Hexi Town of Tonghai County, Yuxi

Hexi Town (河西镇) is located in the northwest of Tonghai County (通海县), Yuxi City (玉溪市). It borders Sijie Town (四街镇) and Xingmeng Township (兴蒙乡) to the east, Jiujie Town (九街镇) to the south, Eshan County (峨山县) and Hongta District (红塔区) to the west, and Jiangchuan District (江川区) to the north. The town government is located in Hexi Community Neighborhood Committee (河西社区居委会) at an altitude of 1,800 meters, 12 kilometers from Tonghai County (通海县) and 35 kilometers from Yuxi Municipal Government (玉溪市政府).

Cultural History

Hexi Town (河西镇) has a long history as the former county seat and is one of the four ancient towns in Yuxi City (玉溪市). In 623 AD during the Tang Dynasty, Xizong Prefecture (西宗州) was established with three counties under its jurisdiction, including Hexi (河西), from which the town got its name. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Hexi produced 292 civil and military imperial examination graduates, earning it the reputation as “Home of Confucianism” (儒学名邦). In January 2019, Hexi Town (河西镇) was listed among the seventh batch of China’s Famous Historical and Cultural Towns (中国历史文化名镇).

Folk Culture

Hexi Town (河西镇) is a multi-ethnic settlement mainly inhabited by Han, Hui (回), Yi (彝), Hani (哈尼) and Mongolian (蒙古) ethnic groups. The town hosts various folk activities such as the Torch Festival (火把节) and Flower Street Festival (花街节), showcasing Yunnan’s unique ethnic customs.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Hexi Town (河西镇) enjoys a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 16.7°C and four distinct seasons. The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant and natural scenery most charming.

Recommended Attractions & Visit Duration

Hexi Confucian Temple

Built in the Yuan Dynasty, rebuilt in 1471 during the Ming Dynasty, and extensively renovated in 1890 during the Qing Dynasty, this 9,000-square-meter complex is a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Yuanming Temple

Originally built in the Yuan Dynasty and reconstructed in 1888 during the Qing Dynasty, this famous Buddhist temple in central Yunnan is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Great Buddha Temple

Built during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, it preserves architectural styles from the Yuan and Ming Dynasties and is the oldest surviving building in Tonghai County (通海县). Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Yongji Bridge

Built during the Hongzhi era (1488-1492) of the Ming Dynasty, it represents a masterpiece of ancient bridge architecture in Tonghai County (通海县). Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Qutuo Pass

Site of the Yuan Dynasty “Marshal’s Office” (都元帅府), the highest military and political authority in southern Yunnan at that time. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Transportation

Hexi Town (河西镇) enjoys convenient transportation with Jinsi Road (晋思线) and Yutong Highway (玉通公路) passing through. The four-lane Yutong Highway (玉通公路) connects to Yuxi. Buses or taxis from Tonghai County (通海县) take about 20 minutes.

Cuisine

Local specialties include agricultural products like roasted tobacco and vegetables, as well as traditional farmhouse dishes offering authentic Yunnan flavors.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local agricultural products like flowers, vegetables and dried flowers, as well as handicrafts and intangible cultural heritage creative products.

Accommodation

Hexi Town (河西镇) offers simple homestays for an authentic local experience. For higher-standard lodging, Tonghai County (通海县) is recommended.

Travel Tips

• Respect local customs, especially in ethnic minority villages
• Protect the environment – avoid littering in natural areas
• Bring weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Tonghai County (通海县), visit Hexi Confucian Temple (河西文庙) to experience historical culture.
Day 2: Explore Yuanming Temple (圆明寺) and Great Buddha Temple (大佛寺) to understand religious culture; visit Yongji Bridge (永济桥) in the afternoon to appreciate ancient bridge architecture.
Day 3: Tour Qutuo Pass (曲陀关) to learn about historical relics; enjoy local cuisine and shop for souvenirs before returning.

Closing Remarks

Hexi Town (河西镇) blends natural beauty with cultural charm, offering unforgettable experiences in both landscapes and traditions. We wish you a memorable journey.