Shuanglang Ancient Town - Benzhu Temple

On a cloudy day, on the way to Shuanglang, a large group of red-billed gulls on the seashore became the highlight.

The scenery outside the Red Mountain Temple is super beautiful and a great place to take photos

The Hongshi Benzhu Temple is next to the East Ring Road. Some of the reefs here are sometimes half in the water and half exposed, which is very impressive and suitable for taking some emotional films.

The main temple is located in Shuanglang and can be seen from the outside.

Sadly, I didn't get to take a closer look.

I really like the local culture. Before going to Dali, I saw on Guxing that there would be a welcoming ceremony for the Benzhu in Shuanglang, Dali, on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. So I planned Shuanglang for the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. Upon arriving at the Benzhu Temple, I saw the very unique local Benzhu Festival. It seemed to me like the locals' Spring Festival Gala; everyone was grinning from ear to ear. "Love by the Erhai Lake" (http://www.mafengwo.cn/i/6632990.html)

Hongshan Benzhu Temple is the most culturally distinctive Benzhu Temple on the shores of Erhai Lake. It is located in the northern bay of Shuanglang Town, Dali City.

Benzhu worship is a unique religious practice among the Bai people in Dali. Benzhu is the patron saint of the village community, meaning "the benefactor of this region" or "the local master." Some also interpret it as "our master." Benzhu worship in Dali began during the Nanzhao Kingdom period of the Tang Dynasty and has developed to the present day, with almost every village inhabited by the Bai people having a Benzhu temple. The objects and content of Benzhu worship are extremely broad and complex, encompassing various deities such as gods and Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, the Dragon King, monarchs, generals, and heroes from folklore. Even large rocks, tree stumps, pigs, dogs, horses, and cows can serve as objects of Benzhu worship. This is why Dali folk say there are "Five Hundred God Kings." Some jokingly say, "The Dali Bai people have more Benzhu deities than the Greek gods."

In addition to the numerous deities, Dali's Benzhu festivals are also quite complex. Different places have different Benzhu festivals, such as the Benzhu's birthday. People usually worship their Benzhu at a fixed time and in a fixed way.

The Shuanglang Benzhu Temple enshrines Wang Sheng, Wang Le, and Wang Lekuan, three generations of Nanzhao military generals who defeated the Tang general Li Mi during the Tianbao period of the Tang Dynasty. After being enshrined as the Benzhu, they were given the title "Red Male Spirit, Mighty and Radiant Emperor." The temple's original construction date is unknown. The temple consists of a gatehouse and stage, east and west wings, a main hall, and an east side hall. Facing Erhai Lake and overlooking Cangshan Mountain, the scenery is breathtaking. The Hongshan Benzhu Festival takes place from the 14th to the 16th day of the fourth lunar month each year, when fishing boats gather and crowds of people flock.

The hotel I stayed in was nearby. The environment was average and close to the attractions.

The Hongshan Benzhu Temple is a scenic spot that I accidentally visited from Shuanglang.

Located on the banks of the picturesque Yangbi River, the Benzhu Temple was originally a religious site jointly established by the Bai and Yi people of Shiping and Xiangyang villages in Pingpo Town to worship the "Great King." Later, it became a temple dedicated to the Bai people of Shiping Village. It is a typical Benzhu temple dedicated to hero worship.

The Shiping Benzhu Temple Fair takes place on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month and the eighth day of the second lunar month. It's said that the fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of the Benzhu Lord, while the eighth day of the second lunar month is the birthday of the Benzhu Goddess, Miss Xiuhua. The eighth day of the second lunar month is the most lively. Every year on this day, not only do the Bai people of Shiping dress in their festive attire and gather at the Benzhu Temple, but Yi compatriots from Jijie, Longtan, Halazuo, Xiangyang, and other places near and far are also invited to perform. During the performance, young men and women, adorned in red and green, gather around a blazing bonfire, stomping to bold and unrestrained rhythms, dancing gracefully and singing joyfully. Legend has it that this activity originated when Miss Xiuhua, the Benzhu Goddess, was married to an Yi woman from Jijie, downstream of the Yangbi River. She was beautiful and dignified, but for some reason, she remained silent and unhappy all day. Then, on the eighth day of the second lunar month, she saw compatriots from her hometown, who had come to celebrate her birthday, playing gourd shengs and singing tunes. She started laughing and singing, appearing unusually cheerful and lively. The host was delighted to see her and said to her, "Since you like singing, invite them to sing and play with you every year." This became a custom, and every year on this day, the local people would invite their Yi brothers and sisters from all over the country to come and have fun together all night long.

On the left side of the way to Dajianpang Village, there is an old building that is easy to overlook if you don’t look carefully.

Located on the banks of the picturesque Yangbi River, the Benzhu Temple was originally a religious site jointly established by the Bai and Yi people of Shiping and Xiangyang villages in Pingpo Town to worship the "Great King." Later, it became a temple dedicated to the Bai people of Shiping Village. It is a typical Benzhu temple dedicated to hero worship.

Just take a look around, no need to go there specifically

Hongshan Benzhu Temple has a wide view. If the weather is good, you can see the beautiful Erhai Lake.

Nearly every village in Dali has a local temple, right by the highway. I didn't visit the one in Shuanglang, but instead went to one in Dali Ancient Town. The architecture is beautiful, full of Bai architectural features, including overhanging eaves, clay sculptures, wood carvings, colorful paintings, stone carvings, marble screens, and embossed blue bricks. When I went there, someone in the village was having a banquet to celebrate the completion of a new house, and I was able to enjoy the authentic Bai Eight Great Bowls, a delicious Bai dish.

You can spend 50 yuan to buy a ticket and take a boat to the island to have a look.

Shuanglang Benzhu Temple is very lively and close to Nanzhao Style Island.

Benzhu Temple is the place where the Bai people in Dali, Yunnan worship gods

It turns out that the temple I often passed by in Shuanglang is called Benzhu Temple. Forgive me for not recognizing it, because it is an inconspicuous little temple.

The Benzhu Temple is a unique religious activity site for the Bai people. The worship of Benzhu originated from primitive polytheism, hero worship, nature worship, and ancestor worship, but because its object of worship is both a god and a human, it is deeply rooted in the hearts of the Bai people and has flourished for a long time.

Every Bai village has a temple for its local deity. During the Spring Festival of 2013, we encountered local residents welcoming the local deity in Shuanglang. The sound of gongs and drums could be heard in the middle of the night. In the morning, the inn owner dressed up and went to participate. We also went to watch. It was very lively and quite unique.

I just want to say that the lake view opposite the main temple is quite nice... I didn't go into the main temple. There are many selfie sticks for sale here.

The main temple does not require tickets, and there are usually few tourists entering.

It is unique to the Bai ethnic group in Dali, and houses statues of prestigious people in the region.

Wandering around the alleys, I was drawn to the folk music and walked to the Shuanglang Benzhu Temple. There was a lively Guozhuang dance going on, which was particularly fitting given the setting. Behind the temple, there was also a crowd. I squeezed in and saw what looked like a gambling scene: giant dice dancing, surrounded by various patterns, and money placed everywhere. I didn't quite understand it, but it was a very local experience.

This is not recommended to visit. It is a very small and dilapidated temple, located in the northeast corner of the intersection leading to Shuanglang Beach.

The Benzhu Temple is the core of the Bai people's faith. Every Bai village has its own Benzhu, and one or several villages share a Benzhu Temple. The Benzhu and the Benzhu Temple occupy a vital position in the Bai people's spiritual world.

I passed by the door but didn't go in. I was a little scared. I saw many locals playing cards at the door.

