The Pearl of Oriental Sculpture: 500 Lifelike Arhats and Zen Serenity at Qiongzhu Temple

A Zen Sanctuary on Yu'an Mountain

1.Located on: Yu'an Mountain (Jade Desk Mountain) in the northwestern suburbs of Kunming, Qiongzhu Temple (Bamboo Temple) is a secluded ancient Buddhist site that offers a stark contrast to the noise of the city. Unlike many bustling temples filled with thick incense smoke, Qiongzhu Temple is renowned for its quiet elegance and deep cultural heritage. Perched at an altitude of 2,100 meters, it is surrounded by lush forests and verdant bamboo, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for meditation and cultural exploration. It is celebrated not only as a key Buddhist site in Yunnan but also as the home of the "Pearl of Oriental Sculpture"—the famous 500 Arhats,,.

The Legend of the Bamboo Forest

The origin of the temple is wrapped in a mystical legend involving the Gao family brothers, who were rulers of the Dali Kingdom. It is said that while hunting on Yu'an Mountain, they chased a rhinoceros which suddenly disappeared. In their frustration, they thrust their bamboo walking sticks into the ground. By the next year, these sticks had miraculously taken root and grown into a lush bamboo forest. To commemorate this strange event, a temple was built on the site and named "Qiongzhu" (Bamboo) Temple. Historically, the temple was established during the Yuan Dynasty and became the first temple of the Zen Sect in Yunnan under the teachings of Master Xiong Bian. It was later rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties,,.

The Masterpiece of 500 Arhats

2.The true soul of Qiongzhu: Temple lies in its 500 Clay Arhats, created during the Qing Dynasty (Guangxu period) by the brilliant Sichuan folk sculptor Li Guangxiu and his apprentices. Unlike traditional Buddhist statues that often appear stiff and uniform, these Arhats are vibrantly lifelike and full of personality. They depict characters from all walks of life—scholars, vendors, scribes, and even figures that look "surprised" or "crazy." The sculptures capture a wide range of human emotions and postures, making the temple feel like a museum of daily life from a bygone era. This artistic achievement is considered a peak in the history of Chinese sculpture and is the temple's most significant cultural treasure,.

Architectural Grace and Ancient Relics

The temple complex follows a traditional layout, ascending the mountain in four courtyards. The main structures include the Daxiongbaodian (Great Hall), Tiantai Lai (Pavilion), and Huayange. The Great Hall enshrines the Three Buddhas and is flanked by the Tiantai Lai, where the Arhats are housed in three layers. The architecture features exquisite details like flying eaves and intricate Dougong brackets. Inside, visitors can also find a precious Yuan Dynasty tablet, a testament to the temple's long history. The Huayange, located behind the main hall, offers a clean and elegant space, perfect for admiring the surrounding mountain scenery and the quiet courtyard filled with ancient trees and flowers,.