The Xishuangbanna General Buddhist Temple (西双版纳总佛寺, Zongfosi), known in Dai language as “Wabajie,” is the spiritual center for Buddhist followers in Xishuangbanna. Located in the southern section of the Manting Park administration area in Jinghong city, it shares its grounds with the Buddhist Academy. Visitors usually access the temple through Manting Park.
Covering an area of over 3,000 square meters, the temple complex is enclosed within a rectangular courtyard surrounded by walls, with the main entrance located on the northern side, connecting directly to Manting Park. The built-up area within the courtyard is approximately 1,100 square meters and includes several key structures: the main hall called “Weihan” in Dai, the Buddhist Academy’s teaching building, the monks’ quarters known as “Hongnuan,” and an unfinished “Posu” (a lotus-topped Buddha pavilion).
Upon entering the temple courtyard, visitors will notice a row of single-story buildings to the left of the main gate, where a large drum referred to as “Guangbing” in Dai is displayed. A worship altar is situated against the northern wall, adorned with several Buddha statues and wall paintings depicting scenes from the “Jataka Tales,” which recount the previous lives of Buddha. On the altar along the eastern wall, there is a unique seven-armed deity statue with dragon heads extending from the arms, curved over the figure’s head. This altar is regularly adorned with incense and candles offered by worshippers.
Historically, the Xishuangbanna General Buddhist Temple served as the sacred place of worship for the highest rulers of the Xishuangbanna region before the liberation of China. The local feudal lords, known as “Zhaopaneling” (translated as “land owners” or “land kings”), along with other chieftains, would come here to pay their respects to Buddha. This temple was the most prestigious among all Buddhist temples in the area, where the abbots from various temples would gather periodically to pay homage and discuss Buddhist teachings. It remains a site of profound historical and religious significance, reflecting the deep-rooted influence of Buddhism in the region.
Today, the Xishuangbanna General Buddhist Temple continues to be a prominent pilgrimage site and an important center for Buddhist activities, attracting visitors and devotees from all over. The ongoing presence of the Buddhist Academy within the temple grounds further reinforces its role as a key institution for Buddhist education and spiritual practice in Xishuangbanna.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0691-2160502 |
Location and Transportation
The Xishuangbanna General Buddhist Temple is located at 18 Baji Road, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, near the Mengle Dafo Temple. There are no nearby bus or subway stations. Most visitors choose to visit the temple after touring Manting Park.