Walk up through the pine forest of Mingfeng Hill, on Kunming's northeastern edge, to the Golden Temple, a hall cast entirely in bronze for the Taoist god Zhenwu; first built in 1602 and recast in 1671, it is the largest bronze temple in China.
- Good for:
- History lovers, early risers, anyone curious about Chinese religion
Or stay in town at Zhenqing Temple, founded in the Yuan dynasty by Taoists from Wudang Mountain and now home to Kunming's Taoist association, and drink tea under the old trees in its courtyard. A guide who knows Taoist practice explains the deities, the incense and the basic ideas of the Tao as you go.
Etiquette and what to know
Dress modestly, step over thresholds rather than on them, and ask before photographing priests or worshippers. Burning incense is optional; ignore anyone selling expensive 'blessing' packages. The Golden Temple's camellia garden flowers roughly January to March.
