Mengzi Old Town, Honghe
Overview
Mengzi Old Town (Mengzi Lǎo Jiē Qū, 蒙自老街区) is located north of Nanhu (南湖), featuring numerous old streets intertwined with newer ones, inviting visitors to explore its charm. The best way to navigate is by taking note of street names as you wander.
Currently, Dongdajie (东大街), adjacent to the site of the Southwest Associated University (西南联大), is undergoing demolition and renovation.
Notable Streets
- Shifah Street (世发街)
- Tongfang Street (铜房街)
- Qilong Street (起龙街)
- Yuetang Street (月塘街)
- Dashu Street (大树街)
- Dongdajie (东大街)
- Haiguan Road (海关路)
- Maizi Alley (麦子巷)
- Guilin Street (桂林街)
Historical Background
Mengzi (蒙自), now the capital of Honghe Prefecture (红河州), is situated in southeastern Yunnan Province (云南省). The county spans 62 kilometers from north to south and 61.3 kilometers from east to west. The name “Mengzi” first appeared during the Yuan Dynasty (元代). The county was established during the Western Han Dynasty (西汉). In 109 BC, Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝) founded Yizhou Commandery (益州郡), which governed 24 counties, including Mengzi as part of Bangu County (贲古县).
The name “Mengzi” has various interpretations, but it is commonly accepted that it derives from the nearby Muge Mountain (目则山), about 15 kilometers from the county seat. The mountain is also referred to as Mengzi Mountain (蒙自山), Qilin Mountain (麒麟山), and more. Historical texts indicate that the name “Mengzi” was derived from a mistranslation of “Muge” in Chinese.
Description of the Old Town
Mengzi’s old town, with its rich history dating back to the early 1950s, covers less than 3 square kilometers. As noted by Professor Zhu Ziqing (朱自清), a guest of the Southwest Associated University in the 1930s, “Mengzi City is very small.”
Before 1952, the inner city had a linear distance of about 1,000 meters from north to south and approximately 1,500 meters from east to west. Starting from the East City Gate near today’s Gelushi Foreign Trade Company (歌胪士洋行), you can walk along Dongdajie (formerly Wumiao Street, 武庙街) to Jihul Road (formerly Huancheng South Road, 环城南路), and further along to Yizheng Road (formerly Huancheng West Road, 环城西路) and Lianda Road (formerly Huancheng North Road, 环城北路). This path traces the irregular layout of the old town, which was somewhat like a chessboard.
Key Streets and Their Histories
- Huichun Street (回春街): Originally a pathway for locals returning from spring outings, it extends west to Yizheng Road and east to Guilin Street. The street has historical significance as it once housed government offices and dining establishments.
- Tuzhumiao Street (土主庙街): Now the southern part of Guilin Street, named for the Tuzhu Temple (土主庙) located here, which was formerly part of the local educational institutions.
- Guilin Street (桂林街): One of the main streets in the old town, it has a rich history and was a bustling market area for both groceries and medicinal herbs before the establishment of the agricultural market.
- Wenchang Street (文庙街): Once known as Qianjie Street, it was home to numerous foreign merchants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming the “foreigner’s street” of Mengzi.
- Yuetang Street (月牙塘街): Named for its crescent-shaped pond, now filled to create the first agricultural market in Mengzi.
- Gexue Street (阁学街): Formerly known as Qianjie Street, it housed government offices and educational institutions during the Qing Dynasty (清朝).
How to Get There
Mengzi Old Town can be accessed by various means of transportation, including:
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Kunming (昆明), followed by a bus or train journey to Mengzi.
- By Train: Regular trains run from major cities in Yunnan to Mengzi.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Mengzi with surrounding regions.
Travel Tips
- Explore Early: Start your exploration early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the old streets.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste local delicacies at street vendors and restaurants.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of cultural practices, especially in religious sites.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the unique architecture and vibrant street life, but be respectful when taking pictures of locals.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water, as exploring the old town can involve a lot of walking.
By embracing the history and vibrant culture of Mengzi Old Town, visitors can experience the unique charm that this hidden gem has to offer.
Location:
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