Liaohu Village of Yuezhou Town in Qilin District, Qujing

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Chinese Name: 曲靖市麒麟区越州镇潦浒村
English Name: Laohu Village of Yuezhou Town in Qilin District, Qujing

Origin of the Place Name

Liaohu (潦浒), originally called Laohu Stone (老虎石), was later refined in writing as Liaohu Stone (潦浒石) and also known as Maomao Stone (猫猫石). According to legend, in ancient times, a small stream flowed into the river about a hundred meters downstream from the Guangji Bridge on the Nanpan River (南盘江). At the mouth of the stream stood a massive tiger-shaped rock in the river, which people called “Laohu Stone” (Tiger Stone). The stream beside it was thus named Laohu Stone Gully. Early settlers chose to live by the water near Laohu Stone, gradually forming a village that was named after this landmark.

Over time, Laohu Stone became the commonly used name for the village. However, when written or officially recorded, the name “Laohu Stone” seemed inelegant. Thus, ancient scholars refined it into “Liaohu Stone” (潦浒石). This naming convention appears in historical records such as the Ancient Yuezhou Chronicles (《古越州志》) and Nanning County Chronicles (《南宁县志》). According to the Cihai Dictionary (《辞海》) published by Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House in 1980, the character “潦” has two pronunciations: “lao” and “liao.” When pronounced “lao,” it means ponding water after rain or flooding of crops. The character “浒” is read as “hu” when referring to a water’s edge. The scholars combined “潦” (lao) and “浒” (hu) to create “Liaohu,” which phonetically matches “Laohu” (Tiger), fitting the stone’s riverside location and topographical features. Over time, “Liaohu Stone” (潦浒石) was shortened to “Liaohu” (潦浒) and began to be pronounced as “liaohu” instead of “laohushi.” In 1985, The Gazetteer of Qujing City (《云南省曲靖市地名志》) recorded the pronunciation as “liaohu,” making it more accessible but losing some of its historical elegance.

The central part of Laohu Stone had a large cavern connected to an underground river. During summer floods, river water would flow into the cavern. As waves rushed through, the stone would produce a “mao… mao…” sound, which continued throughout windy days. People imitated this sound and called the rock “Maomao Stone.” Since Laohu Stone’s cavern absorbed excess floodwaters, it acted as a flood diversion feature. However, hunters and woodcutters avoided calling it “Tiger” directly due to superstitions and instead referred to it as “Maomao.” Businesspeople from outside the area also preferred the name “Maomao Stone” over “Laohu Stone” to avoid the negative connotations of the word “tiger.”

In 1827, during the seventh year of Emperor Daoguang’s reign in the Qing Dynasty, the Nanpan River was dredged for navigation, and Laohu Stone, which obstructed shipping routes, was blasted away. The cavern was filled with debris and silt. During drought seasons, underground springs still emerge from the former site of Laohu Stone. Although the rock has long disappeared, the legend of Maomao Stone remains.

Historical Evolution of the Place Name

Before 1949, Liaohu belonged to Liaohu Town under Qujing County. After 1950, it was designated as Liaohu Township in the Fifth District of Qujing County. In 1958, it became part of the Liaohu Management Area under Yuezhou Commune. In 1963, it was renamed Liaohu Commune within Yuezhou District. In 1969, Yuezhou District was abolished, and Liaohu Brigade was established under Yuezhou Commune. In 1988, it was reclassified as Liaohu Office under Yuezhou Town. In 2000, it became the Liaohu Village Committee under Yuezhou Town, and in 2009, it was upgraded to the Liaohu Community Residents’ Committee.

Liaohu administers six residential areas: Ada (阿达), Banshang (坝上), Yaowan (窑湾), Yishi (迤石), Wujia’ao (五家凹), and Liaohu (潦浒). Additionally, it includes eight village groups: Ada, Banshang, Yaowan, Wujia’ao, Yishi, Liaohu Third Group, Liaohu Fourth Group, and Liaohu Fifth Group.

Cultural and Scenic Attractions

Liaohu is known for its picturesque landscapes. The “Ten Scenic Spots of Liaohu” include:

1. Bijiashan Sunrise (笔架朝晖) – Symbolizing the region’s cultural prosperity.
2. Baoxiang Evergreen (宝香翠柏) – Offering breathtaking views.
3. Longtan Spring (龙潭清泉) – Nurturing Liaohu’s vitality.
4. Maomao Water Sounds (猫猫吸水) – Echoing historical legends.
5. Nanpan River Fishing Lights (盘江渔火) – Reflecting changes in the Nanpan River.
6. Phoenix Spreading Wings (凤凰展翅) – Showcasing Liaohu’s abundant resources and economic potential.
7. Blue-and-White Cranes (青花白鹤) – A renowned attraction.
8. Dawn’s Song (黎明歌声) – Nurturing generations of scholars.
9. Ancient Fort Gunfire (古堡枪声) – Marking the liberation of Liaohu’s people.
10. Guanghuo Shengshui (关火盛水) – Bringing prosperity to countless households.