The main temple consists of a gatehouse and stage, east and west wing rooms, a main hall, and an east side hall. It is located on the edge of Erhai Lake and overlooks Cangshan Mountain in the distance, with beautiful scenery.

Benzhu Temples are a cultural tradition in Dali. Any person or deity who has made contributions to the local community is worshipped. Each local Benzhu temple has a unique appearance. You can visit and see it for yourself.

At the entrance of Dajianpang Village, it feels like a landmark building. Minibuses pick up passengers in front of the big tree next to the temple. No tickets are required, and few people go in.

There are too many of these in Shuanglang. They are worshipped by local people for helping local people. They can also be other things, such as stones, animals, etc.

I just saw it when I passed by, I didn't go in, and I didn't see any tourists visiting. The location is easy to find, I don't know if it requires a ticket

Generally, every village in Dali has its own local leader, who may be a historical figure or an incarnation of a god. The local leaders of each village are different.

It is just next to Shuanglang Village. When we went there, we happened to send the host there. It felt very lively and we experienced the local ethnic culture.

There is no need for a ticket, and almost no one goes in. It looks very shabby, but there are still offerings and incense burning inside.

No tickets are required, and there are not many people inside, just local elderly people. It is located near the minibus drop-off point. It does look quite old and has a very local atmosphere.

The big green tree opposite and the main temple are both landmarks of the fishing village on the island, serving as a guide for first-time visitors.

There is nothing worth seeing at the place where people wait for the bus at the entrance of Dajianpang Village. I went in to kill time waiting for the bus.

The Bai people are a nation that worships their own gods. Almost every village has its own god, and each god is different. There are mythological figures, historical celebrities, and people who have made contributions to the villagers.

I went there in the morning, and the door was still ajar. No one stopped me from going in. It was beautifully built, but to outsiders who don't understand the local culture, it's just a temple.

When I went there during the Spring Festival, I happened to see the offering of the master. I was singing and dancing in the temple. I was really moved by the happiness of the encounter.

Bai villages all worship their own gods, who are not deified figures but real people. Villagers go to their gods' temples to pray for blessings for everything from career advancement to wealth, illness, and childbirth.

This seems to be the place where local people used to worship Erhai Lake, and most of the people who go there are local villagers.

Right at the entrance to Shuanglang Ancient Town, I imagine it must have been a prosperous place in the past. It is the best hope.

It is right next to the main road. At first I thought it was a place for village meetings. I just looked at it from a distance.

I passed by here several times and was deeply impressed. I felt indifferent and never stopped to appreciate it seriously.

I was surprised to see the name of this temple, so I looked it up on Baidu and found out there's a festival called Benzhu Festival. It's not a single day festival, but rather separate events. There wasn't much going on in the temple, but it was still worth a visit.

Benzhu Festival is a religious festival of the Bai people in Dali. Benzhu is a religious belief unique to the Bai people in Dali. The Benzhu of the Bai people in Dali means "the god of blessing in this area".

It is an ordinary house built on the roadside, with an ordinary gate and courtyard. It has no heavy elegance and no lingering smoke, but you still can't help but take a look.

In Dali, there's a festival called the Benzhu Festival. However, it's not celebrated on a single day, but rather spread out across different villages. One village celebrates it today, while the next village celebrates it over several days or even dozens of days. It's a unique festival, and there are many Benzhu temples.

This is a stage right next to the road. It's not a big place and there aren't many performances. Many old people are sitting in the corner, smoking their pipes, looking very leisurely.

You can read books and take pictures quietly

There will also be other tourists coming to visit, sit for a while, and take photos

The inns here are all open to the public and welcome travelers, but they must keep quiet and do not accept noisy people who like to play mahjong or cards.

It was the main festival when we went there, and the village was very lively. The local inn owner also warmly entertained us. It's a very nice place~~

This temple is still very popular in the local area. It has a typical Bai architectural style and the carvings inside are very exquisite.