Xishuangbanna Grand Buddhist Temple

Xishuangbanna Grand Buddhist Temple

Xishuangbanna Grand Buddhist Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Xishuangbanna Grand Buddhist Temple, known in the Dai language as "Wabajie," is the pilgrimage center for Buddhist followers in Xishuangbanna. The temple is located at the southern end of the backyard of Manting Mansion in Jinghong City, within the same compound as the Buddhist Institute. The Grand Buddhist Temple

The Xishuangbanna Grand Buddhist Temple and the Buddhist Institute cover an area of more than 3,000 square meters, enclosed by walls to form a rectangular courtyard. The gate of the courtyard is on the northern side and connects to Manting Park. The current building area within the courtyard is approximately 1,100 square meters. The main structures include the main hall, known in the Dai language as "Weihan," the teaching building of the Buddhist Institute, monks' dormitories called "Hongnuan," and the unfinished "Bosu" (a lotus-top Buddhist pavilion). To the left of the current courtyard gate is a row of bungalows housing a large long drum known in the Dai language as "Guangbing." In front of the northern wall is an altar with several Buddha statues, and the walls are painted with murals depicting scenes from the Jataka tales. On the altar along the eastern wall stands a seven-armed Buddha statue, with dragon-like arms extending from the back and curving above the head. Incense sticks and candles are placed on the incense holder in front of the statue, and worshippers often come to pay their respects.

Before liberation, Xishuangbanna Grand Buddhist Temple was the sacred site where the highest rulers of the Xishuangbanna region, the Zhao Pianling (literally translated as the Lord of the Land or King of the Land), and local chieftains came to worship. It is also the highest-ranking temple among all temples in Xishuangbanna. Abbots from temples across the region often came here to pay homage and discuss scriptures, making it a revered pilgrimage site in the past. Today, Buddhist followers still regard it as the foremost temple and frequently come to worship, with an endless stream of devotees. Tourists visiting Xishuangbanna also often come to tour and pray here.

Time Needed

1–2 hours

Transportation

Take bus No. 3 within Jinghong City to Manting Park, and you will reach the temple.

Ticket Price

Free

Opening Hours

8:00-17:00

Location

Banji Road, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (southern side of the backyard of Manting Park)