explore the temple hall, grounds and take photographs; allocate 1-2 hours if you combine with village walks or cultural interactions.

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

• The main Buddha hall with statues and ritual space.
• The roof and eave carvings typical of Dai architecture.
• The temple courtyard and any side shrines or monk quarters.
• The surrounding village area showing local life and ceremony.

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

There are no widely advertised guided tours or audio guides in foreign languages. If desired, you may hire a local guide via the regional tourism office who can provide commentary (likely in Chinese, possibly some English).

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Front façade of the temple showing the stylised roof lines and ornate eaves.
• Interior of the main hall with Buddha statues and ritual items.
• Courtyard at dawn or dusk for soft light and minimal shadows.
• Any vantage point showing the temple set against surrounding trees or hills for context.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Enter via the main gate, pause for a moment to view the façade and carvings.
• Proceed into the main hall, observe the statues and ritual setup.
• Walk around any side buildings or monk quarters if accessible.
• Exit via the courtyard and continue with a short walk into the adjacent village or grounds for broader perspective.

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

Night visits are generally not typical—temple hours finish in the late afternoon. There is no known regular light-show or special nighttime tour associated with this temple.

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

The temple is relatively quiet compared to major tourist destinations. The least crowded times are weekday mornings; weekends may have more local worshipers or visitors.

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

• Basic public toilets likely near the entrance or village area (rustic standard).
• Small local food or drink stalls in the surrounding village rather than within the temple complex.
• Shaded rest areas in the courtyard; bring your own water as facilities may be minimal.
• Souvenir or small craft stalls may be present in village vicinity.

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

The terrain is mostly flat inside the courtyard, making it accessible for children and many elderly visitors. However, paths leading to the temple may be uneven or rural, which could present challenges for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay / Alipay) are increasingly accepted in Yunnan, but in rural temple settings it's wise to carry some cash (Chinese Yuan) for small purchases or donations.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Small local restaurants and eateries serving ethnic cuisine are available in the nearby village or town area. Simple cafes or tea houses may be found near the temple entrance or along the access road.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options: Yes — temple-adjacent eateries may offer simple tofu, vegetable dishes, or rice/greens. Halal options: Less certain in this location; Islamic restaurants may be found in larger towns rather than right at the temple.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodations near the temple will likely consist of small local guesthouses or homestays in the village or town nearby. For higher-standard hotels, stay in the larger Pu’er area and travel out to make the temple a day trip.

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

• Local tea-plantation areas of Pu’er region — integrate a temple visit with tea-culture exploration.
• Other Dai Buddhist temples or pagodas in the region, giving a broader view of ethnic religious architecture.
• The surrounding village and rural scenery — perfect for a combined cultural and scenic excursion.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes — in the village near the temple you may find small shops selling local crafts, ethnic textiles, tea leaves from the Pu’er region, and religious souvenir items like prayer beads or small Buddha figurines.

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

• Taxi or hired car from the temple back to Pu’er city centre or to your next destination.
• Local bus service if available, though schedules may be limited — check in advance.
• Driving yourself or with a guide to combine other nearby points of interest in the same region.