Dongmen Tower and Yisa Folk House in Honghe County, Honghe
Overview
Dongmen Tower and Yisa Folk House 红河县东门楼及迤萨民居 are located on Dongmen Street (东门街) in Honghe County (红河县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). These historical buildings are a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of the mule caravan trade, featuring 11 ancient structures that include the East Gate Tower, mule caravan inns, and courtyard houses.
Dongmen Tower is the only remaining city gate tower in Honghe County. The complex includes nearly a hundred ancient houses, combining both Chinese and Western architectural styles, with a total area of approximately 7,850 square meters. The structures have a fortress-like appearance and have remained solid and stable for nearly a century. The main components of Dongmen Tower and Yisa Folk House include the Dongmen Tower, Yao Chu Residence (姚初民居), and Qian Erguan Residence (钱二官住宅).
On March 5, 2013, Dongmen Tower and Yisa Folk House were designated by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院) as a seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units.
Historical Background
- Construction: Dongmen Tower was first built in the 33rd year of the Republic of China (民国三十三年, 1944).
- Yao Chu Residence: Constructed in the early years of the Republic of China.
- Protection Planning: In 2022, the Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau of Honghe Prefecture (红河州住房和城乡建设局) planned for the preservation of Dongmen Tower and Yisa Folk House.
Architectural Features
The ancient buildings, including the East Gate Tower, mule caravan inns, and courtyard houses, serve as a microcosm of the history and culture of the mule caravan trade. Dongmen Tower is the only remaining city gate tower in Honghe County, and the structures exhibit a blend of architectural styles.
Main Buildings
- Dongmen Tower: Covers an area of 56 square meters, with a total building area of 168 square meters. It features a three-story brick structure with a double-sloped roof. The tower is rectangular, with an arched entrance inscribed with the characters “普天同庆,” serving as the sole entrance into the county from the east.
- Yao Chu Residence: This courtyard-style building connects to Dongmen Tower, covering 528 square meters with a construction area of 980 square meters. It features a three-story, three-entry courtyard design, with a fortified square appearance. The design incorporates shooting holes for defense, blending seamlessly into the sloped terrain.
- Qian Erguan Residence: Located at No. 33 Dongmen Street in Honghe County, this residence has a building area of 2,300 square meters. It features a two-story mixed brick and wood structure with a double-sloped roof. The layout is irregular, with various sizes of courtyards, creating an atmosphere of depth and intrigue.
Cultural Significance
Related Figures
Qian Wanxing, also known as Qian Erguan, was the 24th generation of the Gajian Wazha chieftain family. He built a residence for his concubine in the southeastern part of Yisa Town, which was later confiscated by the state for use as a detention center. The structure has been preserved intact.
Preservation Status
- 1992: Designated as a second batch of county-level cultural relic protection units by the Honghe County People’s Government (红河县人民政府).
- 2003: Recognized as a fourth batch of state-level cultural relic protection units by the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture People’s Government (红河哈尼族彝族自治州人民政府).
- 2013: Announced as a seventh batch of national key cultural relic protection units by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Travel Information
Location
Dongmen Tower and Yisa Folk House are located on Dongmen Street in Honghe County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
How to Get There
Visitors can take public buses No. 2, No. 3, or No. 5 to the Baohuodagong Station (百货大楼站) and then walk to the site.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and scenic views.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore other historical sites in the region for a deeper cultural experience.
- Photography: The unique architecture provides excellent opportunities for photos.
- Local Cuisine: Enjoy local delicacies in nearby restaurants to enhance your visit.
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