Menglian Golden Tower

Menglian Golden Tower

Menglian Golden Tower is a cultural tourism attraction.

Menglian Golden Tower

Menglian Golden Tower The Menglian Golden Tower is located on the picturesque Nanlei River. It consists of eight smaller towers encircling a central main tower, which stands 31.68 meters tall. Each tower is adorned with wind chimes that produce crisp, tinkling sounds when the wind blows, creating a uniquely serene Buddhist atmosphere. The Dai people believe these are heavenly Sanskrit sounds. The Golden Tower faces the entrance hall of the Menglian Tusi Mansion from afar and symbolizes unity and progress among the various ethnic groups in Menglian. Legend has it that the origin of the Menglian Golden Tower is closely related to the Tusi Mansion. Known as "Hao Han" in the Dai language, meaning "Golden Palace," the Tusi Mansion was considered so magnificent that people felt a tower should be built to complement its splendor. Once erected, the Golden Tower and the "Golden Palace" formed a perfect, harmonious pair.

The Golden Tower was built relatively late (in April 1997), so some of its finer architectural elements show influences from Han Chinese culture, as reflected in the following: First, the dragons around the tower follow Han Chinese designs. Second, dragons are accompanied by cranes, symbols of good fortune. While immortals riding cranes are common in Chinese Taoism, the appearance of cranes at the Menglian Golden Tower is somewhat unusual—traditionally, the Dai people revere the peacock as their auspicious bird, based on their customs and regional characteristics. Third, inside the entrance to the tower’s crypt, a statue of Maitreya Buddha is enshrined. As the future Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism’s Three Ages of the Dharma, Maitreya is part of the Mahayana tradition. The presence of this deity suggests that Theravāda Buddhism incorporated certain concepts from Mahayana Buddhism through interaction. Fourth, the crypt’s surrounding murals depict scenes from *Journey to the West*. As a quintessential piece of Chinese culture, the novel features numerous Buddhist figures also found in Buddhism, but the inclusion of characters like the monk Tang Sanzang and his disciples in the murals is undoubtedly influenced by modern media and popular tastes.　

The most prominent structures among the Menglian Golden Tower’s auxiliary buildings are four square pavilions surrounding the base of the tower. In the Dai language, these are called “Chī ō lā,” meaning “pavilions that show the way,” intended to guide people. The four pavilions are placed in the four cardinal directions—east, south, west, and north—and each enshrines one of the Four Heavenly Kings: the Southern Virūḍhaka, who governs the wind; the Eastern Dhṛtarāṣṭra, who governs music; the Northern Vaiśravaṇa, who governs rain; and the Western Virūpākṣa, who governs sight. Together, the Four Heavenly Kings protect the four worldly realms, symbolizing “favorable weather,” which implies “bumper harvests” and “peace under heaven.”

The Menglian Golden Tower is “solid outside but hollow inside,” and only men are allowed to enter the crypt. Outside the tower, you can see several monks sitting cross-legged—they are there specifically to tie blessing threads for visitors. It is said that having such a thread tied can prevent illness, ensure smooth sailing in life, and bring safety and peace.

Address: Near Binhe East Road, Menglian Dai, Lahu and Va Autonomous County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province