Wande Temple in Shiping County, Honghe
Overview
Wande Temple, located in the southwestern part of Little Xishan Mountain (小西山) in Yilong Town (异龙镇), Shiping County (石屏县), was originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty under the Chenghua period (1465-1487). The temple was later renovated during the Qing Dynasty, specifically in the Guangxu and Xuantong eras. The temple is built against the mountain and consists of six halls, all featuring single-eave, hard mountain roofs with a combination of bracket and purlin structures, measuring 13 meters wide and 8 meters deep. Originally, the temple housed a bronze bell from the 15th year of the Chenghua era (1479), which is now kept at Shiping No. 1 Middle School (石屏一中). The temple grounds are adorned with lush greenery, characterized by winding paths.
Cultural Significance
The Wande Temple, alongside the Confucian Temple (文庙) built during the Ming Dynasty and the ancient charm of Little Xishan, reflects a rich historical legacy. The former residence of Yuan Jiagu (袁嘉谷), an esteemed scholar from the late Qing Dynasty, was designated a provincial cultural heritage site in 1993, narrating stories of the past. The Luose Temple’s (罗色庙) murals have been recognized as a state-level cultural relic, carrying profound cultural significance. The newly constructed Huanwen Park (焕文公园) integrates the county’s cultural landscapes and features various distinctive attractions, showcasing the town’s diverse charm.
Shiping No. 1 Middle School commemorates its 80th anniversary with landmarks such as Qihe Tower (企鹤楼), Pen Pearl (喷珠), and Xike Spring (喜客泉), which not only record the evolution of history but also testify to the brilliance of education.
Literary Heritage
Notable Yi ethnic writer Li Qiao (李乔) emerged from this area, contributing significantly to the cultural fabric of Yilong Town. Here, every landscape is steeped in rich cultural heritage, every building carries historical memories, and every story connects the past with the future. Yilong Town is not just a tourist destination; it is a crossroads of culture and history, waiting for every explorer to discover and experience.
Location
Address: Southwest of Little Xishan Mountain, Yilong Town, Shiping County
Yilong Town
Yilong Town comprises the former Yilong Town, Maohe Town (冒合镇), and Taocun Town (陶村镇). It is located at the center of Shiping County, in the suburbs, positioned between longitudes 102°17′ to 102°37′ east and latitudes 23°29′ to 23°47′ north. It borders Baxin Town (坝心镇) to the east, connects with Niujie Town (牛街镇) to the south, shares a boundary with Baoxiu Town (宝秀镇) to the west, and neighbors Xincheng Town (新城乡) to the north. The town is 241 kilometers from the provincial capital, Kunming (昆明市), and 149 kilometers from the state capital, Mengzi County (蒙自县). The maximum span from east to west is 23 kilometers, and the maximum span from north to south is 24.2 kilometers.
How to Get There
To reach Wande Temple, travel from Kunming to Shiping County by road, which takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Once in Shiping, take local transportation to Yilong Town, followed by a short hike up to Little Xishan Mountain.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The temple is particularly scenic during spring and autumn when the weather is mild.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes in Yilong Town to enhance your cultural experience.
- Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful when visiting religious sites; observe local customs and practices.
- Safety: Ensure to carry water and wear comfortable shoes for the hike to the temple.
