Sights in Yuxi

Hongta Mountain is named for the red pagoda that towers atop it. Originally known as the White Pagoda, it was built during the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt in 1839 during the Qing Dynasty. In 1958, the White Pagoda was painted red and renamed Hongta Mountain. The mountain slopes gently, and the red pagoda nestled in the center is one of Yuxi City's landmarks. In spring and summer, the area is lush and vibrant. From March to April, the mountain's cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a dazzling display of petals.

Dayingjie Town boasts a rich history, dating back over 600 years, earning it the reputation of "Yunnan's No. 1 Village." Today, Dayingjie boasts convenient transportation, a picturesque street garden adorned with vibrant flowers, and a dazzling display of colorful lampposts at night. Huixi Park and Yuquan Lake Park are key leisure and activity areas for local residents. Other attractions include Yingyuetan Lake, Huilong Ecological Park, and Yuquan Temple, home to Asia's largest indoor Buddha statue. Dayingjie is also a popular destination for locals seeking hot springs on weekends. Huilong Hot Springs and Yingyuetan Hot Springs are both renowned local hot springs.

Nie Er's former residence, built by his great-grandfather Nie Liandeng in the late Qing Dynasty, is a two-story wooden structure. A faint relief pattern can still be seen on the eaves of the lower floor facing the street. In 1992, the local government restored the residence and opened it to the public. A statue of Nie Er now stands in front of the residence, and materials on his life and works are displayed within the residence. Beyond the residence, you'll find Beimen Street, a popular commercial street in the area, lined with shops and restaurants, perfect for enjoying a meal while strolling through the streets. Walking east from the residence, you'll reach Lotus Park. If you have time, explore the park and enjoy the scenery.

From a high vantage point, Nie Er Music Square resembles a giant violin, a scene that is particularly spectacular at night when the neon lights flicker. The square comprises a lake, two lines, a bridge, and four zones. The scenic Jade Lake in the park is lined with lush trees and a variety of aquatic plants. The Welcoming Bridge spans the lake, connecting the two sides. The Cultural and Leisure Zone houses the Nie Er Library, the Nie Er Memorial Hall, and the Museum, serving as a major local cultural venue. The Music Square Zone, with a capacity of over 20,000, is the core of the square. Its musical fountains perform spectacular performances on a rotating basis, creating a dazzling spectacle that is even more beautiful at night against the backdrop of the square's illuminations. The Sports Zone, featuring a splash pool and children's play facilities, is a great place for families. The Ecological Leisure Zone, at its highest point, features a bronze statue of Nie Er playing the violin. Beneath the statue, inscribed by former Vice Premier Li Lanqing, are the six characters "Nie Er Music Square," a landmark of Yuxi City.

Nie Er Park comprises a memorial area, a recreation area, a cultural activity area, a quiet rest area, a children's play area, a flower production and viewing area, and a park management area. The Nie Er statue in the memorial area is the park's central attraction, and the playground is a favorite spot for children. Every morning, residents gather for morning exercises, singing, and playing musical instruments. The park's pleasant scenery and vibrant atmosphere make it a prime leisure destination for locals.

The Longma Cave is 1,862 meters above sea level and was discovered in the 1980s. It is also known as the Longma Palace. It is 310.5 meters long, 50 meters wide at the widest point and 23.5 meters high at the highest point. Four large and small halls and six branch caves have been developed, including the Crystal Palace, Dragon Palace Hall, Yuxi Girl, Longma Pool, and Longma Harem.

The Lijiashan Bronze Museum, opened in 1994, primarily collects, preserves, and displays precious artifacts unearthed from the ancient tombs of the Dian royal family at Lijiashan in Jiangchuan. Most of these artifacts date from the late Warring States period to the early Eastern Han Dynasty. The exhibition halls are divided into two main sections: a primary exhibition and a permanent exhibition. The primary exhibition features a reconstruction of Tomb No. 51, the founding of the Dian Kingdom, and sections on its military, economic production, decorative arts, music, dance, and religious rituals, showcasing the ancient Dian Kingdom's long and mysterious history and splendid bronze civilization. The permanent exhibition includes a dinosaur fossil exhibition, rubbings of ancient Jiangchuan stele inscriptions, a popular science exhibition on bronze artifacts from the ancient Dian Kingdom, and a Jiangchuan drug prevention education exhibition. The museum boasts a rich collection of artifacts, including over 3,000 bronze artifacts, over 6,000 gold and silver artifacts, nearly 4,000 jade artifacts, and tens of thousands of other miscellaneous items. Among the museum's highlights are shell storage vessels with distinct ethnic cultural characteristics, exquisitely cast bronze drums, and weapons with "bionic" animal patterns.

