Mengzi Old Town, Honghe

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Mengzi Old Town (蒙自老街区) lies north of Nanhu (南湖), featuring a mix of historic streets and modern pathways. Visitors can enjoy strolling while discovering the town’s rich heritage.

Note: Dongdajie (东大街), near the former Southwest Associated University (西南联大), is currently under renovation.

Key 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)

Other historic streets include Huichun Street (回春街), Tuzhumiao Street (土主庙街), Wenchang Street (文庙街), and Gexue Street (阁学街), each reflecting the town’s past as a marketplace, government center, and cultural hub.

Historical Background

Mengzi (蒙自), now the capital of Honghe Prefecture (红河州), is in southeastern Yunnan Province (云南省). Its history dates back to the Western Han Dynasty (西汉), and the name “Mengzi” originates from nearby Muge Mountain (目则山), also called Mengzi Mountain (蒙自山) or Qilin Mountain (麒麟山).

The old town covers under 3 square kilometers, with streets forming an irregular chessboard-like pattern. It was historically a bustling market, a center for government offices, education, and foreign trade, and a place where local culture and history thrived.

Highlights

• Historic Streets: Explore streets with centuries-old shops, temples, and markets.
• Cultural Landmarks: Learn about the former Southwest Associated University (西南联大) and other educational sites.
• Local Architecture: Admire a blend of traditional Chinese and colonial-era buildings.
• Markets and Cuisine: Try local snacks and explore small street vendors.

How to Get There

• By Air: Fly to Kunming (昆明), then take a bus or train to Mengzi (蒙自).
• By Train: Regular trains connect Mengzi with major Yunnan cities.
• By Bus: Long-distance buses link Mengzi with surrounding regions.

Travel Tips

• Start Early: Explore streets in the morning for a quieter experience.
• Taste Local Food: Enjoy street snacks and regional cuisine.
• Respect Customs: Be mindful in religious or cultural sites.
• Photography: Capture the architecture and street life, but respect locals.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring water for walking around the old town.