Xishuangbanna's splendid octagonal pavilion: a hidden surprise in the village

Number of days: 15 days
Time: April
Average cost: 10,000 yuan
With whom：parents and children
Updated: 2021.05.20

Banna, at the end of April, was already experiencing the rush of tourists expected during the short holiday. The streets of Gaozhuang were filled with beautiful women, meticulously made up and dressed in gorgeous Dai costumes, waiting for their photos.

Seeking a quiet escape from the crowds and a glimpse of the "Octagonal Pavilion," I drove my family to Menghai, known as "China's No. 1 Pu'er County."

The Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion is located in Jingzhen Village, Menghai County, Banna. It is said to be a Dai Buddhist pavilion, modeled after the golden-threaded hat worn by Sakyamuni, blending Southeast Asian and ancient Chinese architectural styles.

Historically, it served as the meeting hall for the Jingzhen Tusi and a venue for religious ceremonies. Having undergone more than seven major renovations, it is now a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site.

Time has left its mark on the Octagonal Pavilion, imbuing it with a majestic and ancient beauty amidst its tranquility.

At the entrance, we encountered a spirited Dai grandmother, her handicrafts displayed nearby.

Ascending the steps, clay sculptures of clasped hands appeared on either side.

At the end of the steps was a platform, in the center of which stood the Jingzhen Central Buddhist Temple. In front of the main hall stood a golden pagoda, and to the east stood the renowned Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion.

Between the Jingzhen Buddhist Temple and the Octagonal Pavilion stood a towering, century-old Bodhi tree, its circumference so vast that it would take several people to wrap their arms around it.

The Octagonal Pavilion, standing 15.42 meters tall, consists of a base, a main body, and a stupa roof. The main body has eight large panels and 31 smaller panels, which intersect to form 32 corners. Each of the eight corners features carvings of golden roosters and phoenixes. The pavilion's roof is an octagonal double-eaved structure, with ten tiers at each corner. The "human"-shaped eaves gradually taper to form a tapered spire. The view is quite aesthetically pleasing. Beneath the lotus-shaped canopy stands a wind chime, which plays a melodious tune in the breeze. Departing from Jinghong, the journey to Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion happens to pass by the national treasure-level Manduan Buddhist Temple, also well worth a visit. I'll share my travelogue of Manduan Buddhist Temple in the next article. Tips: 1. I spent two weeks in Banna on this trip. Compared to the more popular attractions, this place and Manduan Buddhist Temple left the deepest impression on me. (The octagonal pavilion in Manting Park is modeled after the Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion. Interested friends can come to Jingzhen Village to see its real appearance.)

2. Route:

(1) Take a minibus from Jinghong Bus Station to Menghai County. After arriving in Menghai, transfer to a bus to Mengzhe.

(2) Self-driving (recommended).

If you depart from Jinghong and drive there, take National Highway 214 towards Menghai.

3. Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion does not charge admission and is not very large. One hour is enough for a visit. If you have a day, I recommend visiting "Dayi Tea House" (I will give you a travelogue later) to experience the culture of the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road - Manduan Buddhist Temple - Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion. They are all on the same line and relatively close to each other.

For lunch, you can choose to eat at Dayi Tea House or the main restaurant of "Three Kilometers Roasted Chicken," which Li Weijia recommended, on the way to Manduan Buddhist Temple. The prices are both quite reasonable.

4. When driving, all passengers must carry their IDs. There are border control points between towns in Xishuangbanna, where you'll need to scan your ID, inquire about your itinerary, and show your itinerary code. If you're going to Damenglong, you'll also need a pass obtained from the Jinghong Police Station...

5. If you plan to take photos, buy a set of Dai clothing in Jinghong in advance. In this setting, spontaneous movements are more beautiful than posed ones. Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion