Yanquan Scenic Area gets its name from a spring located the territory, where spring water gushes out from under a rock. It was the temporary palace for Wu Sangui (1612-1678), a renowned general, and his mistress Chen Yuanyuan (1623-1695) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) when Wu Sangui received the title of “Pingxi King” by the emperor. Yanquan scenic area boasts various attractions including the Nine-Dragon Wall with carvings of nine dragons. Shuyu Spring-dubbed as “the First Spring in Yunnan”, and Wanfo Cliff, a precious place in Chinese . The Yanquan Buddhist Temple, is one of the area’s best features. The temple was originally erected in the Yuan Dynasty (1253-1368) by Master Chongzhao (1299-1364), the founder of Panlong Buddhist Temple in Jinning County, to promote Buddhism. Under the rocks in the luxuriant woods of the temple, the limpid spring water gushes out all the year round. As early as the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the spring enjoyed the reputation of “Yanquan Shu Yu”, meaning when the water flows among the rocks it sounds like jade. Yanquan Buddhist Temple has an upper and lower part. As its name indicates, the Lower Part is for the Buddhist shrines, while the Upper Part is for Taoist deities. Buddhism and Daoism are found to coexist in one temple, which turns out to be one of the eight famous sights in Yiliang County.

Travel tips

(1)-Yiliang County is 50 km from downtown Kunming Downtown. Yanquan Scenic Area is two km from Yiliang county seat.

(2)-Traffic: You can add Yanquan Scenic Attraction to your itinerary and check out Jiuxiang Cave or the Stone Forest. You also can take a bus ride to Yiliang in Kunming East Bus Station. A taxi available in the Yiliang county seat.

(3)-Nearby: Jiuxiang Cave, 40 km. The Stone Forest is 30km.

(4)-Accommodation: Hotels available in Yiliang county seat or major hotel or hostels in Kunming. Roast duck, fetta (goat cheese) and dried beef are common food options.