Shibao Mountain (石宝山) is an important part of the Dali scenic area, known for its unique Danxia landform. The mountain features striking rock formations and unusual peaks, created by spheroidal weathering, which give Shibao Mountain its name. The area is lush with forests, adorned with charming temples, and offers stunning views, particularly famous for its stone carvings and cliff sculptures, which have drawn visitors throughout history.
The Shibao Mountain scenic area consists of three main parts: Haiyunju, Baoxiang Temple, and the most renowned Shizhongshan Grottoes. The grottoes are named after a large bell-shaped rock found on the mountainside. Each year, around late July in the lunar calendar, a grand traditional Bai folk song festival is held at Shibao Mountain, attracting large crowds and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Travel Information about Shibao Mountain
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 45 RMB (Shaxi Ancient Town is free to visit)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shibao Mountain is during the summer, when the environment is serene and comfortable. Additionally, the annual Bai traditional song festival held at the end of the lunar July is a highlight that should not be missed.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Shibao Mountain is located in Shaxi Township, about 25 km southwest of Jianchuan County, Dali Prefecture.
From Dali Ancient City: Take a tourist bus from the city bus station (Jianshe Road) to Jianchuan, and then transfer to a minibus to Shibao Mountain. The distance is about 20 km.
From Xiaguan: Take a bus to Jianchuan County, then transfer to a minibus to the scenic area.
Scenic Rating
- Cultural: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★
- Leisure: ★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Romance: ★★
- Adventure: ★★★
Highlights of Shibao Mountain
Baoxiang Temple
Baoxiang Temple is the largest temple on Shibao Mountain and is often referred to as the “Hanging Temple” of Yunnan. This ancient architectural complex includes Baoxiang Temple, Tongming Pavilion, Lingquan Nunnery, and Jinding Temple. These structures are dramatically built along a steep cliff, with beams embedded in the rock, creating an awe-inspiring sight. The area surrounding Baoxiang Temple is lush and beautiful, attracting wild monkey groups that frolic and thrive there. The famous Ming dynasty traveler Xu Xiake once visited this site and praised its splendor in his travel writings.
Every year, at the end of the lunar July, Shibao Mountain hosts a grand Bai traditional song festival. During the festival, Bai girls dress in their finest clothes and sing their melodious songs as they make their way to the event. Bai young men, with ornate dragon-headed sanxian (three-stringed instruments) slung across their chests, play lively tunes, creating a vibrant exchange of melodies and rhythms.
The song festival is not only a joyful celebration where the Bai people express their feelings and praise life, but it is also a vital platform for sharing and passing down the rich tradition of Bai folk poetry and art. It is through these gatherings that the Bai people’s vast poetic heritage has been preserved and passed down through generations, becoming a true artistic treasure of the Bai culture.
Shizhongshan Grottoes
The Shizhongshan Grottoes are the most famous attraction within the Shibao Mountain scenic area. These caves, carved during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods, represent a pinnacle of ethnic carving artistry in Yunnan. Their style is often compared to that of the Dunhuang and Longmen Grottoes, showcasing a unique cultural and artistic connection.
The grottoes were first excavated over 1,100 years ago. Today, there are 17 caves in total, with the largest and most intricately carved being the eight caves at Shizhong Temple, which stand out for their scale and superior craftsmanship.
Due to concerns over the preservation of the grottoes, the scenic area prohibits photography in front of the caves to avoid potential damage.
Haiyunju Temple
Haiyunju is the first Buddhist temple visitors encounter when entering the Shibao Mountain scenic area. Located at the foot of Shisan Mountain, on the left side of the mountain gate, the temple is nestled among ancient cypresses and pines, often enveloped in mist, creating a serene and picturesque environment. During the Qing Dynasty, Huang Yuanzhi, the assistant magistrate of Dali Prefecture, praised the temple with a couplet: “The sword lake mirrors the clear sky, while snowy mountains frame the landscape like a painted screen.”
