Do you remember the Menghuan Silver Pagoda I wrote about some time ago? At that time, I mentioned that aside from the Silver Pagoda, there is another must-visit attraction in Mangshi: the Golden Pagoda. Both pagodas stand at the peak of Leiyanrang Mountain, beside the Peacock Lake. The distance between the Golden and Silver pagodas is very close, just a few steps away. Despite their proximity, they are ticketed separately, so you would need to purchase two tickets if you wish to visit both. Compared to the Silver Pagoda, the Golden Pagoda is more famous and has a stronger commercial atmosphere. Today, I will take you to see the Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda. Isn’t it strange that the Silver Pagoda is simply called the Silver Pagoda, while the Golden Pagoda is called the Great Golden Pagoda? This is because, in Mangshi, there are many temples and pagodas, but the Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda is the most magnificent. It is located on the top of Leiyanrang Mountain, southeast of Mangshi, beside the Peacock Lake, and its dazzling and magnificent structure can be seen from the streets of Mangshi. Every night, the Great Golden Pagoda and the Silver Pagoda shine brightly, like two guiding lights visible from afar, indicating their location, with the calm Peacock Lake below, as still as a mirror. For the Dai people living here, the Great Golden Pagoda is their sacred place. Moreover, the Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda is also the first golden Buddhist pagoda in China and the first hollow Buddhist pagoda in Asia. Its architecture is rich in Dai ethnic style, which is why the movie ‘Monster Hunt 3’ came here for filming, and the grand Golden Pagoda in the movie is this very Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda. There is a local legend about the Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda: the protective deity of the Dai people is the Golden Rooster A Luan. Long ago, before the birth of Sakyamuni, he was reincarnated as the Golden Rooster A Luan and came to Leiyanrang Mountain to cultivate. The Golden Rooster A Luan crowed every day to call forth the light, which is why the city is also called ‘Menghuan’. Later, Buddhist disciples practiced here and built the great pagoda. Unfortunately, the original Leiyanrang Mountain pagoda was destroyed during the Anti-Japanese War in 1942, and the Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda in the city of Mangshi was also destroyed in 1966. The local authorities decided to combine the two pagodas and rebuild them, naming it the Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda. Therefore, the Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda we see today is not an ancient relic but was built in 2004 at a cost of 50 million yuan. Fortunately, the local authorities made an incredibly correct decision, resulting in the treasure that countless people come to visit today. Entering the Great Golden Pagoda, it gives a completely different feeling from the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda is so pure that one dares not approach it easily; the Golden Pagoda, from a distance, is dazzling and shines brightly. The momentum of the mountain gate is very strong, and as you walk up, you cannot take your eyes off it. On both sides of the steps are winding dragons, each with five heads. The gold seems embedded with gems, shining brightly. Next to the dragon god stands a row of statues of monks, holding golden bowls in their hands. The leading Buddha is also entirely golden, with a kind expression, as if listening to the sufferings of the world.
From a panoramic view, one can see a person prostrating themselves before the Buddha, creating a scene of great sanctity. Ascending the steps to the top, the five large characters spelling out ‘Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda’ gleam brightly. The mountain gate is intricately carved with peacocks, Buddhas, and religious instruments. While it is a religious structure, I find the Great Golden Pagoda more akin to an artwork. Passing through the gate, the main pagoda of Menghuan stands at an impressive 76 meters tall with a base diameter of 50 meters, shaped as an octagonal hollow Buddhist pagoda. It features four entrances, each accessible but requiring the removal of shoes. Under the azure sky, the golden decorations of the structure do not appear gaudy; instead, they exude an air of solemnity and reverence. The pagoda, with its white jade walls and side staircases, has four levels, all of which are hollow halls except for the top level which is closed off. The first level is the largest, spanning over 2000 square meters, with four large Buddha statues on the sides of a central pillar, representing Sakyamuni, Guanyin, Maitreya, and others. The second and third levels feature 16 exquisitely crafted small pagodas on the outer circumference, each housing a white marble Buddha statue. The outer circumference of the fourth level is adorned with eight small pagodas shaped like vases, making the overall appearance complex and detailed, warranting a slow and careful observation. Unbeknownst to many, the construction of the Great Golden Pagoda is extremely luxurious, with the top spire alone weighing 2.3 tons. In addition to the main pagoda, the other structures are equally aesthetically pleasing, complementing the main pagoda perfectly. There is also a reclining Buddha statue. With numerous angles for capturing photos, the style here differs from that of the Silver Pagoda. Of course, the Great Golden Pagoda also has a viewing platform offering a panoramic view of Mangshi city. I am particularly fond of this ‘Little Chiang Mai.’ If one is looking for a place in Yunnan that is free-spirited and not yet overly commercialized, I would highly recommend Mangshi. In front of the Great Golden Pagoda stands a Bodhi tree that may not look extraordinary but is actually a sacred Bodhi tree, a sapling of the Gaya Holy Tree where Buddha Sakyamuni attained Parinirvana. On October 25, 2005, three saplings symbolizing the friendship between China and Sri Lanka were gifted to Yunnan, one placed in the Xishuangbanna Great Buddha Temple, another in the Kunming Yuantong Temple, and the third planted in front of the Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda, making it quite precious. During my visit to the Great Golden Pagoda, I also witnessed the Peacock Dance, a national intangible cultural heritage of the Dai people. The dancers, dressed in peacock attire, resembled a flock of peacocks in full display, showcasing their beauty. Accompanied by enchanting music, the dancers moved with grace and elegance, perfectly capturing the essence of the peacock. Such vivid expressions can only be experienced in the land of peacocks. One cannot help but want to join them, imagining oneself as a peacock. Their dance is incredibly infectious. In conclusion, the Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda is truly worth a visit.
Regardless of the religious significance it holds, the Menghuan Great Golden Pagoda is a worthwhile visit as an architectural masterpiece. Travel guide address: 200 meters west of Xianchui Road, Mangshi, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture. Admission fee: 40 yuan. Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
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