Beiyue Temple ​- the oldest temple in Lijiang

​​​Last Update: 19th October 2020

Located at Jade Dragon Village, around 13 kilometers north of Lijiang, Beiyue Temple was originally built in 779. Although it is the most significant temple in Lijiang Region, not many tourists explore it. The temple lies at the southern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Sanduo God is worshiped in the temple. The god is regarded as the personification of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the greatest protection god for the Naxi People.

Beiyue TempleFast Facts

  • Chinese Name: Beiyuemiao (北岳庙)
  • Area: 2,329 square meters
  • Things to do th​ere: Photography, Architecture, Naxi Culture
  • Who visits: Photographers, Architects, Chinese Culture Lovers
  • Time required: 30 – 60 x minutes

Interested in visiting the Beiyue Temple on a Yunnan Tour?

Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Beiyue Temple, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.

What to expect at the Beiyue Temple

Covering an area of 2,329 square meters, Beiyue Temple is composed of the mountain gate, the main hall, the rear hall, wing-rooms, etc. The four Chinese characters of “恩溥三多” are carved on the horizontal inscribed board hung on the gate. The characters present the respect of locals to the Sanduo God.

Sanduo God is worshiped in the middle of the main hall. On the left of the statue is the statue of his first wife who was Tibetan. The statue of his second wife who was Bai ethnic minority stands on the right. The layout of the three statues symbolizes the close relationship between the Naxi, Tibetan and Bai people. On the left side of the hall stands the statue of General Keshi who was in the charge of Sanduo God. On the right side is the statue of a myrmidon of Sanduo God, named Abao Gaodi. You will also see an old sabina chinensis which is more than 1,000 years old in the temple. The tree is around 22 meters tall.

On the 8th of February in the Chinese lunar calendar, the Naxi people in the surrounding areas always gather in the temple to worship Sandou God with a whole sheep. That day, visitors can enjoy the unique and solemn related activities. It is said that Sanduo God was a sheep in the Chinese zodiac.

Best time to visit the Beiyue Temple

If you are interested to get much acquainted with the Naxi culture, it is suggested that you visit the temple on the Chinese lunar 8th of February.

The best months to visit are from April to October.

How to get to the Beiyue Temple

There is no direct bus to the Beiyue Temple from Lijiang. The only option is to rent a vehicle.

Additional Beiyue Temple Travel Advice

  • Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
  • As at 19th October 2020, the entrance pricing to the temple is 5 CNY per person. For the latest pricing information, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
  • Please keep quiet in the temple.

Interested in visiting the Beiyue Temple on a Tour?

Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including the Beiyue Temple, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.