About this place

With a history of more than 1200 years, Yuantong Temple (Yuantong Si) is one of Kunming’s most active Buddhist temples. Many people gather here to participate in Buddhist ceremonies on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, as it is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the Kunming area. At least part of the historical importance of the temple stems from briefly housing a tooth of the Buddha in 1956.

Yuantong Temple displays typical Chinese Buddhist architecture, but contrary to most Chinese Buddhist temples the halls are visited in order on a downward slope.

There are vegetarian restaurants both on the premises and across the street.

How to get there:  Yuantong Temple is located on Yuantong Jie near the Kunming Zoo.  Bus 101 can take you to the temple from the train station.  Otherwise, take a taxi for around 10 RMB.

Find it on the map

Take bus 4 or 59 to get there.