Zhongxin Town of Huaping County in Lijiang

Location

Central Town (中心镇) is located in the central part of Huaping County (华坪县), serving as the county seat and the center of political, economic, and cultural activities. It borders Xingquan Town (兴泉镇) to the east, connects with Shilongba Town (石龙坝镇) to the southeast, and adjoins Rongjiang Town (荣将镇) to the south. To the southwest, it borders Xinzhuang Lisu and Dai Ethnic Township (新庄傈僳族傣族乡), while to the west, it is adjacent to Tongda Lisu Ethnic Township (通达傈僳族乡). To the northwest, it connects with Zhanhe Township (战河乡) in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县), and to the north, it borders Yongxing Lisu Ethnic Township (永兴傈僳族乡). To the northeast, it adjoins Chuanfang Lisu and Dai Ethnic Township (船房傈僳族傣族乡). The maximum distance from east to west is 22.6 kilometers, and from north to south, it is 17.4 kilometers, covering a total area of 326.4 square kilometers.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Central Town (中心镇) is home to several ethnic groups, including the Yi (彝), Lisu (傈僳), Dai (傣), Bai (白), and Zhuang (壮).

  • Yi Ethnic Group (彝族): Traditional crafts include embroidery, known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, offering high artistic value.

  • Lisu Ethnic Group (傈僳族): Traditional crafts include the making of Lisu clothing, primarily made from hemp fabric, adorned with various colorful decorations.

  • Dai Ethnic Group (傣族): A major traditional skill is the Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节), one of the most important festivals of the Dai people.

Customs and Festivals

  • Yi Ethnic Group (彝族): The Torch Festival (火把节) is one of the most important Yi festivals, usually held on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month. People light torches to drive away evil spirits, ward off disasters, and pray for happiness.

  • Lisu Ethnic Group (傈僳族): The Knife Pole Festival (刀杆节) occurs on the 8th day of the 2nd lunar month, featuring thrilling activities like pole climbing and fire-walking.

  • Dai Ethnic Group (傣族): The Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节) is one of the most important festivals for the Dai people, typically held in mid-April. During this festival, people splash water on each other to bless each other with health and happiness.

Tourist Attractions

  • Huaping County Central Town Shopping Street (华坪县中心镇好耍一条街): This commercial street has numerous shops and restaurants, making it a great place for shopping and tasting local delicacies.

  • Longgong Cave (龙宫洞): Also known as Hedgehog Cave (豪猪洞), located in Suoluoqing (梭罗箐) in Nangu Township (楠木乡) in Huaping County (华坪县). The cave is surrounded by ancient trees, with vibrant flowers and a stream flowing at its base, creating a picturesque and serene environment.

  • Wuping Reservoir (务坪水库): Located at the source of Papa River (帕帕河) in the upstream of Liuwu Wood River (流乌木河), Wuping Reservoir (务坪水库) is a medium-sized reservoir that serves agricultural, industrial, and municipal water supply needs, while also being a popular tourist spot.

  • Shuishuiyan Waterfall (滴水岩瀑布): Located in Qinglong Village (青龙村), Wenle Lisu Ethnic Township (文乐傈僳族乡), this waterfall cascades from a height of 100 meters, especially powerful during the rainy season, with water splashing and mist rising, creating a majestic sight.

  • Pusa Mountain (菩萨山): Located in Central Town (中心镇) of Huaping County (华坪县), this mountain offers beautiful scenery with ancient osmanthus trees and century-old pines, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.

  • Jingui Garden (金桂园): Situated in Central Town (中心镇), the garden features beautiful landscapes with lush forests, red leaves, and undulating hills, making it an ideal spot for self-driving tours and hiking.

  • Hedong Reservoir (河东水库): Built in 1957, Hedong Reservoir (河东水库) is surrounded by a tranquil lakeside eco-recreational area, offering ample space for water-related activities, with green trees, mountains, and fragrant fruits, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

  • Liuyu River (鲤鱼河) Water Conservancy Scenic Area: Located in Central Town (中心镇), Huaping County (华坪县), this area is built around Liuyu River (鲤鱼河) and Hedong Reservoir (河东水库). It is a city river-lake type water conservancy scenic area, with attractions including Xinghua Square (兴华广场), traditional virtue sculptures, covered bridges, a parent-child playground, urban forest, willow shores, and Half-City Time (半城时光). The area offers a blend of knowledge, experience, leisure, and wellness, and is a national-level water conservancy scenic area.

Transportation

  • By Road: Central Town (中心镇) has convenient transportation, with several roads passing through the area. Visitors can reach Central Town (中心镇) via relevant roads from Lijiang (丽江) or Panzhihua (攀枝花).

  • Public Transportation: Long-distance buses from Lijiang (丽江) or Panzhihua (攀枝花) can take visitors to Huaping County (华坪县), where they can transfer to local buses or taxis to reach Central Town (中心镇).