Naan Temple in Mile City, Honghe
Overview
Naan Temple弥勒市那庵寺 is located 1 kilometer west of Ayang Village (阿阳村) in Zhuyuan Town (竹元镇), Mile City (弥勒市), in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). The temple was originally built in the first year of the Shunzhi era (顺治元年) of the Qing Dynasty (清朝) in 1644 and has undergone several renovations since its establishment.
Key Information
- Chinese Name: 那庵寺 (Naan Temple)
- Address: Zhuyuan Town (竹元镇), Mile City (弥勒市), Yunnan Province (云南省)
- Construction Year: 1644
- Area: 1,600 m²
Architectural Features
Naan Temple covers an area of 1,600 square meters and consists of a main hall, two side wings, and a grand entrance. The main hall features a single eave hip roof, with a width of 14.3 meters and a depth of 10.8 meters, built in a bracket-style structure. Surrounding the temple are lush green trees, gently flowing streams, and terraced fields. In a small ravine to the south, there is a waterfall cascading down, adding to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the area.
Naan Temple is known for its historical and picturesque landscape in the Zhuyuan area, providing a refreshing and peaceful retreat. In 1983, it was designated as a cultural heritage site in Mile County (弥勒县).
Geographic and Climatic Context
Honghe Prefecture is situated in the southern part of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, characterized by diverse landforms including limestone mountains, plateaus, valleys, basins, and hills. The elevation variation is significant, leading to complex terrain. The region experiences abundant rainfall, ample sunlight, and a small temperature range throughout the year, primarily classified as a subtropical plateau monsoon climate.
Due to the Tropic of Cancer passing through the prefecture, temperatures and humidity levels increase from north to south, exhibiting a hot and humid characteristic. The rainy season in Honghe typically occurs from May to October, while the frost period lasts from late November to February of the following year. Therefore, the best time to visit Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture is during March to April and September to November when the weather is milder and rainfall is less frequent.
How to Get There
To reach Naan Temple in Mile City:
- From Kunming (昆明): Take a bus or drive approximately 260 kilometers to Mile City, which takes about 4-5 hours.
- From Mile City: The temple is a short distance from the city center, easily accessible by local transportation or taxi.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal seasons to visit are spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November) to enjoy mild weather.
- Respect the Site: As a historical and cultural site, visitors are encouraged to show respect and maintain a quiet demeanor.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding nature areas.
- Photography: The temple and its surroundings offer stunning views, so don’t forget your camera.
- Local Delicacies: After visiting the temple, try local dishes in Mile City to experience the region’s culinary culture.
