Mile: A Divine Town Sharing Buddha's Name! Winter at 22°C + Decade-Old Prices, Living a Moroccan Dream in Dongfengyun

A city tempting enough.

At the end of each year, I long to spend a few days in a slow-paced town to heal the year's exhaustion.

Too many choose Sanya in Hainan or Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan, but Qilv finds them crowded and prefers somewhere more niche and affordable.

So Qilv dug up another hidden gem,

with winter temperatures above 22°C, warm and bright sunshine,

It has already gone viral for its artistic architecture,

easily garnering over 1M likes on Douyin;

yet prices here remain as low as a decade ago,

plus soothing hot springs and stunning scenery,

© Xiaohongshu: Capturing the Beauty of Nature

The only city in China sharing its name with Buddha,

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan,

just 34 minutes by high-speed rail from Kunming, a treasured backyard for locals.

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The only city in China sharing its name with Buddha,

it’s the top choice for a delicious and leisurely winter escape!

I’ve seen countless photos but never visited,

this serene and artistic town,

isn’t just a place worth visiting once—

because it’s worth revisiting again and again!

© Xiaohongshu: Capturing the Beauty of Nature

It is the only city in China that shares its name with the Buddha,

with a history spanning over 2,000 years.

Though named after the Buddha, it has no connection to Buddhism.

"Mile" actually derives from "Mule," the name of a Yi ethnic general.

After several evolutions, it became today's Mile.

© Xiaohongshu: Travels of Yue

It’s like gardens within the city, and the city within gardens.

You’ll see palm-lined streets and crystal-clear lakes,

and the sweet aroma of wine in the air is intoxicating.

© Xiaohongshu: Gabrielle

It’s also a great place for hot springs in winter,

with springs scattered both inside and outside the city—just 30 yuan per person for a soak.

© Xiaohongshu: Motorcycle Lao Wang

It’s also a low-key culinary kingdom,

offering figs at 7 yuan per kilogram,

and beef hotpot for 40 yuan until you’re stuffed.

With an average price of 6,000 yuan per square meter, it’s perfect for retirement.

© Xiaohongshu: marble_lee

How could anyone not love Mile?

Enjoy a few days of slow, comfortable living!

In Mile, live a few days of divine laid-back life!

Take a long break and come to Mile for a few days of relaxation,

soak in hot springs, hunt for delicious food, and enjoy peaceful, delightful days,

as if time itself stretches little by little.

If you come, I’d like to take you...

to check out the Moroccan-style castle,

and snap a set of stunning photos to blow up your social media!

It’s arguably Mile’s most viral internet-famous spot!

Clustered brick kilns built with red bricks,

forming a striking contrast with green trees and blue skies, exuding an exotic vibe.

The Kaleidoscope Art Manor here,

didn’t even have a blueprint—it was all crafted by the designer’s whims.

And if you visit between May and October,

you’ll also see thousands of acres of lavender, no less stunning than Provence.

A hidden artificial railway in the sea of flowers,

with "I love you" written in 14 different languages on the tracks.

© Xiaohongshu: Honghe Dongfengyun Town

The longing for nature grows stronger each day.

Here in Taipinghu Forest Park,

lakes of all sizes intertwine, with fine sand beaches and leisurely sailboats,

One might mistake it for Sanya at first glance.

The vast pink flower fields bloom romantically,

forming a portrait of Princess Taiping.

Against the blue sky, it appears exceptionally beautiful and charming.

The rocky desertification cactus zone in the garden,

with towering 2-meter-high cacti, exudes a wild and rugged vibe.

Brewing tea and grilling barbecue here is pure bliss.

It’s also perfect for a family outing with kids,

where you can ride a mini train, feed white doves, and see ostriches and peacocks.

© Xiaohongshu: Travels of Yue

Named by the state as one of "China's Nine Great Wineries,"

Yunnan Red Winery is an absolute must-visit.

As you step in, the towering fermentation tanks

and the aroma of wine from oak barrels will enchant you.

© Xiaohongshu: Travels of Yue

Every cellar and the complimentary wine tasting

feel like stepping into a French winery from a movie.

Don’t miss the hidden Catholic church in the vineyards,

with its red walls and glass roof, exuding French elegance.

© Xiaohongshu: Gabrielle

Be sure to visit Keyi Village.

In the Axi language, "Keyi" means "a place of good fortune and happiness,"

with a history of over 300 years,

preserving the authentic Axi culture.

© Xiaohongshu: Jianing Gina

The entire village is painted in a soft yellow hue,

and by evening, elderly suona players perform in the village,

while children play on their way home from school,

and faint smoke drifts from chimneys,

evoking memories of a carefree childhood.

Mile is the only place in China named after the Buddha,

boasting the remarkable phenomenon of "a city named Mile, a temple named Mile,

a Buddha named Mile, and a mountain resembling Mile."

So when you come here, don’t forget to climb Jinping Mountain,

a verdant peak shaped like a peacefully seated Buddha.

After ascending 1,999 steps, you’ll find

the world’s largest Maitreya Buddha statue, standing nearly 20 meters tall.

Breathe in the fresh mountain air, clear your mind, and pay respects to the Buddha—

it will surely dissolve all distracting thoughts.

It’s as if your soul finds respite amidst the mountains and waters.

Mile is also rich in geothermal resources.

The water temperature is moderate and quite comfortable.

© Xiaohongshu: Motorcycle Rider Lao Wang

Many hotels have their own hot springs.

It is known as the "most pristine hot spring,"

with lemon pools and herbal pools hidden among the trees...

Soaking in the springs naturally brings relaxation.

It is said that locals prefer the Honghe Valley Hot Springs,

nestled deep in the mountains and only accessible by speedboat.

You might even feel like you have the place to yourself.

© Xiaohongshu: Wen ZY-Wendy

Leaving every traveler with unforgettable memories,

It tastes smoother and chewier than Mengzi's version.

© Xiaohongshu: marble_lee

Many locals can't start their day without rice noodles.

The snow-white rice rolls are slippery but not greasy.

Dipped in a specially prepared sauce, each bite leaves a lasting impression.

© Xiaohongshu: marble_lee

Or enjoy a steaming bowl of lamb hotpot,

Enough to dispel morning drowsiness and satisfy hunger.

© Xiaohongshu: Feilu Don't Eat Anymore

Gather around with friends and family to enjoy a steaming hot pot.

Ham, spam, tofu skin, pea shoots, and more,

Listening to the broth simmering with chicken or pork bone soup,

Bubbling away, it's truly delightful.

© Xiaohongshu: marble_lee

The three musketeers of Mile's traditional snacks:

Fried potatoes, ice rice cake, and rose water;

Almost every small shop has Yunnan-style grilled stuffed tofu,

Various types of rice cakes, like corn rice cake, buckwheat rice cake...

© Xiaohongshu: marble_lee

Destined to plant a sapling in your heart after just one encounter,

You’ll want to see it and water it every now and then.

Mile is that kind of city,

One you’ll want to revisit for a "divine getaway" before long.

© Xiaohongshu: strong_J

1. If your city has a direct high-speed train to Mile Station, that’s ideal. Otherwise, you can transfer from Kunming Station—just a 30-minute ride by high-speed rail.

2. Mile’s attractions are relatively spread out, so renting a car is the best way to explore.

DAY1: Dongfengyun Town—Yunnan Red Wine Estate—Sheng'en Cathedral—Huquan Ecological Park—Huquan Mountain Hot Springs—Honghe Water Town;

DAY2: Jinping Mountain—Keyi Town—Taipinghu Forest Park.

So, do you want to spend a few days in Mile?