Generally speaking, there are three components to these type of edifices: temples, pagodas, and grottos. Buddhism made its way to China during the Eastern Han Dynasty just after 25 A.D and temples during that period had a decidedly Indian look to them. Gradually the Buddhist temples began to reflect a more traditional Chinese architectural approach, using a courtyard with a stupa as its focal point. Between 300 A.D. and 900 A.D. the temples grew in both size and embellishments and adopted the pavilion-like pagoda look that is ubiquitous in China. Pagodas are made of stone, wood or metal and have an odd number of layers, usually seven or nine.
Grottos are often built into cliffs and are adorned with painted sculptures, carvings and frescos.
There are so many temples and grottos in Yunnan even the most extensive list would be incomplete. Traveling within Yunnan you will come across a variety of Buddhist and Taoist temples in various conditions from ruins to recently rebuilt.
Golden Temple
Golden Temple is 7 miles northwest of Kunming on top of Phoenix Song Mountain. After passing through three heavenly gates one enters the final gate to find this wonderful Daoist Temple. In February the 600-year-old camellia tree comes into bloom enlightening the area with thousands of flowers.
Yuan Tong Temple
In the middle of Kunming on Yuantong Jie next to Kunming’s surprisingly pleasant Zoo sits this peaceful 14th century temple built during the Tang Dynasty. This Zen temple makes for a nice respite from all the usual chaos. Beautiful architecture and fish and turtle filled moats make this an enjoyable stop. The temple is particularly crowded during the Qingming Festival the first day and fifth day of each lunar month.
Dragons Gate Temple
Dragons Gate Temple sits at just over 8,200 feet above sea level in Kunming’s Western Hills. The grottoes, sculptures and pavilions that make up the temple were built between 1781 and 1835. Before reaching Dragons Gate you will pass by Huating Temple which is the largest Buddhist temple complex in Kunming built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 14th century. And Taihu Temple whose panoramic views and old camellia trees make it worth a visit.
Bamboo Temple (Qiongzhu Si)
It's 7.5 miles northwest of Kunming is endowed with wonderful art and architecture in a tree lined setting. Bamboo Temple lies on the northwestern outskirts of Kunming. Originally constructed in the Yuan Dynasty, it burned down and was rebuilt in the 15th century. In the late 1880’s a master Sichuan sculptor Li Guangxiu made 500 luohan ( life-size Buddha statues), which occupy the grounds. Definitely worth a visit.
Caoxi Temple
Just south of Annings Hot springs is the only Song Dynasty temple in Kunming. Dating back to the 13th century is the Fahu Temple Grotto built into the cliffs near Xiao Taohua Cun village three miles east of Anning.
Zhonghe Temple
Temples near Dali include Zhonghe Temple on Chang Han mountain is a good hike up the mountainside. All the way along you will have great views of the valley and Erhai Lake. A seven-mile trail through valleys streams and waterfalls will lead you to Gantong Temple.
Zhusheng Temple
 Locate 64 miles from Dali and 20 miles from the town of Binzhou on Ji Zu Mountain is the wondrous Zhusheng Temple. Near the temple are Huideng Temple and Jingding Temple. The Lingshanyihui Archgate Lengyan Tower, the Copper Buddha Hall, Jiaye Hall, Huideng Convent and Taizi Pavilion are all sites worth visiting on your way to Zhusheng Temple. You can enjoy fabulous views from the second floor of the Lengyan Tower of Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, and Yulong Mountain. There are mini-buses to the mountain from Binzhou. Once there you can climb to the top or take the cable car from Huideng Temple.
Make sure to visit the temples main halls and the depository of Buddhist scriptures. There is also an Arhat hall with 500 engravings on the walls.
Jade Summit Temple(Yufeng Si)
In Lijiang visit the Jade Summit Temple seven miles northwest of Lijiang. It is famous for its 20,000 blossoms camellia tree. Weng Feng Temple is 5.5 miles south of Lijiang at about 11,400 feet was built during the Qin Dynasty in 1733. It is filled with painting, roof murals and carvings depicting Buddhist and Tibetan religious symbols and mandalas. There is a sacred behind the temple.
Song Zan Lin Temple
In Shangri-la visit Song Zan Lin Temple the oldest Buddhist temple in Yunnan.
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