Why is Dai Luoding special?
Located at Taihuai Town, Dai Luoding is a small mountain peak with a temple constructed on the summit. The temple is therefore called Dai Luoding Temple. It's where the ancient emperors made the prayer to Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom.
Dai Luoding Highlights
Dai Luoding means Dark Green Snail Peak in Chinese. The peak is in the shape of a huge snail and with mist wreathed the hilltop all the time. Meanwhile, it has the gate and archway among the verdant trees and green grass, which creates a magnificent natural view.
Dai Luoding Temple was first constructed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and being rebuilt for several times afterwards. Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799) of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) once made it his goal to worship the Manjusri at Dai Luoding Temple but finally failed due to the strong snow storm. The temple stands at the height of a 130-story building. It is a temple that assembles Buddhas from all five peaks, so he could simulate the experience by trekking up the 1,080 steps.
Dai Luoding Temple
Covering a land area of 3000 square meters, Dai Luoding Temple is not big temple. However, for tourists who want to visit all Manjusri Bodhisattva's statues in the five temples but cannot for time constraints or other reasons, Dai Luoding Temple is a wonderful place to visit, because Wufang Manjusri Palace (Palace of Manjusri Bodhisattvas from five directions) houses statues resembling the five Manjusri Bodhisattvas of each terrace. It is located to the east of the temple group in the center of Taihuai Town. 1,080 steps lead to the top of the snail-shaped peak and a cable car is also available for convenience.