introduce
Shibao Mountain is located in Jianchuan County in the north of Dali Prefecture. Because of its unique landform, there are many strange peaks and rocks, so it is named "Shibao". There are Baoxiang Temple, Jinding Temple, Haiyunju and other relics built in the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties on the mountain, as well as precious grottoes and cliff statues. The statues are exquisite and have Southwest characteristics, which are very worth seeing.
Various scenic spots in the scenic area are connected by roads, and there are paid interval buses in the scenic area. After entering from the gate of the scenic spot, walk about 200 meters. The stone steps on the left lead to Haiyunju, a Qingjing Buddhist temple. The murals in the main hall of Haiyunju are worth stopping and lingering.
About 1.5 kilometers ahead of Haiyunju, you will arrive at Baoxiang Temple. The temple was first built in the Yuan Dynasty. It is located on a towering and steep cliff. Hanging Temple". Continue to walk up the mountain from Baoxiang Temple, and you can reach the slightly defeated Jinding Temple in about half an hour. Both temples are ancient temples with a long history.
It is about 7 kilometers from Baoxiang Temple to Shizhong Temple where you can visit the grottoes, and you can walk to the end along the mountain road. The Shizhong Temple is small in size and is named after a huge cauliflower-shaped red sandstone in the courtyard that looks like an upside-down bell. The grotto is located on the hill behind the temple. The grottoes were created by the Bai people during the Nanzhao period. They are the largest and well-preserved grottoes in Yunnan. There are 16 caves in total and 139 relief statues in different shapes and lifelike. Among them, the statue of Ganlu Guanyin in Cave No. 7 is known as the "Oriental Venus". The "Ayangbai" Grottoes, which resemble female genitalia, amaze visitors even more. As for why reproductive worship is worshiped together with Buddhist statues, it is still a mystery.
At the end of the tour, you can go back the same way, or you can pass through the Lion Pass opposite Shizhong Temple, and then go down the mountain along the mountain trail to return to Shaxi Ancient Town, which is a little farther away.
The whole trip takes about 2-3 hours, and there is no need to stay on the mountain, as long as you bring a proper amount of drinking water. There are small restaurants serving meals near the parking lot next to Baoxiang Temple and Shizhong Temple. The price is not expensive, and you can take a rest here if you are tired from walking. If you can persist, it is recommended to return to Shaxi Ancient Town for board and lodging.
opening hours
09:00-17:00 throughout the year (stop ticket sales at 17:00, last admission at 17:00)
