The Zenith of Chan Buddhism: Pagoda Forests, Royal Retreats, and "Living Water" at Xiangyun Shuimu Mountain

1.The First: Mountain of Yunnan Chan Buddhism

2.Located in Xiangyun: County, about 20 kilometers from the county seat and part of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Shuimu Mountain (Shuimushan) is a sacred site where Buddhist culture and natural tranquility have intertwined for over a millennium. Known as the "First Mountain of Yunnan Chan Buddhism," it serves as a spiritual sanctuary far removed from the bustle of the main tourist trails of Dali Ancient Town. With a core scenic area covering 28 square kilometers and a peak altitude of 2,627 meters, the mountain is renowned for its dense ancient forests, grand temple complexes, and one of the largest pagoda forests in southern China. It stands as a testament to the region's rich religious history, holding the prestigious title of a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a National 4A Tourist Attraction, offering a journey into the "Zen silence" of the classics,.

A Legend of "Dry Wood and Living Water"

3.The history of Shuimu: Mountain dates back to the Tang Dynasty (813 AD). It was founded by Puji Qingguang, a monk who traveled from the Central Plains to spread Buddhism in Yunnan. The mountain's name, "Shuimu" (Water Eye/Wood), is derived from a mystical legend. It is said that when Puji Qingguang arrived, the land was dry. He struck the ground with his monk's staff, and clear spring water miraculously gushed forth from the dry wood, a phenomenon known as "dried wood becoming a spring." This spring became the lifeline of the temple and is still celebrated today as a symbol of the mountain's spiritual potency,.

The Royal Retreat of the Dali Kingdom

4.During the Dali: Kingdom period (937–1253 AD), Shuimu Mountain reached its zenith. It was revered as a royal temple, and historical records indicate that nine kings of the Dali Kingdom abdicated their thrones to become monks here, seeking spiritual enlightenment. This royal patronage transformed the mountain into a center for Buddhism in Southwest China. At its peak, the mountain housed thousands of monks and boasted a grandeur that rivaled the famous temples of the Central Plains. The deep connection between the royal family and the monastery added a layer of nobility and historical weight to the site, traces of which can still be felt in the ancient architecture and the solemn atmosphere,.

5.The Architectural Marvel: Temple within a Temple

One of the most unique architectural features of Shuimu Mountain is the layout of Shuimu Temple. It follows the rigid style of Tang and Song dynasty monasteries but contains a rare curiosity known as the "Sangha Hall inside the Temple" (Temple within a Temple). Built during the Dali Kingdom era and renovated in the Ming and Qing dynasties, this structure essentially places a temple hall inside the main hall of the larger complex. It is a rare example of "hiding a temple within a temple," showcasing a distinct architectural ingenuity that reflects the fusion of local and Central Plains styles,.

The North Potala Pagoda Forest

The crowning jewel of the mountain's cultural heritage is the Pagoda Forest, centered around the North Potala Pagoda. This extensive collection of stupas is one of the largest and most well-preserved in southern China. The forest contains over 60 pagodas of various sizes and styles, dating from the Dali Kingdom to the Ming and Qing dynasties. These pagodas serve as the final resting places for eminent monks throughout history. Walking among these silent stone structures, surrounded by ancient cypress trees and lush vegetation, visitors can sense the profound history and the peaceful continuity of life and death that defines this sacred space,.