Golden Temple Park
On the Mingfeng Mountain (鸣凤山), in the northern outskirts of Kunming, the Golden Temple Park or Jindian Park was the perfect spot to escape the busy city. We boarded the 1 yuan public bus. The traffic in Kunming is really (really) problematic. The 7 kilometres ride to the park entrance took about an hour.
After paying the 30 yuan admission, we walk up through a series of decorated Heavenly Gates which lead to the Kunming Golden Temple.
The Bronze Golden Temple
Made of 250 tons of bronze, originally supposed to be used to mint coins, the supposedly largest architecture of its kind in China was standing within a fort-like building. The beam, windows, curtains, bucket arches and the Taoist statues within were all made of bronze. The original temple was painted with gold powder and therefore was named the golden temple. Over time, the old temple's colour changed to a darker russet-brown. It has its glitter, but the temple remains an elegant and remarkable monument and the most active Taoism shrine in the city.
Bell Tower and City Views
On ahead, we explored the large Bell Tower which houses a giant copper bell. We climbed up to see back over the Kunming metropolis.
Peaceful Gardens
We kept venturing into the paths around the temple and the various gardens of the Golden Temple park and enjoyed numerous interesting natural sights. A small water garden with plenty of koi fishes waited to be feed. So we stuffed them with biscuits!
The park was peaceful and appreciated by the elderly. We met locals playing cards or mahjong (a tile-based game) in the shade of the trees.
Kunming Cuisine
Since last night, we were still looking for the Over the Bridge Rice Noodles. And still no luck. The famous Kunming dish was not easily available. We end up in a tiny restaurant and ordered some spicy beef and chicken noodles. It tasted delicious and only cost 27 Yuan (3 pounds). So far, our cheapest meal ever in China.
Journey to Lijiang
With a full stomach, we prepared for another night in a sleeper train. This time to Lijiang. We filled up our backpacks. We stocked up on water, snacks, and our own toilet paper (difficult to imagine that the first official toilet paper was introduced in China in 1391). The eye mask and earplugs were easy to reach. We were ready!
As we passed the security check, the security scan flagged our Swiss Army Knife. With the terrorist attack which occurred at the Kunming Railway Station in 2014, the security guard the guard wouldn't let it through. He confiscated our utility knife and dropped it in a metal box. That's was not the best way to end up your day! Luckily, we still have 2 they haven't found so far...
Visiting Golden Temple Park
- Admission: 30 yuan - great value for a peaceful escape from the city
- Located on Mingfeng Mountain (鸣凤山), 7km north of Kunming - take the 1 yuan public bus
- Allow 2-3 hours to explore the temple, bell tower, and gardens - best in the morning
- The Golden Temple is made of 250 tons of bronze - largest of its kind in China
- Important: Traffic in Kunming is terrible - 7km bus ride can take 1 hour
- Swiss Army knives are confiscated at train stations - pack them in checked luggage if traveling by air
- Over the Bridge Rice Noodles (过桥米线) can be hard to find - ask locals for recommendations
Note:
Pin These Moments
⛩️ Golden Temple
Exploring China's largest bronze temple, made from 250 tons of bronze on Mingfeng Mountain
🐟 Tranquil Gardens
Feeding koi fish and watching locals play mahjong in the peaceful gardens of Jindian Park
🔔 Bell Tower Views
Climbing the Bell Tower for panoramic views over the Kunming metropolis
Have you visited the Golden Temple in Kunming? What did you think of this magnificent bronze structure? Did you find the famous Over the Bridge Rice Noodles? Share your experiences!