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Maitreya Temple is a tranquil and spiritual destination. Some of the best things to do include:
Maitreya Temple is located on Jinping Mountain, 10 kilometers north of Maitreya City in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. Surrounded by dense forests, the temple offers shade and verdant scenery. A clear spring flows in front of the temple, its waters flowing like jade. Inscribed in cursive script on a long stone wall, eight meters high and twenty meters wide, are the four characters "Feiyun Liuxia."
This is a great place to escape the summer heat, often visited by tourists. A plaque inscribed with the words "Mile Temple" by Zhao Puchu, President of the Buddhist Association of China, stands here. It is a major Buddhist destination in southeastern Yunnan, hosting a year-round temple fair, especially on the ninth day of the first lunar month. The spring waters here are so clear and pure that legend has it that washing newborns in this spring brings them health and intelligence, hence the name "Buddha Spring." Climb the corridors of the Maitreya Temple and gaze out across the entire Maitreya Dam.
The Maitreya Temple is named after the Maitreya Buddha statue it houses. This coincidence with the name of the city of Maitreya has led some to suspect that the temple gave rise to the name of Maitreya City, and thus led to the idea of a "Buddha City" named after Maitreya Buddha. The connection between Maitreya City and Maitreya Buddha is simply a well-intentioned gesture.
The subtropical plateau monsoon climate has a relatively uniform seasonal pattern, with rainy and cool summers and warm winters. All seasons are suitable for travel.
Above the mountain gate hangs the inscription of the temple's name, "Maitreya Temple," personally inscribed by Zhao Puchu, President of the Buddhist Association of China. Climbing 1,999 steps, one enters the magnificent Jinping Mountain Scenic Area, where lush greenery, gurgling springs, birdsong, and fragrant flowers greet one. On the mountainside, nestled among red walls and yellow tiles, stands a magnificent temple, amidst flowing clouds and curling smoke.
On the large screen wall to the south of the temple, four large characters, "Flying Clouds and Flowing Clouds," are written in cursive script by a Tang Dynasty calligrapher. The brushstrokes are vigorous and fluent, a masterpiece. Below the wall, a "Buddha Spring" gushes from a crack in the rock. Legend has it that drinking this water can cure illness, dispel disasters, and prolong life.
After reconstruction and renovation, Jinping Mountain - Maitreya Temple, has the grandeur of the four courtyards of Big Buddha, Dayun, Great Hero and Great Wisdom, and integrates the exquisite appearance of Maitreya Jampa, Maitreya Immortal Light, Maitreya Budai and Maitreya Tianguan, thus becoming a large temple of "Maitreya Daochang"; Jinping Mountain presents the magnificence of a large jungle, supports the height of the 19.99-meter Big Buddha, extends to the length of 1,999 steps, and shows the elegance of thousand-year-old terraces, century-old ancient trees and gurgling clear springs, thus becoming a grand "tourist destination".
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
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Maitreya Temple is dedicated to Maitreya Buddha, the "future Buddha" in Buddhist tradition. The temple is an important cultural and spiritual site for locals, attracting both worshippers and tourists interested in Buddhist teachings and practices. The temple's large Maitreya statue symbolizes hope and the promise of a peaceful future.
Maitreya Temple is located in Red River, Yunnan Province, China. You can reach the temple by taking a taxi or private car from nearby towns or cities. Local buses might also be available, depending on the area you are coming from.
The temple is generally open from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best time to visit is during the cooler months of spring and autumn, and weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends and holidays.
There is a small entrance fee to visit the temple. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple entrance. It's a good idea to bring cash, as card payments might not always be accepted.
For general visits, tickets do not need to be booked in advance. However, if you plan to join a special tour or visit during a peak season, it is advisable to book a few days in advance.
To fully explore Maitreya Temple, you’ll need around 2-3 hours. This will give you time to visit the main temple area, take in the surrounding landscape, and participate in any religious activities that interest you.
The main highlight of the temple is the impressive Maitreya Buddha statue. Visitors can also explore the peaceful temple grounds, the meditation halls, and the prayer halls, where daily religious ceremonies take place.
Guided tours are available at the temple, typically in Mandarin. It’s recommended to ask at the temple if audio guides are available, especially if you require assistance in other languages.
The best photography spots are around the Maitreya Buddha statue, especially when the sunlight hits the statue. The temple grounds also offer beautiful backdrops for peaceful and spiritual photography, especially early in the morning or during golden hour.
A suggested route is to first visit the Maitreya Buddha statue, then walk around the temple grounds to explore the meditation and prayer halls. You can also spend some time sitting in the tranquil gardens, enjoying the atmosphere.
Currently, Maitreya Temple does not offer night visits or light shows. The temple closes in the evening, but visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon provides a serene and less crowded experience.
The temple is generally not overcrowded, but it can get busy during religious festivals or holidays. For a more peaceful experience, visit early in the morning on weekdays.
There are toilets and basic rest areas within the temple complex. There are also small shops selling religious items and souvenirs. Food and water are available at local vendors outside the temple area.
The temple is generally accessible to elderly and children, though some areas may involve walking on uneven terrain. The temple does not have extensive facilities for disabled visitors, so it's best to check ahead if you require special assistance.
Cash is commonly used at the temple, although mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay may be accepted at some spots. It's a good idea to carry cash just in case.
Nearby restaurants offer local Yunnan cuisine, including noodle dishes, rice, and traditional stews. You can also find tea houses offering local teas in the area.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, particularly in local restaurants serving Yunnanese food. Halal food may be harder to find, but larger towns or cities in the region may offer it.
There are a few guesthouses and hotels near the temple. Budget and mid-range accommodations are available in the nearby town of Red River, with options for different price ranges.
Nearby attractions include:
Souvenir shops near Maitreya Temple sell religious items, such as prayer beads, incense, and small Buddha statues. Traditional Yunnanese handicrafts are also popular souvenirs.
To continue your trip, taxis or local buses are available to nearby attractions or larger cities such as Kunming. Rental cars provide more flexibility if you plan to visit multiple sites.
