Feilaisi Temple in Zhenyuan County, Puer

? Secret Sky Temple: A Wonder of Nature and Legend

? The Millennium Legend of the Cloud-Top Temple

According to local tales, during the Qing Dynasty, a merchant vowed to build a temple at the mountain’s foot. Yet the terrain was so steep that timber could not be transported uphill. Miraculously, one night, all the beams and pillars “flew” to the mountaintop. The temple appeared as if crafted by divine hands, earning it the name Flying Temple (飞来寺).

Perched atop a karst peak in Zhedong Town (者东镇), Zhenyuan County (镇沅县), the temple blooms like a lotus against the sky. It blends dramatic karst landscapes, hidden caves, and timeless architecture, revered by locals as the “Guardian of the Ailao Mountains (哀牢山)”.

? Geological Marvels & Natural Beauty

? The Green Stone Forest – Nature’s Maze

The area is famous for its unique karst formations:

• Graceful Stone Peaks – Jagged rocks shaped by time, with ancient trees sprouting from cracks. Mosses and vines cloak the stones in green, forming a rare “green stone forest (绿色石林)”.

• Mystic Caves – Explore Longfeng Cave (龙风洞), a natural cool refuge in summer, or Monk’s Cave (和尚洞), home to Ming and Qing-era rock art. Some cave passages lead to underground rivers flowing to the Zhegan River (者干河).

? Towering Wonders & Celestial Pools

• Pillar of the Sky (擎天一柱) – A 30-meter limestone column crowned by a single phoenix tree, a striking symbol of life and stone in harmony.

• Jade Pool (翡翠池) – A serene mountaintop pond with emerald waters and peaceful turtles and fish, said to be a celestial pool left by the gods.

? Cultural Echoes: Faith & Ethnic Heritage

? The Timeless Temple

Flying Temple (飞来寺) blends Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, and Lahu-Kucong (拉祜族苦聪支系) traditions:

• Guanyin Hall (观音殿) – Incense fills the air while temple bells echo over the mountains; a sacred phoenix tree nearby is adorned with red prayer ribbons.

• Sacred Couplets – Ancient inscriptions describe the pool as a divine gift, its waters never running dry.

? Kucong Traditions – The Hidden Gem

Near the temple lies Zhedong Village (者东村), home to the Kucong branch of the Lahu people. Visitors can explore stilted wooden homes, taste wildflower honey, and enjoy free-range Piao Chicken (瓢鸡), one of Yunnan’s famous poultry breeds.

⛰️ Scenic Vistas & Best Experiences

? Ailao Mountains in Full View

From Flying Peak (飞来峰) or Pillar of the Sky (擎天一柱), you can enjoy:

• Panoramic Landscapes – Rolling mountain ridges like a dragon’s spine, the Zhegan River (者干河) shimmering like silver, and highways winding far below.

• Sunrise Above the Clouds – Arrive at dawn for a breathtaking view of the sun rising over a sea of clouds.

? Travel Tips

• Getting There – Drive to “Flying Temple (飞来寺)” in Zhedong Town, about 4 km from the center. A stone staircase of nearly 300 steps leads from the base to the temple gate.

• Nearby Attractions – Combine your visit with Enle Hot Springs (恩乐盐水温泉), the King of Tea Trees in Qianjiazhai (千家寨茶王树), or a trek through Shimen Gorge (石门峡) for a 2–3 day adventure.

? Traveler’s Reflection

“Looking back at the Flying Temple, it sways like a lotus in the clouds yet stands with the dignity of an ancient sage. The stone forest is poetry frozen in time, and the temple is a soul suspended above the earth — this is one of Yunnan’s last true hidden sanctuaries.”