The City Named After a Buddha: Climbing the 1,999 Steps to the Golden Maitreya of Jinping Mountain

The Sanctuary of the Future Buddha

Located approximately 10 kilometers north of Mile City in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, the Jinping Mountain Giant Buddha (Jinping Shan Dafo) is a spiritual landmark that dominates the landscape. Mile City itself is unique in China as it is the only city named after a Buddha—Maitreya (Mile Fo in Chinese), the "Future Buddha." The scenic area, formerly known as Jinping Mountain Scenic Area, is revered as the "Dojo of Maitreya." The mountain's name, "Jinping" (Brocade Screen), comes from its resemblance to a colorful screen shielding the city. This site is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the region's deep-rooted connection with Buddhist culture, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike to witness the majestic golden statue that sits atop the mountain peak, smiling benevolently over the world below,.

The Legend of 1,999

The most striking feature of the scenic area is the recurring theme of the number "1999." The majestic Maitreya Buddha statue stands exactly 19.99 meters tall, a deliberate design choice to commemorate the completion of the statue in December 1999. This golden statue depicts the classic image of the Laughing Buddha: a large belly representing tolerance and capacity, and a beaming smile symbolizing joy and optimism. To reach the foot of the Buddha, visitors must ascend a grand stone staircase consisting of 1,999 steps. This stairway is more than just a physical challenge; it is designed as a spiritual journey. As visitors climb step by step, they are encouraged to leave behind their worldly worries. Looking back from the stairs, one can see the breathtaking panorama of the Mile basin and the city spreading out like a painting, offering a sense of transcendence and peace,.

1.Mile Temple: A Thousand Years of Incense

2.Nestled on the mountainside near the Great: Buddha is the historic Mile Temple (Mile Si). The temple has a history spanning nearly a thousand years, originally established during the Song Dynasty and rebuilt and expanded over the centuries. It has been a spiritual anchor for the local people, described as a "thousand-year-old ancient temple" where incense has burned continuously through the ages. The temple complex features traditional red walls and golden tiles, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere amidst the lush greenery of the mountain. It serves as the heart of the "Maitreya Dojo," integrating the worship of the Future Buddha with the local culture. Inside, visitors can find various halls dedicated to Buddhist deities, and the area is often filled with the sound of chanting and the scent of incense, providing a tranquil retreat for meditation and prayer,.

A Landscape of "Mountain, Water, and Buddha"

3.While the Giant: Buddha is the core attraction, the surrounding Jinping Mountain offers a serene natural environment. The mountain is covered with dense forests of ancient trees, including cedar and pine, which provide shade and a fresh, oxygen-rich atmosphere. A refreshing spring known as the White Dragon Spring (Bailong Quan) flows from the mountainside, adding a dynamic element to the static beauty of the temples and statues. The layout of the scenic area follows a central axis, guiding visitors from the mountain gate up the steep stairs to the ultimate peak where the Buddha sits. Along the way, pavilions and viewing platforms allow guests to rest and admire the unique karst landforms and the vibrant rural scenery of the Mile basin. This combination of "Mountain, Water, and Buddha" creates a harmonious environment that embodies the spirit of Maitreya: optimism, open-mindedness, and hope for the future,.