The Yuantong Temple dates originally from the Nanzhao Kingdom at the time of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907). After two major restorations and expansion in the Chenghua period (1465-1487) of the Ming Dynasty and the 24th year of Emperor Kangxi's rule (1686) of the Qing Dynasty; the temple took on its present design; with covered corridors; bridges and grand halls.

Nanzhao (also Nanchao and Nan Chao) was a Buddhist kingdom that flourished in what is now southern China and Southeast Asia during the 8th and 9th centuries.