Dali Wuwei Temple - the oldest temple in the Dali region
Last Update: 20th October 2020
Situated at the eastern hillside of Lan Peak of Cangshan Mountain, Dali Wuwei Temple was originally built in 793. It may be renovated in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Electric lamps are forbidden to be used in the temple. You will experience the true silence there. The temple is located around 9 kilometers northwest of Dali Old Town. Among the 22 emperors of Dali Kingdom (937 – 1094 and 1096 - 1253), 10 of them became monks in the temple. It is considered the royal temple of Dali Kingdom.
Interested in visiting Dali Wuwei Temple on a Yunnan Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Dali Wuwei 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 Dali Wuwei Temple
A 1000-years-old Cunninghamia konishii Hayata stands in front of Dali Wuwei Temple. It is more than 24 meters tall. Although the pith is hollow, it has grown upwards for hundreds of years.
It was said that Tang Monk let the Buddhist scriptures dry in the sun at one slope in the temple. The slope is called “Drying Buddhist Scriptures Slope”. In the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), the grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang (1328 - 1398) studied the scriptures in the temple and wrote down Wuweisi Note (无为寺记) which was carved in the Yu Qing (a kind of musical instrument in ancient China) stele. The sound made by knocking the stele is beautiful.
There is a unique spring behind the temple. It is said that in the period of Dali Kingdom, those suffering from pestilence became cured of after drinking the spring water boiled with leaves of Cunninghamia konishii Hayata. Close to the spring is a copper bell casted in the Ming Dynasty which is 1.2 meters tall. The diameter is 1 meter wide.
Walking along the road in the temple, you may encounter lovely squirrels. Every year, many domestic and foreign people will learn Kung Fu in the temple. The learners need to experience several types of examinations. Those who have passed all the examinations are qualified to learn Kung Fu.
Like many other temples, there are several halls to visit. Unlike other temples, Dali Wuwei Temple is much simpler with few paintings and decorations. The vegetarian lunch in the temple is delicious.
It was said that Tang Monk let the Buddhist scriptures dry in the sun at one slope in the temple. The slope is called “Drying Buddhist Scriptures Slope”. In the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), the grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang (1328 - 1398) studied the scriptures in the temple and wrote down Wuweisi Note (无为寺记) which was carved in the Yu Qing (a kind of musical instrument in ancient China) stele. The sound made by knocking the stele is beautiful.
There is a unique spring behind the temple. It is said that in the period of Dali Kingdom, those suffering from pestilence became cured of after drinking the spring water boiled with leaves of Cunninghamia konishii Hayata. Close to the spring is a copper bell casted in the Ming Dynasty which is 1.2 meters tall. The diameter is 1 meter wide.
Walking along the road in the temple, you may encounter lovely squirrels. Every year, many domestic and foreign people will learn Kung Fu in the temple. The learners need to experience several types of examinations. Those who have passed all the examinations are qualified to learn Kung Fu.
Like many other temples, there are several halls to visit. Unlike other temples, Dali Wuwei Temple is much simpler with few paintings and decorations. The vegetarian lunch in the temple is delicious.
Best time to visit Dali Wuwei Temple
The best time to visit Dali Wuwei Temple is in the morning.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
How to get to Dali Wuwei Temple
There is no direct bus from Dali to Wuwei Temple. The only option is to rent a vehicle.
Additional Dali Wuwei Temple Travel Advice
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
- As at 20th October 2020, the entrance pricing is free of charge.
- Please keep quiet in the temple.
- Please don’t take pictures of the Buddha in the hall.
- It is around 6 kilometers long from the foot of the peak to the temple.
- Please wear the sunscreen scream and sunglasses.
Interested in visiting Dali Wuwei Temple on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Dali Wuwei Temple, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.