Around Kunming: Yuantong Temple - 圆通寺

The Main Hall Inside the Temple Grounds

    
     Yesterday, in order to kill some time before we could pick up our residence permit and family visas, we braved the 5 minute walk up the street to the Yuan Tong Temple (圆通寺) which is a Buddhist temple smack in the middle of the city.  For the bargain price of 6元 per adult (kids under 120cm are free) we got our tickets and started our first tourist-y adventure.

One of the Stairways Leading Down to the Temple Grounds

Inside the Main Part of the Temple Grounds.

     The temple was built in the late 8th and early 9th century during the Tang Dynasty (唐朝) and was later expanded during the 15th and 17th centuries.  It is especially famous for holding a tooth of the Buddha for a while back in 1956.

This Part of the Temple Sits in the Middle of the Grounds
Surrounded by Water

This is an Area Where Visitors Can Burn Candles and Incense
Sticks and Say Prayers.  For the Longest Time, I Thought the
Vendors Outside were Selling Fireworks.  Turns Out They are
Actually Various Sizes and Varieties of Incense.

     Despite all of the old stone stairs, maneuvering a stroller through it was remarkably manageable.  Parts of it are currently being renovated, but the main halls with all of their beautiful and elaborate statues and carvings are all still accessible.  At times, it was hard to believe we were in the middle of a city.  Additionally, this seems to be the turtle capital of Kunming.  I'm not sure if the water in the pools was green due to algae or just the sheer number of turtles living there.  Enjoy the pictures!

This is a Pool Where You Can Set Fish Free.

Every Now and Again, You Can Catch a Glimpse of a Skyscraper Outside.

Golden Buddha Statues Like This One are Found Throughout the Temple

One of the Statues in the Center Shrine

Every Inch of the Temple is Covered in This Kind of Detail



In the Main Hall, There are Two Pillars with
These Carved Dragons on Them.  Local Legend
Says These Dragons Live in the Two Caves Behind
The Temple.

So that's our first big adventure in the city of Kunming.  More to follow!  再见！