Nestled in a small valley on the southern side of Kunming's Yuantong Hill, Yuantong Temple (Yuántōng Sì, 圆通寺) is not only the largest Buddhist temple in Yunnan, but easily the most historically significant.

The temple was originally established some 1,200 years ago during China's Tang Dynasty , also the time of Yunnan's Nanzhao Kingdom (737-902), a confederation of largely Tibeto-Burmese tribes whose descendents make up many of Yunnan's present-day minority peoples. During subsequent dynasties—most significantly the Yuan, Ming and Qing—Yuantong was elaborated upon, with the temple as it stands today coming into shape by the late 17th century.

That, however, is not to say that Yuantong is frozen in time as a historical site alone. Today, Yuantong's importance as a living temple is underscored by the infusion of investments that are fueling a new round of expansion, much of it coming from Thailand to house a gift from the Thai king in the form of a large bronze statue of the Buddha.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Yuantong is the blend of elements from distinct realms of the Buddhist world. Tibetan, Han Chinese and Southeast Asian characteristics mix at Yuantong, and Buddhist pilgrims from throughout Asia come to Kunming to meditate and pray at Yuantong.

The layout and architecture of Yuantong are also unique. Yuantong's Main Hall stands in the midst of a large pool of water, linked to the rest of the temple complex by ornate bridges. An octagonal pavilion also rises above the goldfish-filled water, providing a wonderful shady space from which to watch the comings and goings of the devout and the curious.  

The Main Hall contains three major Yuan-era Buddha statues as well as 500 carved Arhats—holy personages who have attained enlightenment—and Ming-era pillars engraved with dragons in striking green and gold. 

The grounds of the temple complex are beautifully maintained, with gardens and shade-giving trees enhancing an atmosphere that somehow remains peaceful in essence even when thousands of pilgrims decend on Yuantong on festival days and on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, every month, when the temple opens early at 5am.

If you work up an appetite touring the temple, the Buddhist vegetarian restaurant across the street and to the south of the temple is excellent and affordable.

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