Qina Town of Yongsheng County in Lijiang

Location

Qina Town is located in the southwest of (永胜县) Yongsheng County, (丽江市) Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is 55 kilometers away from Yongsheng County and 44 kilometers in a straight line. It borders (东风傈僳族乡) Dongfeng Lisu Township to the east, (涛源乡) Taoyuan Township to the southwest, and (程海) Chenghai to the north. The town lies in the central area of the southern three townships and two towns. Both the (宾永高速) Binyong Expressway and (祥宁二级路) Xiangning Secondary Road pass through the area, making transportation convenient.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Skills

Qina Town is home to more than 10 ethnic minorities, including the (回族) Hui, (彝族) Yi, (傈僳族) Lisu, and (壮族) Zhuang. Traditional skills include:

  • Yi Embroidery: Known for its bright colors and rich patterns, it holds significant artistic value.

  • Fire Grass Weaving: A provincial-level protected skill that showcases the traditional textile techniques of the local Yi and other minority groups.

  • Dai Slow Wheel Pottery: While Qina Town is not predominantly inhabited by the Dai people, visitors can still experience similar traditional skills due to the cultural diversity of the Lijiang area.

Customs and Festivals

  • Yi Torch Festival: An important festival for the Yi people, typically held on the 24th of the sixth lunar month. People light torches to drive away evil spirits and pray for happiness.

  • Lantern Festival Performance: During the Lantern Festival, (期纳村委会) Qina Village Committee and (新蕊艺术培训学校) Xinrui Art Training School hold performances, with a variety of exciting activities.

Ancient Architecture

Qina Town boasts a wealth of ancient architectural resources, including:

  • Dongyue Temple: Built during the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Qianlong, it gradually formed a Taoist temple complex by the time of Emperor Daoguang. It is now a provincial-level key cultural heritage site.

  • Ruiguang Temple: Preserves large areas of intact murals from the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

  • Qingshui Ancient Town: Featuring numerous ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing periods, such as academies, temples, and ancestral halls. It is known as the “Museum of Ming and Qing Architecture.”

Tourist Resources

  • Chenghai: Located to the north of Qina Town, Chenghai is a famous scenic spot in Yongsheng County, known for its beautiful lakes and mountains.

  • Qingshui Ancient Town: Situated in (清水村) Qingshui Village in Qina Town, this quaint scenic area is renowned for its scholarly atmosphere and is called the “Land of Cultural Winds.”

  • Guyu Village: A traditional Chinese village full of historical charm, with several ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing periods. Among them, the (魁星阁) Kuixing Pavilion, built during the Qing Dynasty, is a symbolic structure.

  • Qina Ancient Architecture Complex: Comprising nine cultural heritage sites, including (瑞光寺) Ruiguang Temple, (黄家宗祠) Huang Family Ancestral Hall, and (阮家大院) Ruan Family Courtyard. The total building area is about 4,600 square meters.

Transportation

  • By Road: From Lijiang, drive along the (宾永高速) Binyong Expressway or (祥宁二级路) Xiangning Secondary Road for approximately 1 hour to reach Qina Town.

  • Public Transport: Take a local bus or taxi from Yongsheng County to Qina Town.

Accommodation and Cuisine

  • Accommodation: There are a few guesthouses available in the town. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in Yongsheng County, where accommodation conditions are relatively better.

  • Cuisine: Local specialties include (永胜火腿) Yongsheng Ham, butter tea, and chicken soup.

Hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Qina Town.