Jiangcheng Town of Jiangchuan District, Yuxi

Jiangcheng Town (江城镇) is located in the northern part of Jiangchuan District (江川区), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖) and Lujü Town (路居镇) to the east, Xingyun Lake (星云湖), Qianwei Town (前卫镇), and Anhua Yi Ethnic Township (安化彝族乡) to the south, Liujie Town (六街镇) and Jincheng Town (晋城镇) of Jinning District (晋宁区), Kunming City (昆明市) to the west, and Chengjiang City (澄江市) to the north. The town boasts 18.8 kilometers of shoreline along Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖) and 10 kilometers along Xingyun Lake (星云湖), with the Yudai River (玉带河) connecting both lakes, painting a scenic image of a highland water town.

History and Culture

Jiangcheng Town (江城镇) has a long and rich history. It was established as a walled city in the 7th year of the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty (1634), giving it a 389-year history as a city and a 316-year history as a county seat. It is affectionately known as the “Ancient Land of the Dian Kingdom” and a “Highland Water Town.” Longjie Village (龙街村) in Jiangcheng traces its roots back to the 5th year of the Yuanfeng era in the Western Han Dynasty (106 BCE) and once served as the political, economic, military, and cultural center of Yuyuan County (俞元县). Jiangcheng is also the hometown of General Tang Huaiyuan (唐淮源), a revered figure of the Dian Army.

Folk Customs

Jiangcheng Town (江城镇) is rich in folk traditions. The Niu Hun Festival (牛魂节, “Spirit of the Ox Festival”) is a major local event featuring rituals to honor the Eight Immortals and the spirit of the ox, along with exhibitions of traditional food and farming tools. The town also boasts a vibrant fish culture, including the grand spectacle of lake fishing and the famous Copper Pot Fish Dish (铜锅煮鱼).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Jiangcheng Town (江城镇) has a semi-arid subtropical plateau monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 15.6°C and average annual rainfall of 800–1000 mm. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions and Visit Duration

Wenxing Pavilion (文星阁): Located in the center of Jiangcheng Ancient Town, it was built in the 19th year of the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1839). This three-story square wooden structure holds significant cultural and historical value. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Lijiashan Ancient Tombs (李家山古墓群): Located in Wenquan Village (温泉村), these tombs date from the Warring States Period to the early Eastern Han Dynasty and have yielded over 4,000 artifacts, showcasing the bronze culture of the ancient Dian Kingdom. Recommended visit time: 2 hours.

Jieyu Stone Park (界鱼石公园): Located at the midpoint of the Yudai River (玉带河), this site is known for the mysterious phenomenon of “two lakes meeting, but fish do not cross.” Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Dapingdi Pear Orchard (大平地梨园): Each March, the blooming pear blossoms make this an ideal spot for flower viewing. Recommended visit time: 2 hours.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Accessible via city buses in Yuxi City (玉溪市), such as Intercity Bus No. 51, which departs every 15 minutes.
  • Self-driving: From Yuxi city center, take the Yujiang Expressway (玉江高速公路) to Jiangcheng Town (江城镇), a journey of approximately 30 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Jiangcheng Town (江城镇) is known for its fish-based cuisine, especially the Copper Pot Fish (铜锅煮鱼). Other traditional offerings include the “Pear Blossom Folk Banquet” (梨花民俗宴) and other seasonal dishes.

Shopping

Shopping in Jiangcheng Town (江城镇) is centered around the town center, where you can find locally made handicrafts and agricultural products such as embroidery, bamboo weaving, and regional specialties.

Accommodation

  • Local Farm Stays: Offer a chance to experience rural life with basic yet warm hospitality.
  • Nearby Hotels: Hotels in Yuxi City (玉溪市) are conveniently located with easy access to Jiangcheng Town (江城镇).

Travel Tips

  • Environmental Protection: Please do not litter and help preserve the natural environment during your visit.
  • Respect for Local Customs: When participating in cultural and folk activities, respect local traditions and customs.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Jiangcheng Town (江城镇), visit Wenxing Pavilion (文星阁) to explore local history and culture.
  • Noon: Enjoy local specialty cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit Lijiashan Ancient Tombs (李家山古墓群) to experience the bronze heritage of the Dian Kingdom.
  • Evening: Stay overnight in a local farm stay.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Head to Jieyu Stone Park (界鱼石公园) to witness the unique water phenomenon.
  • Noon: Lunch at the town center.
  • Afternoon: Visit Dapingdi Pear Orchard (大平地梨园) to enjoy the springtime blossoms.
  • Evening: Return to Yuxi City (玉溪市) or Jiangchuan District (江川区), ending the journey.

Jiangcheng Town (江城镇) captivates visitors with its stunning natural scenery and rich historical legacy. Whether you’re strolling through the ancient town or joining in vibrant local festivals, you will experience the charm and warmth of this highland water town. May your journey through Jiangcheng be a memorable one.