Pengjin Wenchang Palace in Mile City, Honghe
The Pengjin Wenchang Palace (朋晋文昌宫) is located in Dongyu (东隅), Pengjin Town (朋晋镇), Mile County (弥勒县), in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) of Yunnan Province (云南省). It was originally built during the Ming Dynasty (明朝) and was rebuilt in the early Qing Dynasty (清朝).
Historical Overview
The construction of the Pengjin Wenchang Palace (朋晋文昌宫) dates back to the Ming Dynasty (明朝), with significant renovations occurring during the early Qing Dynasty (清朝). The Guixiang Pavilion (桂香阁) within the palace was established in the 9th year of the Qianlong Era (乾隆九年), which corresponds to 1744. The architectural complex includes the main gate, front hall, two wings, and the main hall.
The main hall features a double-eave hip roof and measures 23 meters wide and 14 meters deep, with a platform height of 1.45 meters. The front hall has a single-eave hip roof and a bracketed beam structure, measuring 17 meters in width and 13 meters in depth. The entire Wenchang Palace complex covers an area of 2,500 square meters. In 1981, it was designated as a cultural heritage site by Mile County (弥勒县).
Geographic and Climatic Features
Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) is situated in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (云贵高原), characterized by diverse geological formations, including limestone mountains, plateaus, valleys, dam areas, and hills. The elevation varies significantly, resulting in a complex topography. The region receives ample precipitation, enjoys abundant sunlight, has a small annual temperature variation, and features a humid climate influenced by the monsoon, primarily classified as a subtropical plateau monsoon climate.
Due to the Tropic of Cancer passing through the prefecture, temperatures and humidity generally increase from north to south, resulting in a hot and humid climate. The rainy season in Honghe typically occurs from May to October, while frost periods are observed from late November to the following January and February. Therefore, the best times to visit Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) are in March to April and September to November, avoiding the hot and rainy summer and autumn months.
How to Get There
- By Air: Fly into Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场) and take a bus or train to Mile City (弥勒市).
- By Train: Trains run regularly from Kunming (昆明) to Mile City (弥勒市), from where local transport can take you to Pengjin Town (朋晋镇).
- By Bus: Long-distance buses are available from major cities to Mile City (弥勒市), with services connecting to Pengjin Town (朋晋镇).
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Plan your visit during March to April or September to November for mild weather and less rainfall.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to try local delicacies in Mile City (弥勒市).
- Cultural Respect: Be respectful of local customs and practices, especially in religious and historical sites.
- Weather Preparation: Bring appropriate clothing for variable weather conditions, especially if visiting during the transitional seasons.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the palace and its surroundings, but ensure you follow any restrictions on photography within the site.
