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Huideng Nunnery is located at the foot of the East Hill of Tianzhu Peak (or Chaping Peak), with its back against the Jiaye Hall and the path leading to Tianzhu Peak in front. According to historical records, in 1605 (the Yisi year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty), the monk Hongping built a thatched hut here and lived there. In 1634 (the Jiaxu year of the Chongzhen reign), Hongping's disciple Puxian raised funds to expand Huideng Nunnery. In 1692 (the Renshen year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty), the monk Zonghai raised funds again to rebuild it.
Since ancient times, Huideng Temple has been a must-see temple on the main route to Tianzhu Peak. In the first month of 1639, the great traveler Xu Xiake, after touring Jizu Mountain, mentioned the "Huideng Temple" and "Huideng Avenue" in his "Yunnan Travel Diary," referring to Huideng Avenue leading to the summit of Tianzhu Peak as the "main path." At the time, Huideng Temple was a place where pilgrims would burn incense, rest, and enjoy tea before ascending to the Golden Summit. Historically, Huideng Temple's vegetarian cuisine was renowned.
Huideng Temple is surrounded by lush ancient trees. Birdsong fills the air year-round, echoing the ancient poem, "The mountain becomes more secluded when birds sing." Behind the temple stands an ancient camellia tree known as "Nine Hearts and Eighteen Petals." It is over 240 years old. Its ten-petaled flowers resemble a lion's head and bloom around the Spring Festival. From the front of the temple, one can gaze up at the majestic Lengga Pagoda of the Jinding Temple, towering into the sky from the summit of Tianzhu Peak.
It has a low-latitude plateau monsoon climate; Huideng Temple is backed by Tianzhu Peak and faces Chongyue, with a broad view. It is the starting point for climbing the Golden Summit and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Main Hall, Zen Hall, Guest Hall, Mountain Gate, etc.;
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
55 yuan/person (included in the ticket for Jizu Mountain Scenic Area)
08:00-18:00
Huideng Temple, located in Dali, Yunnan, is a significant Buddhist site with a rich history dating back to ancient times. It is known for its spiritual importance and beautiful architecture, attracting visitors who seek both cultural enrichment and a peaceful environment for meditation and prayer.
Huideng Temple is located in the scenic Dali area of Yunnan, near the base of the Cangshan Mountains. You can get there by taxi or private car from Dali city center. Public transportation options may also be available, but a taxi or car is the most convenient way to reach the temple.
Huideng Temple is open daily from early morning until late afternoon. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the temple in a peaceful setting, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light is perfect for photography.
The entrance fee to Huideng Temple is typically low or free, though donations are encouraged. Some special services, like guided tours or temple ceremonies, may have a fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and no advance booking is necessary.
There is no need to book tickets in advance for general entry. However, if you plan to participate in special tours or events, it’s recommended to book a day or two ahead.
It typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore Huideng Temple, depending on your pace. If you want to take in the surroundings and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, you may spend longer.
Guided tours are available, typically in Chinese. Some guides may speak English, though it’s best to confirm in advance if you require an English-speaking guide. Audio guides are not typically provided, but local guides are available for a more enriching experience.
Start by entering through the main gate and explore the courtyards and gardens. Next, visit the prayer hall and the surrounding smaller shrines. If you have time, take a walk around the temple grounds to enjoy the natural beauty.
Night visits are not typically offered at Huideng Temple. There are no light shows, but the temple provides a serene atmosphere at dusk. Special tours may be available during religious festivals or specific events.
The temple is generally less crowded on weekdays and early in the morning. Weekends and public holidays can be more crowded, so it’s best to visit during the week and avoid major Chinese holidays for a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities are available, including public toilets and water stations. There are no large shops or restaurants on-site, but there are small vendors selling snacks and drinks near the temple entrance. For full meals, you will need to visit nearby areas in Dali.
The temple is accessible for most visitors, though there may be some uneven paths and steps that could be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the open spaces, though they should be supervised in the more spiritual areas of the temple.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in the area. Some smaller vendors may only accept cash.
There are a few local restaurants near the temple offering traditional Yunnan dishes. For a wider variety of food options, you can head to Dali city, which is about 20 minutes away by car.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants, and some places may offer vegan-friendly dishes. Halal food options are limited in this area, and it’s recommended to check in advance or visit larger cities like Dali for more variety.
There are small souvenir shops near the temple selling traditional items like Buddhist statues, incense, local crafts, and Yunnan-style textiles. Popular souvenirs include handmade jewelry and locally produced teas.
