Miaolian Temple in Yuanjiang County, Yuxi

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Miaolian Temple (妙莲寺) is located on the southern slope of Taiping Mountain (太平山南麓) in Guyuan Village (固元村), Yinyuan Town (因远镇), Yuanjiang County (元江县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省), approximately 40 kilometers from downtown Yuanjiang County.

History and Culture

Miaolian Temple (妙莲寺) was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty. According to the Yuanjiang Prefecture Chronicles (《元江府志》), the temple underwent a major renovation during the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty, and another significant restoration occurred in the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, during which the east and west side halls were added. In 1985, the government allocated special funds to renovate the main hall, and in 1986, the temple was designated a county-level protected cultural relic.

Local Customs

Yuanjiang County (元江县) is home to various ethnic groups including the Hani (哈尼族), Yi (彝族), and Dai (傣族) peoples. This diverse cultural heritage is reflected in rich traditions such as the Hani terraced field culture and the Yi Torch Festival.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Yuanjiang County features a typical hot and dry river valley climate with no frost year-round and an average annual temperature of 24.1°C, earning it the nickname “natural greenhouse.” The best time to visit is from March to November, when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

Miaolian Temple Main Hall (妙莲寺大殿)
Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, this hall is one of the oldest and best-preserved ancient structures in Yuanjiang County. It features unique architectural characteristics and holds high value in terms of culture, history, and art.
Recommended visit duration: 1 hour

Yinyuan Ancient Town (因远古镇)
With a history of over a thousand years, this Bai ethnic town offers idyllic scenery, harmonious village life, and numerous historic sites.
Recommended visit duration: 2 hours

Huoshan Park (霍山公园)
Located in Yinyuan Town (因远镇), this natural park is known for its scenic mountain views and ancient cypress trees.
Recommended visit duration: 1 hour

Yuhuang Palace (玉皇殿)
An important local religious building located in Yinyuan Town (因远镇).
Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes

Transportation

Public Transport
Take a bus from Yuanjiang County to Yinyuan Town (因远镇), then transfer to a local vehicle to reach Miaolian Temple (妙莲寺).

Self-Driving
Drive from Yuanjiang County along marked routes to Guyuan Village (固元村) in Yinyuan Town. The total distance is approximately 40 kilometers.

Local Cuisine

Yuanjiang offers a variety of ethnic delicacies such as Yinyuan rice noodles (因远米干), Anding tofu (安定豆腐), and Mili cured pork (咪哩腊肉).

Shopping

Visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts and embroidered items made by the Hani (哈尼族) and Yi (彝族) ethnic groups either in the scenic area or in Yuanjiang County.

Accommodation

There are hotels and guesthouses available in Yuanjiang County, providing convenient access to nearby attractions.

Travel Tips

Opening Hours: 08:00–18:00
Admission Fee: Free
Notes: Please protect the environment and respect local culture and customs during your visit.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Yuanjiang County (元江县), check into a hotel, and visit Miaolian Temple (妙莲寺) to explore its historic main hall.

Day 2: Tour Yinyuan Ancient Town (因远古镇), Huoshan Park (霍山公园), and Yuhuang Palace (玉皇殿), experiencing local folk culture. Return to the county in the afternoon for rest.

Day 3: Stroll around Yuanjiang County (元江县), enjoy local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and return to your point of departure.

Miaolian Temple (妙莲寺) captivates visitors with its profound cultural heritage and unique ethnic traditions. Whether you’re admiring ancient architecture or immersing yourself in local customs, the area offers a deeply enriching travel experience. We hope this guide helps you plan your journey to Miaolian Temple and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.

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