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Mengwo Zongfo Temple, located in Jinggu County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, was built in 1644 during the Shunzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty. Its magnificent architecture is breathtaking, making it one of the largest and most influential temples in southern Yunnan. A former official Buddhist temple, it was built by Dao Hanchen, a local Dai official from Weiyuan in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. The temple encompasses a mountain gate, side gates, twin pagodas, a precept hall, a main hall, and monk quarters, covering an area of 3.335 hectares. The temple's two renowned pagodas, known for their age and rare "tree-encased pagodas" phenomenon, are known as the "Twin Wonders of China's Pagoda Forest."
The twin pagodas of Mengwozong Buddhist Temple are called "Meihewo Guangmeng" (meaning "tree-enclosed pagoda") and "Guangmenghewo Mei" (meaning "tower-enclosed tree") in Dai language, and are commonly known as "tree-enclosed pagoda and tower-enclosed tree." They flank the main hall, oriented north-south. The six-story tree-enclosed pagoda stands 10.74 meters tall, while the tree-enclosed tree stands 7.2 meters tall. Their upper portion is curved, and the pagoda tops have been replaced by large trees. The pagodas are decorated with relief carvings depicting Dai Buddhist stories and folk tales.
Subtropical mountain monsoon climate; suitable for travel in all four seasons.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
10 yuan/person
Open all day
Mengwo Zongfo Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Pu’er, Yunnan. It serves as a center for religious practice, cultural heritage, and local spiritual life, reflecting traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture and art.
The temple is located in Mengwo town, Pu’er. Visitors can reach it by taxi or local bus from Pu’er city center. Walking is suitable for exploring the temple complex itself.
Generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Morning visits are ideal for quieter experiences and better lighting for photography.
Entrance is typically free or has a nominal fee of around 10–20 CNY. Tickets, if required, are usually purchased onsite at the entrance.
Advance booking is generally not necessary unless visiting during a major festival or holiday.
Approximately 1–2 hours is sufficient to explore the main halls, courtyards, and surrounding gardens.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese. English tours are limited; self-guided exploration with informational boards is common.
Start at the main gate, visit the primary prayer halls, explore side courtyards, and end at any garden or elevated viewpoints for panoramic photos.
Night visits are not typically allowed. Special events may occur during Buddhist festivals.
The temple is usually quiet. Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded times.
Facilities include public restrooms, small resting areas, and limited shops selling religious items or refreshments.
Main areas are accessible, though some steps or uneven terrain may be challenging for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
Cash is commonly accepted. Some temple shops may also accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Small local restaurants and tea houses are available nearby, serving Yunnan cuisine and light snacks.
Vegetarian options are available. Vegan or Halal options may be limited, so advance inquiry is recommended.
Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and small inns can be found in Mengwo town or Pu’er city center, a short drive from the temple.
Souvenirs include Buddhist artifacts, prayer beads, incense, local handicrafts, and postcards.
Taxis or ride-hailing services are convenient to reach nearby attractions, hotels, or Pu’er city center. Private cars are recommended for more flexibility.
