Nagu Town of Tonghai County, Yuxi

Nagou Town (纳古镇) is located in the northwest of Tonghai County, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province. It is backed by Shizishan Mountain and faces Qilu Lake. It is 14 kilometers south of Tonghai County and 110 kilometers north of Kunming, with an average altitude of 1800 meters. The climate is pleasant, with spring-like conditions year-round. The total area of the town is about 12 square kilometers, comprising three natural villages: Najiaying, Gucheng, and Sanjia.

Cultural History

Nagou Town is renowned as a famous “overseas Chinese town” and “hometown of handicrafts” in Yunnan, with the Hui ethnic group being the predominant population, comprising 83.1% of the total. Originally part of Sijie Town, Nagou was officially designated as Nagou Hui Ethnic Township in 1988 and was later upgraded to a town in 1997. The town has a rich historical and cultural heritage, producing notable figures such as Professor Na Zhong, a famous Arab cultural scholar, and Mr. Na Xun, the translator of “One Thousand and One Nights.”

Local Customs

Nagou Town is one of the major Hui ethnic settlements, with the Hui people practicing Islam. They maintain unique traditions, especially in daily life, including their food, attire, and marriage and funeral customs, all of which feature distinct local and ethnic characteristics. There are three mosques in the town, with Najiaying Mosque being the largest mosque in Yunnan Province.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Nagou Town enjoys a pleasant climate with spring-like weather year-round. The average altitude is 1800 meters, and the annual average temperature is about 15°C. The best times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is comfortable, and the natural scenery is at its best.

Recommended Attractions and Visit Duration

Najiaying Mosque

As the largest mosque in Yunnan Province, Najiaying Mosque boasts impressive architecture and holds significant religious and cultural value. It is recommended to spend 1 hour visiting.

Gucheng Old Temple

A religious building with a long history, Gucheng Old Temple is a great place to learn about the local religious culture and history. A visit duration of 1 hour is suggested.

Wang Sanhai

Located at the highest point in the northwest of Nagou Town, Wang Sanhai offers stunning panoramic views of the three major lakes: Qilu Lake, Xingyun Lake, and Fuxian Lake. The scenery is magnificent, and it is recommended to spend 2 hours exploring.

Nagou Handicraft Workshop

Visitors can observe traditional handicraft production processes, such as knife-making, and experience the town’s rich handicraft culture. A visit time of 1 hour is recommended.

Transportation

Nagou Town is easily accessible, located just 14 kilometers from Tonghai County and 110 kilometers from Kunming. Several highways connect Nagou to surrounding areas. Visitors can take a bus or taxi from Tonghai County, with a travel time of approximately 20 minutes.

Cuisine

The cuisine of Nagou Town primarily features halal food, such as hand-pulled lamb and halal pastries. Visitors can also enjoy local specialties like chicken silk rice noodles, a delicious dish made from free-range chicken and rice noodles.

Shopping

Nagou Town is known for its handicrafts, and visitors can purchase traditional items such as handcrafted knives and metal products.

Accommodation

Nagou Town offers a limited selection of homestays, providing simple but authentic local experiences. For those seeking more comfortable accommodations, staying in Tonghai County is recommended.

Travel Tips

• Respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites such as mosques.
• Protect the environment when exploring natural landscapes, and avoid littering.
• Bring appropriate clothing and sunscreen based on the weather conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1:

Depart from Tonghai County and arrive in Nagou Town. Visit Najiaying Mosque to experience Hui culture.

Day 2:

Visit Gucheng Old Temple to learn about the local religious culture. In the afternoon, head to Wang Sanhai for breathtaking views of the three major lakes.

Day 3:

Explore Nagou Handicraft Workshop to experience traditional craftsmanship. Enjoy local cuisine and purchase unique souvenirs before returning.

Nagou Town is a place filled with natural beauty and cultural charm. Whether you are exploring its stunning landscapes or immersing yourself in local customs, it offers an unforgettable experience. We hope you enjoy your journey here.