My Personal Experience at Panlong Temple in Jinning – Must-Read Before You Go

### One-Day Travel Guide to Panlong Temple in Kunming's Jinning District This year, I visited Panlong Temple to pray and offer incense, but as a first-timer, I fell into a trap with pushy vendors at the entrance who aggressively sold unnecessary items for hundreds of yuan. Learn from my experience—ask clearly beforehand and only buy what you need. Just two bundles of incense and paper money cost around a few dozen yuan. Overall, Panlong Temple is great for devout visitors and photography enthusiasts. Below, I’ve summarized key details for your reference! **Temple Overview** Located on Panlong Mountain in Jinning District, about 40 km from downtown Kunming, Panlong Temple is one of the "Three Great Buddhist Holy Sites of Yunnan," alongside Western Hills and Jizu Mountain. Founded in the Yuan Dynasty (1347), it has survived earthquakes and wars, with most current structures restored in the 1980s. The temple houses precious relics, including inscriptions by Yuan Dynasty princes and Xu Xiake, as well as ancient trees, reflecting its deep cultural heritage. --- **Transportation Guide** - **Public Transit**: Take a minibus from Kunming East Station or Juhua Overpass toward Jiangchuan/Tonghai (fare: ¥15–20) and alight at "Jincheng Panlong Temple" station. - **Driving**: Navigate to "Panlong Temple" via Shankun Highway and Kunmo Expressway, then follow Jinbei Road and Zhuangqiao Road. Parking is available. --- **Ticket & Opening Hours** - **Ticket**: ¥8 (great value). - **Hours**: Opens at 7:00 AM; closes at dusk. Visit in the morning to avoid crowds. --- **Must-See Attractions** 1. **Four-Gate Spiritual Journey** - **First Gate "Southern Yunnan Sacred Realm" Archway**: Start your transcendent journey from Jincheng’s east gate. - **Second Gate "Mountain Gate"**: Pass the ruins of Xiangshan Academy, steeped in history. - **Third Gate "Heavenly Gate"**: Ascend three celestial gates past Yingshan Lake, overlooking vast pine forests. - **Fourth Gate "Buddha Gate"**: Arrive at the main temple entrance, blending Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian cultures. 2. **Camellia Hall & Ancient Trees** - **600-Year-Old Camellias**: Two Yuan Dynasty camellias, "Lion’s Head" and "Soft-Branched Pinecone," bloom spectacularly in winter—planted by founder Lianfeng, they’re the temple’s treasures. - **Medicine Buddha Hall & Guanyin Hall**: Popular for health and love prayers. The wish-covered "Marriage Tree" outside is famed for its efficacy. 3. **Seaview Tower Overlooking Dian Lake** Climb for panoramic lake views, especially stunning at sunset. --- **Unique Experiences** - **Temple Fairs**: If visiting during lunar July 17 or August 18 festivals, join grand pilgrimages and folk performances—Kunming’s liveliest religious events. - **Flower Appreciation**: Winter brings plum blossoms and camellias, perfect for photos amid incense smoke. --- **Food Recommendations** - **Jincheng Town Snacks**: Try Kunming’s famous Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles, Pot Rice Noodles, or Governor’s Shaomai (avg. ¥20/person). --- **Practical Tips** 1. **Attire**: Wear comfortable shoes for uphill walks. 2. **Etiquette**: Follow proper incense-burning order (ask vendors) and avoid touching relics. 3. **Timing**: Allocate 2–3 hours; half a day for deeper exploration. Panlong Temple merges nature, spirituality, and history. For just ¥8, embark on a soulful and visual retreat—whether praying or exploring, you’ll feel its mantra: "Enter four gates, leave worldly dust behind."