Qiongzhu
Temple (Bamboo Temple)
 Bamboo
Temple (Qiongzhu Si), a Tang Dynasty temple
known for its Arhat statues, is arguably
the most famous of Kunming's temples. Arhats
are famous monks and "saints"
of Chinese Buddhism, usually displayed in
large groups of 500 or more. The Arhats
of the Bamboo Temple were made over a period
of seven years by a famous craftsman from
Sichuan called Li Guangxiu. His masterpieces
are extremely realistic and lifelike, even
if some of the statues are a bit surreal.
The temple is located on the
Yu'an Mountain, about 15 km from the center
of Kunming. On each side of the temple gate
stand four ancient Cypress trees, planted
during the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years
ago. Entering the temple, the first thing
visitors notice is the carefully designed
courtyard, spread over four layers, one
on top of another. The Main Hall contains
a trinity of enormous gilded Buddha statues
seated on lotus thrones.
Two hours should be sufficient
time to visit the temple.
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