Sheng'an Temple

What are the most recommended things to do in Sheng'an Temple?

Explore Sheng'an Temple’s traditional Buddhist architecture and tranquil courtyards.
Admire intricate carvings, statues, and murals inside the temple halls.
Participate in meditation sessions or observe local religious practices.
Walk around the temple gardens and take photographs of scenic spots.
Learn about the temple’s cultural and historical significance in Kunming.

Introducing Sheng'an Temple

The Sheng'an Temple is located in Gaoyao Village, at the foot of Kunming's West Mountain and on the shores of Dianchi Lake. During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, Yang Sheng'an's former residence, "Biyao Jingshe," was converted into a temple to commemorate him and enshrine his statue. This Chinese-style courtyard, with three courtyards and three halls, sits against the West Mountain and faces Dianchi Lake, surrounded by clear springs and lush flowers and trees, creating a tranquil and beautiful scene. Within the temple, towering ancient trees, majestic pavilions, and a tranquil sanctuary are all within reach. In the 28th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1689), Yunnan Governor Fan Chengxun renovated the temple. It was rebuilt in 1857, the 7th year of the Xianfeng Emperor's reign, and renamed the Sheng'an Temple. Among the numerous historical sites, Kunming's Yang Sheng'an Temple has endured for a long time, enjoyed widespread veneration, and held a significant influence.

Sheng'an Temple faces Dianchi Lake and backs onto Xishan Mountain. To its left is the former Mao Yu family residence (no longer inhabited), and to its right is Xu Xiake's ancestral hall. It's truly a place with mountains behind and water in front. The mountain is thick with trees and a refreshing breeze. The Kunming-Haikou highway passes directly in front. Climb the steps along the roadside and you'll find a memorial archway. Turn right after the archway to reach Sheng'an Temple.

The Sheng'an Temple is a complex of three halls and a courtyard, constructed in the single-eaved hip-and-gable style. Beyond the central hall (formerly the Heavenly King Hall), a screen wall opens onto a marble stele inscribed with Yang Sheng'an's poem "Twelve Scenes of Kunming." The courtyard features one hall and two side halls. The main hall, with its five bays, houses a bust of Sheng'an. Inside the hall and along its two wings, paintings and portraits depicting Sheng'an's life and work in Yunnan over thirty years are displayed. Visitors here can not only learn about the noble character of this top scholar, but also appreciate Yunnan's beautiful scenery and unique customs and people.