Former Residence of He Qiying County, Honghe
Overview
The Former Residence of He Qiying (何其英故居, Hé Qíyīng Gùjū) is located in the town of Yilong (异龙镇, Yìlóng Zhèn), Shiping County (石屏县, Shípíng Xiàn), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州, Hónghé Hānízú Yízú Zìzhìzhōu), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). This historical residence is dedicated to He Qiying (何其英, Hé Qíyīng), a renowned traveler and scholar born in 1672 who passed away in 1723. Known for his profound knowledge and bold character, He Qiying undertook a remarkable journey from Yunnan to Tibet and Xinjiang in 1713, despite facing many challenges. His notable works include “Xizang Zhizhang” (《西藏指掌》), and he meticulously studied two major rivers in Shiping, documenting the customs and landscapes of the local ethnic minorities in his valuable book “Lianghe Fen Zhi” (《两河分志》).
Architectural Details
The Former Residence of He Qiying is a traditional wooden structure, oriented east to west. It covers an area of 289 square meters and features a single-pitched roof typical of local architecture.
- Location: Yilong Town, Shiping County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture
- Orientation: East-facing, westward view
- Structure: Single-pitched wooden architecture
- Area: 289 square meters
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture is located in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, characterized by diverse geographical features including limestone mountains, plateaus, valleys, and hills. The area experiences significant elevation differences, resulting in complex terrain. The region enjoys ample rainfall and sunlight, with a mild annual temperature range and a humid climate, primarily classified as a subtropical plateau monsoon climate.
Due to the Tropic of Cancer passing through the prefecture, temperatures and humidity increase from north to south, leading to a hot and humid climate. The rainy season occurs mainly from May to October, while frost occurs from late November to February of the following year. Therefore, the best times to visit are from March to April and September to November, avoiding the hot and rainy summer and autumn months.
How to Get There
The Former Residence of He Qiying is accessible by various means of transportation.
Transportation Options
- By Car: Renting a car or hiring a driver from nearby cities such as Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng) is recommended for convenience.
- Public Transport: Buses and local transport services operate routes to Shiping County from larger cities, making it accessible for visitors.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal visiting periods are from March to April and September to November for pleasant weather.
- What to Bring: Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, carry a camera for capturing the beautiful scenery, and bring light clothing for varying temperatures.
- Respect Local Culture: Engage respectfully with local communities and learn about their traditions and heritage.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore the stunning landscapes and other cultural sites in the surrounding areas for a complete travel experience.
Visiting the Former Residence of He Qiying offers a unique glimpse into the life of a prominent traveler and scholar, set against the backdrop of the rich cultural heritage of Honghe County.
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