Kunming
Golden Temple (Mingfeng Hill): free entry, hours and how to get there
A Taoist hall cast in bronze, first built in the early 1600s and rebuilt on this site in 1671, in the forest on Mingfeng Hill in northeast Kunming. Sources give about 200 to 250 tons of bronze. Locals come as much for the shady paths as for the temple. It suits a slow half day on foot.
- Entry
- Free
- Opening hours
- 07:30–18:00
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- How to book
- At the gate or online
Free since 1 October 2022; no booking needed.
Prices checked October 2026.
How to get there
- Bus 47, 71, 10 or 235 to Jindian (金殿), at the west main gate. A 2023 local guide lists bus 47 from the Dongfeng Square area and bus 71 from Kunming North Station.
- By taxi or DiDi, show the driver 金殿公园. Do not rely on the metro alone, since we could not confirm a walking route from the nearest Line 5 stations.
Before you go
- The usual loop starts at the north gate, goes through Taihe Palace to the bronze hall and bell tower, and leaves by the east gate. It is mostly steps and forest paths. Bus Z90 links the west gate to the north gate.
- The three-story bell tower behind the hall holds a Ming-dynasty bronze bell weighing about 14 tons.
- Entry is free and needs no booking now, though 2023 guides mention a real-name booking on Meituan. Carry your passport in case the rules change on the day.
- A 2023 guide lists last entry at 17:30, so an afternoon start leaves little time for the full loop.
Close by, same day
Going to several of these?
Tell us which sights and when. We’ll tell you what needs booking ahead and what’s worth skipping, and book the tickets that need a Chinese app.