The Culture and Tourism Roadshow of Xiangyun, took place on 18th and 19th of January, 2025, promises to bring exciting opportunity to delve into the rich historical attractions of Xiangyun county, the region is honored to be the first place as Yunnan.
As the roadshow unfolds, attendees explored the unique charm of Xiangyun, uncover its stories, gaining knowledge about this historical site of Yunnan.
Xiangyun: The First place with the name of Yunnan and Cultural Heritage
Xiangyun, a place where Yunnan was first called, and the “Hometown of Colorful Clouds”, boasts a unique historical significance. It was here the name Yunnan was officially formed and used, during the second year of the Yuanfeng reign of the Western Han Dynasty (109 BC). The Han Dynasty established Yunnan County to describe the area, which was believed to be where the colorful clouds appeared in the south, making it a perfect name for the land located beneath these captivating skies. In 1918, to avoid confusion with the province’s name, the county was renamed Xiangyun County, preserving its deep connection to Yunnan’s legacy. However, the name “Xiangyun” continues to evoke a sense of historical pride and cultural depth for the people of this region.
A Tapestry of Cultures
Xiangyun, not only a geographical landmark, but also a land rich in diverse and colorful cultures. The region is home to a fusion of traditional cultures, each contributed to the vibrant identity of Xiangyun:
Paleolithic Culture: Remains of ancient stone artifacts and structures are scattered throughout the region, providing a window into the long past of Xiangyun.
Bronze Culture: The discovery of bronze relics offers a glimpse into the advanced craftsmanship and artistry of the early inhabitants.
Buddhist Culture: Xiangyun is home to significant Buddhist sites, where the ancient teachings still resonate among the people today.
Caravan Culture: As a key stop along ancient Tea House Road and Silk Road, Xiangyun has long been a centre of cultures, where merchants and travelers from various regions left their mark.
World War II Culture: The region played a pivotal role during World War II, with its history interwoven with the larger story of China’s resilience during the war.
The Culture and History of Revolutionary War Period: Xiangyun was an important site for the revolutionary movements, particularly the involvement of the Chinese Worker’s and Peasants’ Red Army during China’s modern history.
Folk Culture: The rich folk traditions of Xiangyun continue to thrive, offering a deep sense of local identity and pride, especially with its festivals, music, and rituals.
The Strategic Gateway of Western Yunnan
Located on crossroads of Western Yunnan, Xiangyun has long been a vital passage for travelers and traders. Historically, it served as the intersection of the Southwest Silk Road and the Lingguan Ancient Road, making it a key route for commerce and cultural exchange between China and Southeast Asia.
The strategic position of Xiangyun making a crucial link between Yunnan and Myanmar, controlling a critical passage between eight provinces. As the eastern gateway to Dali Prefecture, it has shaped both regional trade and travel for centuries.
At present, Xiangyun continues to benefit from its prime location. The area is connected by major highways and railways, including the Hangrui Expressway, Kunchu Expressway, and National Highway 320, forming an extensive transportation network linking the region from east to west, and north to south.
Xiangyun, one of the four major flat dams in Yunnan, renowned for its spring-like climate year-round. With its ideal living conditions, it’s a perfect destination for health preservation and relaxation.
Where Nature Meets Tradition in a Celebration of Culture and Festivals
The natural beauty of Xiangyun is matched by its profound historical and cultural heritage, with numerous cultural relics and historic sites. The county celebrates a variety of folk festivals, such as the Daying Mute Festival, Tianfeng Mountain Song Festival, and Ziqianglang Rice Tasting Festival, which add to its charm. These cultural festivities, combined the region’s tourism offerings, making Xiangyun an attractive destination for sightseeing, leisure, and vacation.
Top Things to Do in Xiangyun
Qinghua Ancient Cave: Known as the “First Cave in Western Yunnan”. This Neolithic cultural site was praised by the famous traveler Xu Xiake.
Shuimu Mountain: One of the earliest Buddhist holy sites of Yunnan, and a Royal Temple, home to the First Zen Temple in Yunnan.
Yunnanyi Ancient Town: A key town on the Southern Silk Road and the Tea Horse Ancient Road. This place still retains its original historical style. It gathers the cultural styles of different eras such as Yunnan’s origin culture, caravan culture, and World War II culture, and a living fossil of human transportation development history.
Xiangyun Ancient Town: Explore the ancient Yunnan City with its iconic “One Seal” layout. It is a typical architectural concept of China’s Central Plain, with the architectural style of four streets and eight alleys, which remain unchanged over centuries.
Tianfeng Mountain: Also known as Laojun Mountain or Laojun Hall, a majestic pyramid-shaped peak that rises sharply into the sky, its steep slopes often veiled in mist. Surrounded by a vast expanse of rolling mountains, the landscape is perpetually cloaked in clouds, giving it an ethereal, fairy-tale quality. Revered as Holy Land on the Cloud Ladder, a place where nature’s grandeur and spiritual serenity converge, offering a breathtaking experience that feels suspended between earth and sky.
Ziqianglang Changxin Festival: The Ziqianglang Changxin Festival, held annually on the first Dragon Day of the eighth lunar month, offers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of its agricultural lifestyle. Villagers from Boluo Village in Midian Town come together to harvest the first grains of the season, honor the agricultural Gods, and indulge in the first taste of new rice. This celebration of nature’s bounty fosters gratitude for the land’s gifts, while praying for a prosperous and fruitful year coming up.
The region is rich in intangible cultural heritage, with traditional crafts like silverware, straw hats, clay pots and alkali.
Alkali – Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: The Wangjiazhuang Soil Alkali Production stands as a renowned testament of Xiangyun’s rich intangible cultural heritage. Celebrated for its exceptional quality, this unique craft has created the alkali field culture, a distinct tradition that highlights the region’s deep connection on both the land and people.
Xiangyun offers a rich blend of history, culture and natural beauty that surely leave any traveler captivated.
Savoring the Flavors of Xiangyun: A Taste of Tradition and Culture
Cuisine in Xiangyun is more than just a means of sustenance. It is a connection to the past and a reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Each dish has its own story of the local wisdom, passion and sincerity. Tasting Xiangyun cuisine is a unique charm and cultural essence of the source of Yunnan.
Donkey Meat
Donkey meat is not only a nostalgic dish for locals but also a standout specialty of Xiangyun. Its savory flavor is now a symbol of the region, and ready to be shared with visitors.
Tianma Tofu
Tianma tofu is a versatile dish, famous for its white, tender, and fragrant texture. It can be prepared in various ways, from frying and steeping to marinating, and deep frying, making it a favorite of both locals and visitors.
Mushroom Hotpot
Mushroom Hotpot is a must-try cuisine in Xiangyun, uses dried mushroom-based soup, enhanced by an assortment of wild mushrooms. A dish with a delicious and lingering flavor that captures the essence of the region’s natural bounty.
It is home to 37 wild edible and medicinal fungi, including matsutake, termitomyces, black fungus and Poria cocos, being the largest processing and exporting base for wild edible fungi in China.
The cuisine here is a vibrant testament to the land’s history and culture, each bite brings you closer to this historical land.
Xiangyun, with its stunning natural landscapes and a diverse cultural heritage representing the perfection of history, tradition and modernity. From the colorful clouds that inspired its name to the enduring legacies of the past, Xiangyun invites visitors to not only experience its beauty but also to connect with its soul.
Image Sources: Culture and Tourism Roadshow of Xiangyun, People’s Government of Xiangyun County, Xiangyun County Cultural and Tourism Bureau, Xiangyun County Integrated Media Center