The famous traveler Xu Xiake (徐霞客) had a deep admiration for Qujing. In the eleventh year of the Chongzhen reign (1638), he visited the region twice, in May and September, documenting its natural environment, economic conditions, and local customs. His journey covered various locations in Yuezhou, including Nanpan River, Zhoushang Village (舟上村), Xiguan Village (西关村), Liaohu, Yaowan Village (窑湾村), and Maidichong (麦地冲).

In 1953, a Martyrs’ Cemetery was built in Liaohu to commemorate Wei Xian (魏贤) and Hu Qingzheng (胡清正), two revolutionaries who fought against local bandits. In September 1949, the 15th Regiment of the First Division of the PLA Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi Border Column eliminated the Qujing Liaohu warlord and Kuomintang county militia leader Hai Zhong’ao (海中鳌), a former Kuomintang regimental commander. Twelve soldiers lost their lives in the battle. To honor their sacrifice and carry forward their revolutionary spirit, the Yuezhou Town Government erected a Martyrs’ Monument on April 4, 1996, beside the sports field at the entrance of the former Liaohu Middle School.

Liaohu is predominantly a Han Chinese village, covering 3.5 square kilometers. It was formed during the Ming and Qing dynasties and the early Republican period. The ancient village is built along the river, facing east, with rows of houses nestled between Bijiashan Mountain in the east and the gentle slopes of Longfengshan Mountain in the west. Extending along the Nanpan River’s narrow hilly terrain, the village resembles a string of radiant pearls adorning the riverbanks. Liaohu has over 200 well-preserved Ming and Qing-era residences, one ancient stone arch bridge, five ancient wells, and five traditional courtyard houses, covering approximately 28,460 square meters. These historical buildings showcase exquisite craftsmanship and classical elegance, exuding a rich cultural ambiance.

Ancient Sites and Local Products of Liaohu

1. Guangji Bridge (广济桥)

Liaohu Bridge, historically known as Guangji Bridge, stands over the Nanpan River (南盘江), symbolizing the broad assistance and universal salvation of the people. According to “Ancient Yuezhou Chronicles” (《古越州志》), this grand stone-arched bridge was constructed under the supervision of Xu Wancai (许万才), a resident of Liaohu Village. Construction began in 1874 and was completed in 1879, taking five years to finish.

The bridge spans over 100 meters, featuring five arches, each over 10 meters high and 6 meters wide. Not a single wooden plank was used in its construction, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship. Over 120 years old, the bridge presents a majestic sight when the river swells, resembling a fierce dragon crossing the waters. Standing atop the bridge, gazing down at the rushing river, one cannot help but reflect on the passage of time.

In September 1949, the Nationalist military stationed in Liaohu, including the joint defense commander of Qujing, Luliang, Zhanyi, and Malong, Hai Zhong’ao (海中鳌), resisted the Communist guerrilla forces from the Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi border region. They built a bunker on the bridge, but the guerrilla forces eventually destroyed it while leaving the bridge itself intact.

Over time, the bridge aged under the elements. On September 4, 2013, an unprecedented flood washed away this historic bridge. Though life cannot be restored, physical structures can be rebuilt. In October 2013, considering the frequency of floods, the local community reconstructed the bridge using brick, stone, and steel at its original location, preserving its historic essence while strengthening its structure. The reconstruction was completed in 2014, with a span of 12.8 meters. The new bridge harmonizes with the adjacent Guangyuan Bridge (广缘桥) and the Ceramic Culture Plaza (陶瓷文化广场). The freshly laid ancient-style bricks on the bridge resemble the understated yet alluring lips of a rural woman, exuding an enduring charm.

2. Xinyao Kiln (新窑)

Xinyao Kiln is an ancient dragon kiln in Liaohu that remains in use today. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is located in the southern part of Liaohu Village, west of the gate at the southern end of the Ming Dynasty Old Street, adjacent to the Old Kiln to the north. It follows an east-west orientation.

