The King of Camellias at the Foot of Snow Mountain: A Floral and Spiritual Journey to Yufeng Temple

A Gem Hidden in the Pine Forests

1.Located at the southern foot of the majestic: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 13 kilometers north of Lijiang Ancient Town in Baisha Township, lies the serene and historic Yufeng Temple. Surrounded by a lush ocean of ancient pine trees and devoid of the hustle and bustle of the city, this temple offers a tranquil gateway into the spiritual and natural heritage of Lijiang. Sitting at an altitude of 2,700 meters, Yufeng Temple is not just a place of worship but a witness to the harmonious integration of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi cultures. It is one of the famous "Thirteen Great Lamaseries" of Lijiang, built during the reign of the Mu chieftains in the Qing Dynasty (around 1700 AD), yet it houses a living treasure even older than its buildings: the legendary "King of Camellias",,,.

The Legend of the Ten Thousand Camellias

2.The true soul of Yufeng: Temple is the ancient Camellia Tree (Wan Duo Shan Cha) located in the northern courtyard. Planted during the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty (1465-1487), this tree is over 500 years old. It is a botanical miracle formed by grafting two different varieties—"Lion's Head" and "Early Peach Red"—onto a single trunk. Because of this unique union, the tree blooms with multi-colored flowers, creating a spectacular visual display. The branches have been carefully trained over centuries to intertwine and form a massive floral screen that covers the entire courtyard. From early February to mid-April, the tree bursts into life, producing over 20,000 flowers in nearly 20 batches. This phenomenon of "Ten Thousand Camellias" blooming against the backdrop of the snowy mountain is considered one of the "New Twelve Views" of Lijiang,.

Architectural Harmony

Unlike the grand and imposing structures of many Tibetan monasteries, Yufeng Temple is celebrated for its exquisite and compact layout. It perfectly blends the architectural styles of the Naxi courtyard homes, Han Chinese construction, and Tibetan religious aesthetics. The temple consists of three main courtyards, arranged symmetrically along a central axis. The main hall features a Han-style hip-and-gable roof (Xieshan), while the interior decorations reflect the rich colors and iconography of Tibetan Buddhism. The courtyards are paved with pebbles and planted with various flowers, creating a "garden temple" atmosphere that is rare on the plateau. Walking through the moon gates and corridors, visitors can feel the seamless fusion of diverse cultural influences that define this region,.

A Sanctuary of Nature and Spirit

3.The environment surrounding Yufeng: Temple is as captivating as the temple itself. The temple is embraced by a vast forest of Yunnan pines, which are known as the "Green Dragon of Jade Peak." A clear mountain spring flows through the temple grounds, feeding the "Nixi Water" pool, adding a soothing soundtrack of running water to the spiritual ambiance. From the temple's viewing platform, one can gaze out over the Lijiang dam (basin) and get a clear, unobstructed view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The contrast between the red walls of the temple, the green pine forests, and the white snow peaks creates a painting-like scenery that changes with the light of day. It is a place where nature and religion coexist in perfect harmony, offering visitors a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of life,.