Miaogao Temple Travel Guide, Kunming | Where Esoteric Buddhism Meets the Ancient Tea Horse Road

| Where Esoteric Buddhism meets the Ancient Tea Horse Road. I. Overview Location: Biji Town, Xishan District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province Features: The only well-preserved Yuan Dynasty Esoteric Buddhist temple in Yunnan, a national cultural relic protection site, and an important node on the ancient Tea Horse Road of the Dian Kingdom Suitable for: History and culture enthusiasts, photography and adventure seekers, hikers --- II. Historical Background - Founded in the Yuan Dynasty: The temple was built during the Zhizheng period of the Yuan Dynasty (1341–1368), and it is the first temple built after the introduction of the Sakya School (Flower School) of Tibetan Buddhism into Yunnan. It has a history of over 680 years. - An important town on the Tea Horse Road: It once served as a post station on the ancient road, a must-pass place for merchants and travelers. A stone tablet inscribed with "Miaogao Peak" by a Ming Dynasty caravan remains in the temple. - Destruction and reconstruction: The temple was renovated several times during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, damaged during the Cultural Revolution, and restored to its original appearance in 1988. It is now the Yunnan Buddhist Esoteric Culture Research Center. --- III. Core Attractions 1. The Main Hall and Mandala - Architectural marvel: The main hall is one of the oldest existing wooden structures in Yunnan, featuring a Tibetan-style hip roof with "nine ridges and nine kisses." Inside the hall is a Yuan Dynasty bronze statue of Sakyamuni. - Esoteric Buddhist instrument: The three-dimensional Kalachakra Mandala in the center of the hall is painted with colored sand and minerals, symbolizing the cycle of the universe. Buddhist ceremonies are held here every year during Tibetan calendar festivals. 2. Thousand Buddha Cliff and Cliff Carvings - Artistic treasures: More than 30 Buddha statues from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties are carved on the cliff behind the temple. Among them, the statue of Mahamayuri is the largest stone-carved Buddha statue in Yunnan (6.2m high). - Caravan culture: On the cliff face, there is a cliff carving of "The First Peak of Yunling" inscribed by Zhang Sanfeng, the leader of a caravan. From here, you can overlook the entire Dianchi Lake. 3. Ancient Cypress and Relics of the Tea Horse Road - Living fossil: The ancient cypress tree in front of the temple has gnarled branches and is said to be the place where caravans tied their horses. It is over 800 years old and is particularly spectacular in autumn when the mountain is covered with red leaves. - Exploring the ancient road: Follow the trail behind the temple to hike to the "Stone Road of the Tea Horse Road." Along the way, you can see horseshoe prints and the ruins of beacon towers, experiencing the vicissitudes of history. 4. Biji Pavilion and Viewing Platform - Enjoy the scenery from a high vantage point: The rebuilt Biji Pavilion is 21m high. From the top, you can see the Dragon Gate of the Western Hills and the 500-li Dianchi Lake. On a clear day, you can even see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. - Cultural corridor: The pavilion displays cultural relics from the Tea Horse Road and Buddhist scriptures, and regularly hosts lectures on Esoteric Buddhist culture. --- IV. Nearby Activities - Xishan Forest Park: A 15-minute walk to the Dragon Gate Scenic Area, where you can check in at the "First Wonder of the World" stone carving. - Haigeng Dam, Dianchi Lake: A 20-minute drive away. You can feed red-billed gulls in winter and enjoy cycling and scenic views in summer. - Shaxi Ancient Town: Travel 70 km northwest along the Tea Horse Road from the temple to explore the "only surviving ancient market on the Tea Horse Road." --- V. Practical Information - Tickets: Free admission (guided tours: CNY 50/session) - Opening hours: 8:30am–5:30pm - Transportation: - By car: Navigate to "Kunming Miaogao Temple." Parking fee is CNY 10/time. - By bus: Take bus No. 24 from Kunming Railway Station to "Biji Town," then transfer to the scenic spot shuttle bus (approx. CNY 2). - On foot: Walk from Green Lake Park along Xishan Road to the temple, a total distance of approx. 4.5 km. - Food and accommodation recommendations: - Vegetarian restaurant: The "Prajna Vegetarian Restaurant" in the temple offers Tibetan vegetarian meals (approx. CNY 30/person). Yak meat buns and butter tea are recommended. - Homestay: "Banshan Yinju" Inn in Biji Town. Open the window to see the ancient cypress and the Tea Horse Road. --- VI. Travel Tips 1. Best seasons: Spring and autumn (azalea flowers in April–May, golden ginkgo leaves in November–December). 2. Photography suggestions: Photograph the ancient cypress and morning mist in the early morning, and capture the sunset glow over Dianchi Lake at Biji Pavilion in the evening. 3. Cultural experience: Participate in the "Life Release Ceremony" held on the 8th day of each lunar month, releasing fish into the wild and experiencing compassion. 4. Light packing tips: Wear non-slip shoes and bring enough drinking water and sunscreen for hiking on the ancient road. --- VII. Reminders - Smoking and loud noises are prohibited in the temple. Do not use flash photography in the halls. - There is no signal in some areas. Download offline maps (Aowei Interactive Map is recommended for marking points on the ancient road). - Hats must be removed before entering the Esoteric Buddhist halls. Do not point at Buddha statues. --- 📍Address: Huating Village, Biji Town, Xishan District, Kunming City (It is recommended to confirm the opening hours in advance) Why is it worth visiting? Kunming Miaogao Temple is like a living history book, perfectly blending the mystery of Esoteric Buddhism, the vicissitudes of the Tea Horse Road, and the poetic beauty of the western Yunnan landscape. Here, you can touch the wisdom of Yuan Dynasty wooden architecture, listen to the echoes of caravan bells, and find a place for quiet contemplation on the edge of the city. Ascend the viewing platform, watch the clouds roll by, and see the shimmering Dianchi Lake, as if engaging in a dialogue with merchants from a thousand years ago.