Facing the northeast, Haiyunju enjoys a unique scenic location. It overlooks the tranquil Jian Lake and offers a distant view of Lijiang’s Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In front of the temple is a grand observation platform with stone tables and benches, shaded by ancient cypress trees. To the left are two stone-built monk tombs. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with the ancient trees and tombs, invites visitors to explore the historic and natural beauty of the area.
Shaxi Ancient Town
Shaxi is a serene and picturesque town nestled in a small valley surrounded by green mountains. Located just south of the main scenic area of Shibao Mountain, it offers a tranquil atmosphere that stands in contrast to the bustling tourism of places like Lijiang and Dali. Unlike these more crowded destinations, Shaxi retains its quiet charm, making it an ideal spot for travelers seeking an authentic ancient town experience. Although the number of tourists is relatively low, the town has developed good tourism facilities for visitors.
One of the most distinctive features of Shaxi is the ancient theater stage, located in the central eastern part of the building complex, dividing the historic Sifang Street into northern and southern sections. Opposite the stage is the Xingjiao Temple, built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. This temple has a three-courtyard layout, and its most significant cultural relics are several Buddhist murals that decorate the outer wall of the innermost courtyard. These murals are the highlights of the temple and draw those interested in religious and historical art.
Taizi Festival
The most significant festival in Shaxi Town is the Taizi Festival, held in the second month of the lunar calendar to commemorate the renunciation of Prince Siddhartha (the future Buddha, Shakyamuni). This grand event starts on the first day of the second lunar month and lasts for about half a month, with the main activities taking place in Sifang Street.
The festival reaches its peak on the eighth day of the second month, known as Taizi Tours the Four Gates. At noon, people form long processions, some wearing masks and others carrying offerings, singing and dancing as they follow the grand palanquin carrying the image of the prince. The procession moves through the four gates of the town, praying for good fortune, prosperity, and blessings for the year ahead.
Visitor Guide for Shibao Mountain
Accommodation Options at Shibao Mountain
Accommodation Options at Shibao Mountain and Shaxi Ancient Town
For those visiting Shibao Mountain, you can stay within the scenic area itself. The Shibao Mountain Hotel (石宝山 宾馆) is conveniently located near the entrance to the scenic area. It’s a two-story building offering over 20 guest rooms, providing a simple but comfortable place to rest after exploring the mountain.
Alternatively, Shaxi Ancient Town is an excellent choice for accommodation, offering a range of original inns and more modern hotels. Some notable options include:
- Yundu Shaxi Courtyard (剑川云渡沙溪别院): This tranquil inn is located in a peaceful courtyard within Shaxi Ancient Town. The historic architecture adds to its charm, with over a hundred years of history behind it. The courtyard is shaded by an ancient locust tree, silently witnessing the sunrise and sunset.
- Shaxi Chongyu Courtyard Inn (沙溪重遇庭院客栈): This inn is a traditional Bai-style residence with three buildings surrounding a wall, known as “Sanfang Yizhaobi.” It features one main building and two independent side rooms, offering a total of nine elegant guest rooms. The inn’s interior showcases a refined, classical atmosphere with its old wooden floors, wooden beds, and camphor wood storage boxes, creating a peaceful and stylish environment.
Local Food at Shibao Mountain
At Baoxiang Temple on Shibao Mountain, visitors can enjoy vegetarian dishes prepared according to the seasonal ingredients. The temple offers simple yet flavorful meals that reflect the temple’s peaceful atmosphere. Near the large parking lot by Baoxiang Temple, there are also small restaurants offering reasonably priced local meals.
In Shaxi Ancient Town, many inns serve food, offering guests a taste of the local cuisine. Shaxi is known for specialties like “Di Shen” (地参), a root plant typically served fried, and matsutake mushrooms (松茸), which are particularly abundant during the rainy season. These dishes provide a unique flavor of the region and are a must-try for visitors.