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Dai craftmanship: Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion

Xishuangbanna is a whole different side of China. It is in between China and Southeast Asia: Thailand and Laos. Weather is tropical, and the majority of people are Dai nationality. They even use different language: Dai. I traveled in Xishuangbanna twice, on my way to and back from Laos. The second time, I’ve decided to explore different parts of Xishugnabanna. From Jinghong, you can choose few different day trips to another region. I moved to Menghai for a couple days and went further.

The Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion 八角亭 is situated on a hill in Jingzhen Village, in the county of Menghai, Yunnan Province, which is about 87 kilometers (54 miles) away from the city of Jinghong. It represents the superb craftsmanship of the Dai Minority in both construction and decoration. It is first built in 1701. The original structure was damaged during the Cultural Revolution but renovated in 1978 and the ornate decoration is still impressive. The paintings on the wall of the Manlei Buddhist Temple are scenes from Jataka, the life history of Buddha.

If you go: Catch a bus to Mengzhe 猛遮 and ask the driver to let you know when you have to get off. They’ll understand.

Entrance Fee: 20 CNY

 

Praying Monk statue at Octagonal Pavilion
Praying Monk statue at Octagonal Pavilion
Octagonal Pavilion in Jingzhen, China
Octagonal Pavilion in Jingzhen, China
Octagonal Pavilion in Detail
Octagonal Pavilion in Detail
Octagonal Pavilion in Jingzhen Village, in the county of Menghai, Yunnan Province
Octagonal Pavilion in Jingzhen Village – beautiful craftsmanship
Roof of the temple next to Octagonal Pavilion
Roof of Manlei Temple
Temple next to Octagonal Pavilion
Buddha painting on the wall of Manlei Temple
From Octagonal Pavilion Temple
From Manlei Temple
Monk's Robe at the temple
Monk’s Robe at Manlei Temple
Wall painting at the temple-Jataka, the life history of Buddha
Wall painting at the Manlei temple – Jataka, the life history of Buddha
Wall painting at the temple next to Octagonal Pavilion
Wall painting at the Manlei temple – Jataka, the life history of Buddha
Wall painting at the temple next to Octagonal Pavilion
Wall painting at the Manlei temple – Jataka, the life history of Buddha
Temple next to Octagonal Pavilion
Architecture of Manlei Temple
Toilet looks like Octagonal Pavilion
Cute Toilet Designed like Octagonal Pavilion
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9 thoughts on “Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion in Menghai, Xishuangbanna, China”

  3. Barbara

    I feel like I’m right there with you thanks to these dramatic photos. Is the praying monk made of wood and preserved from the 1700’s? That’s impressive.

    Reply
  5. Ashleen Moreen

    Such great pictures and I am happy to see this following beautiful photos. Octagonal Pavilion is such a wonderful place and I really love to go this place. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  6. Tiffany

    Looking at the first picture.. I thought it’s a huge series of houses or a village. I was surprised to see that it is just one small temple. The octagonal design is very creative and beautiful. The roof also looks like scales of a dragon. It’s simply stunning! 🙂

    Reply

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