Shangcheng Buddhist Temple

Shangcheng Buddhist Temple

Shangcheng Buddhist Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

Shangcheng Buddhist Temple

Shangcheng Buddhist Temple, also known as Jing'er (a Dai language term meaning "Buddhist Temple of the Dragon City"), is located in Menglian Town, Menglian County, Yunnan Province. Situated on Golden Mountain and adjacent to a cluster of Dracaena trees, it is an important part of the ancient Dai town of Naxi. Legend has it that there is a cave in the temple connected to the Dragon Pool of the Nanlei River. It is said that the dragon in the pool often travels through this passage to the temple to listen to sermons, receive incense offerings, and thus the temple is also called "Longmian Temple" (Dragon Temple). The temple enjoys a high reputation as it was the exclusive temple for the chieftain’s family during the chieftain period. Visiting eminent monks from both China and abroad would usually stay here when they came to Menglian. Today, it serves as a place for Theravada Buddhist followers to conduct religious activities. It is also a center for spreading Dai culture, art, customs, and traditions, as well as an important venue for collecting and displaying Dai cultural classics, folk art, and architectural styles.

Built in 1868, Shangcheng Buddhist Temple covers an area of over 5,000 square meters and consists of the main hall, monks’ quarters, the main gate, corridors, scripture pavilion, golden stupa, and silver stupa. The main structure, the main hall, features a hip-and-gable roof with triple eaves and an outer corridor, constructed with earth and timber. It has 56 round columns symmetrically arranged in eight rows. The columns, beams, rafters, and eaves are adorned with gold-leaf patterns of various flowers, animals, and figures. The roof is covered with small hanging tiles. The shrine enshrines a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, surrounded by various kinds of banners offered by devotees. These banners depict Dai myths and legends, life scenes, and vividly illustrate the history, architecture, production, daily life, religion, and beliefs of the Dai people through folk art forms such as paper-cutting, brocade weaving, and painting.

Address: Golden Mountain, Naxi Town, Menglian County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province

Type: Historic Site & Temple

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

Ticket Information:

Free admission.