The kiln shed is a wooden post-and-beam structure with a black-tile roof. Xinyao Kiln was established by the Liaohu Hundred-Household Office (百户所) under the Yuezhou Garrison (越州卫). The original kiln was 28 meters long with 24 fire vents, functioning as an official kiln. Over time, villagers extended the kiln, adding new sections to conserve energy, eventually reaching 110 meters with 91 fire vents. The kiln became a unique hybrid of official and private operations, demonstrating a model of shared resources and cooperative management rare in China.

The first 24 fire vents were controlled by the Hundred-Household Office and used on a rotational basis, while the remaining 67 were privately managed. The kiln operated continuously: while pottery was still being fired at the kiln’s rear, finished ceramics were being removed from the front. As an old Liaohu folk song describes, “The kiln’s tail is still burning, while the kiln’s head has already produced blue-and-white porcelain.” As a living fossil of dragon kilns, Xinyao remains a testament to centuries of ceramic craftsmanship.

3. Liaohu Old Street (潦浒老街)

Liaohu Old Street best embodies the ancient town’s charm. Stretching three miles through the village, it resembles a giant dragon winding its way through the community. More than 800 households line the street, their old mud-wall and black-tile houses standing closely packed.

The residential architecture is characteristic of traditional Yunnan quadrangle courtyards with passageways. The eaves are elegantly upturned, while the interior panel walls feature intricate carvings and paintings. Each house is centered around a courtyard paved with rectangular stone slabs, with doors and windows adorned with sculpted patterns. The main entrance is typically set on one side of the primary building, leading to the central courtyard through differently shaped passageways. The architectural layout follows traditional Yunnan styles, including the “Four Courtyards and Five Skylights” (四合五天井) and “Horse-Trotting Corner Buildings” (跑马转角楼).

Notable residences along the street include the Xu Family Courtyard (许家大院) and Wang Family Courtyard (王家大院), among others. The Xu Family Courtyard, a famous mansion with over 120 years of history, exemplifies Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. Its grand arched entrance bears some resemblance to the renowned Qiao Family Courtyard (乔家大院), exuding an imposing presence.

4. Liaohu Dragon Kilns (潦浒龙窑)

Liaohu is a land of dragons. The three-mile-long main street forms the village’s most magnificent dragon, winding through the landscape. To the west, the rolling hills of Longfeng Mountain (龙凤山) are home to numerous dragon kilns, differing in age and orientation. These kilns, some centuries old, appear as resting dragons nestled in the hills.

For generations, the villagers have lived alongside these kilns, which are the soul of this ancient ceramic town. Dragon kilns are semi-continuous firing structures built along slopes using earth and brick, forming arched tunnels. Their elongated shape resembles a reclining dragon, which is how they earned their name. Dragon kilns have been the primary method of firing ceramics in China for millennia.

Liaohu preserves 20 dragon kilns and kiln ruins spanning from the Ming Dynasty to the present. Remarkably, 12 of these kilns are still active today, continuing to produce ceramics. Each kiln represents a lineage of skilled potters, passing down their craft through generations. These kilns hold immense cultural and historical value, serving as a living museum of China’s ceramic heritage. In 2014, the Liaohu Dragon Kilns were designated as protected cultural relics at the district level in Qilin District.

5. Liaohu Earthenware Pottery (潦浒土陶)

Liaohu boasts rich deposits of ceramic clay minerals, including natural glaze soil, abundant water sources, and extensive nearby forests. The region is home to five distinct types of ceramic clay: Five-Color Clay (花红土), White Clay (大白土), Diamond Clay (金刚泥), Sandy Clay (沙泥土), and White Fruit Green Clay (白果青泥), all of which have significant development potential due to their shallow deposits and high reserves.

Brick and tile production in Liaohu dates back to the Song Dynasty, ceramic production began in the Ming Dynasty, and bowl-making started in the Qing Dynasty. During the Republic of China period, the first modern ceramic factory was established. By the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Liaohu had grown into a major market town in Qujing, earning the nickname “Little Yunnan” (小云南). As a town that has thrived on ceramics for a thousand years, Liaohu pottery retains its ancient aesthetic, characterized by wide bellies, narrow mouths, and small bases.

The ceramic-making process remains unchanged from its ancestral origins, involving nearly 30 meticulous steps from clay selection to final firing. In 2016, Liaohu Earthenware Pottery was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yunnan Province. Despite the passage of time, Liaohu’s pottery culture continues to shine, preserving and showcasing every stage of ceramic craftsmanship. The village is renowned as a living exhibition of traditional ceramic techniques, embodying a warm and tangible legacy.