Yongbei Town of Yongsheng County in Lijiang

Location

Yongbei Town is located in the northeastern part of (永胜县) Yongsheng County, making it the political, economic, and cultural center of the county. It borders (羊坪乡) Yangping Township and (六德乡) Liude Township to the east, (程海镇) Chenghai Town to the south, (三川镇) Sanchuan Town to the west, and (宁蒗县战河乡) Zhanhe Township of Ninglang County to the north. The town stretches 18.73 kilometers from north to south and 6 kilometers from east to west, covering an area of 247.2 square kilometers. The town government is located at an altitude of 2,140 meters, and the climate is characterized by a low-latitude mountain monsoon climate with a cold temperate zone.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Skills

Yongbei Town is home to several ethnic groups, including the (汉族) Han, (彝族) Yi, (纳西族) Naxi, and (傈僳族) Lisu. Traditional skills in the area are diverse, including:

• Yongsheng Enamel Silverware Making: This craft is mainly found in the Han ethnic areas of Yongbei Town and (三川镇) Sanchuan Town. It has been sold to Myanmar, India, and other places since the Ming and Qing dynasties.

• Qingxiangzhai Water Crisp Cake Making: Made from fine flour and fresh pig lard, these cakes come in large, medium, and small round shapes. The texture is soft, crispy, and layered.

• Traditional Woodcarving Craft: (Yongbei Town) has a long history of woodcarving, with finely crafted products that have gradually shifted from practical items to ornamental pieces.

• Porcelain Making: The (永胜瓷器文化展示体验空间) Yongsheng Porcelain Cultural Display and Experience Space in (大厂村) Dachang Village offers a 155-year history of porcelain production.

Customs and Festivals

• Yongsheng Han Wedding Feast: A unique folk custom in (Yongbei Town) where traditional Han wedding feasts are held.

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

Ancient Architecture

As the political, economic, and cultural center of Yongsheng County, (Yongbei Town) is rich in ancient architecture, including:

• Yongsheng Confucian Temple (永胜文庙): Located in (永胜古城) the ancient city of Yongsheng, this well-preserved Confucian temple is an important example of local architecture.

• Ancient City Wall: The ancient city wall of (永胜古城) Yongsheng Ancient City is a key window for researching the history and culture of the (纳西族) Naxi people.

Tourist Resources

• Yongsheng Ancient City (永胜古城): This ancient city preserves many buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and serves as an important site for studying Naxi history and culture.

• Shizishan Scenic Area (狮子山风景区): Shizishan is a famous scenic spot in Yongsheng County, offering beautiful views and a viewing platform where visitors can overlook the town and surrounding natural landscape.

• Guanyinqing (观音箐): One of the famous historical sites in (Yongbei Town).

• Qingxiangzhai Water Crisp Cake Making Experience Space: Visitors can sample various traditional cakes and learn about the unique process of making water crisp cakes.

• Traditional Woodcarving Experience Space: This space allows visitors to view woodcarvings from different periods of Yongsheng’s history and experience the process of woodcarving.

• Yongsheng Porcelain Cultural Display and Experience Space: This space not only showcases the processes of porcelain shaping, throwing, and painting, but also presents the production equipment, techniques, and works from different periods of porcelain making.

• Earthenware Making Experience Space (土陶制作体验空间): Visitors can try their hand at making earthenware and appreciate the unique art form.

Transportation

• By Road: (Yongbei Town) is easily accessible, with the (祥宁公路) Xiangning Road and (白石公路) Baishi Road intersecting the town. From Lijiang, it takes about 1 hour by car to reach (Yongbei Town).

• Public Transport: Take a long-distance bus from (丽江客运站) Lijiang Bus Station to Yongsheng County, and then transfer to (Yongbei Town).

Accommodation and Cuisine

• Accommodation: As the central area of Yongsheng County, (Yongbei Town) offers several hotels and guesthouses, including (永胜万恋主题酒店) Yongsheng Wanlian Theme Hotel, (永胜沧阳丰月商务酒店) Yongsheng Cangyang Fengyue Business Hotel, and (永胜红宇酒店) Yongsheng Hongyu Hotel.

• Cuisine: Local specialties include (永胜火腿) Yongsheng Ham, butter tea, and water crisp cakes.

Hope this guide helps you plan your trip to (Yongbei Town).