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Evening

Golden Light at Qiongzhu Temple

Qiongzhu Temple is an amazing work of art hidden in a temple several kilometers up in the mountains encircling Kunming. For the most part, it is a normal temple, but in one room, there is a series of sculptures that is an incredible work of art. A mixture of life-like figures in totally fantastical positions (man whose eyebrows grow down to the floor, monks riding giant fish), this is some trippy artwork that is worth the trip.

Best time: 15 OctoberAbout 120 min

Timeline

  1. 17:02

    Qiongzhu Temple

    Arrive at Qiongzhu Temple well before the sun goes down. The temple is open from 08:30 to 17:00, so you will need to enter and explore the main area and the famous room with the fantastical sculptures while there is still daylight. Bus routes C61, C62 and C63 go there; bus C62 departs from a bus stop on Kunzhou Road just south of the West Bus Station, which is accessible via Metro Line 3. Check the route for the exact bus schedule.

  2. 18:02

    Qiongzhu Temple

    Find the specific room with the sculptures. This is the main draw: a mixture of life-like figures in totally fantastical positions. Take your time to absorb the trippy artwork before the light fades completely. The temple closes at 17:00, so ensure you are inside the main building area by then.

  3. 18:42

    Qiongzhu Temple

    Stay at the temple grounds or the immediate exit area to watch the sunset. On 15 October, the sun sets at 18:42, setting toward the W. The golden light starts about 18:12. Enjoy the final moments of daylight as the sun dips below the horizon.

  4. 19:42

    Head down the mountain for dinner and a drink after dark. Since there are no listed food or drink shops in the immediate context, check the route or local transport options from the temple to find a suitable place for an evening meal in the city below.

Local tip

The temple is located on the south side of Jiaoye Park. Ensure you arrive early enough to see the sculptures by daylight, as the temple closes at 17:00. The sunset viewing is from the temple vicinity or the mountain path.

Check before you go

  • Qiongzhu Temple opening hours are 08:30-17:00. You must enter and view the sculptures before 17:00.
  • Bus C62 departs from a bus stop on Kunzhou Road just south of the West Bus Station. Check the route for current schedules.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Kunming (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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