Xingyun Lake, commonly known as "Jiangchuanhai" (Sea of ​​Rivers and Rivers) and "Waves of Waves," is located just across a mountain from Fuxian Lake. Its turquoise waters, reflected by the moonlight at night, create a shimmering, star-like scene, hence the name. Xingyun Lake is a nutrient-rich lake, rich in silver carp, Wuchang fish, and bighead carp, serving as a natural fish farm. Xingyun Lake boasts numerous bays, thriving with fish and grass, and lush willows and reeds lining its banks. A scenic lakeside park is also located along the lakefront, creating a picturesque scene. Every December 25th marks the opening day for fishing. On this day, fishing boats, decorated with red hydrangeas and long firecrackers hanging from their bows, line the lakeside. After each boat simultaneously lights firecrackers and celebrates with their heads raised, the fishermen at the bow begin casting their nets, creating a lively scene. By then, a fish street will be formed in Jiangchuan County, and there will be people selling fish in several fishing villages along the lake road. Tourists who come to Jiangchuan at this time can try fresh fish by the way.

Jieyushi Park, also known as Haimen Park, is named after a stone called "Boundary Fish Stone" within the park. Since the Ming Dynasty, local officials and scholars have inscribed poems and carved steles on the stone. Near the stone, there stands a Guanyin Temple, built in 1877. Following dredging of the river in 1987, Haimen Tower, Haimen Bridge Wangying Pavilion, and other buildings were constructed, and a bridge corridor was created to become Haimen Park. The Haimen River, also known as the Gehe River, is the outlet of Xingyun Lake, through which the waters of Xingyun Lake flow into Fuxian Lake. A stone tablet in the middle of the Haimen River bears the inscription: "The Xingyun Sun flows toward Fuxian Lake, yet only fish and shrimp are forbidden from swimming together. Is it the Yangtze River's natural barrier, yet it divides us so closely?" The bighead carp of Xingyun Lake and the wave-fighting fish of Fuxian Lake use the Boundary Fish Stone as a dividing line, returning to their original state. This is the park's most striking "Boundary Fish Stone" wonder, where "two lakes meet, yet fish do not cross."

Gushan, originally named "Yinghai Mountain," was established during the Song Dynasty and flourished during the Ming Dynasty. Before the Ming Dynasty, a small island adjacent to Yinghai Mountain, known as Xiaoyinghai Mountain, was connected by an iron bridge called "Hongyin Bridge." An earthquake in the late Ming Dynasty sank the island and the bridge, leaving only Yinghai Mountain. This gave Gushan its name. Gushan Island, nestled in Fuxian Lake, boasts beautiful scenery and is known as "Yunnan's No. 1 Island." Just a few miles to the south of Gushan lies Haimen Park, while to the north it faces Lianhua Peak in the Mingxing Scenic Area. Climbing to the summit offers panoramic views of Fuxian Lake. To the west of the scenic area lies a naturally formed boulder called "Lan Keping," also known as "Chessboard Stone." To the south, a massive cliff faces the vast, emerald waters below, where schools of black carp often gather, forming a massive "black carp formation," earning it the nickname "Fish Paradise." Standing on the cliff's fish-watching platform, visitors can witness the "miracle of black carp." Visitors can camp by the lake, go boating and swimming in the lake. Of course, there are also many resorts and hotels by the lake where you can stay.

Fuxian Lake, formerly known as "Luojia Lake," became "Fuxian Lake" in the Ming Dynasty and is also known as "Chengjianghai." It is the largest lake at the source of the Pearl River and China's largest deep-water freshwater lake, spanning Chengjiang, Jiangchuan, and Huaning counties within Yuxi. Fuxian Lake boasts crystal-clear waters, reaching a transparency of 7-8 meters. The lake is home to over 20 species of fish, the most renowned being the kanglang fish, a prized specialty of Fuxian Lake. Fuxian Lake boasts stunning scenery, surrounded by lush mountains. It boasts Gushan Island and scenic spots such as Sunshine Coast, Mingxing Scenic Area, Luchong, and Sakura Valley. It is a popular destination for locals to relax and enjoy the water during their holidays. When visiting Fuxian Lake, be sure to order the copper pot fish at a local restaurant; it's a local specialty and a must-try.

The Luchong Scenic Area primarily encompasses Luchong Village, located on the west shore of Fuxian Lake. Luchong boasts a 3.2-kilometer lakeshore, shaded by ancient trees, and boasts stunning scenery, backed by mountains and facing the lake. Historically, this region boasted outstanding individuals and a rich history, earning it the reputation of "two Jinshi (imperial scholar) from one family, two Hanlin (officials) every hundred steps." Luchong Village boasts scenic Fuxian Lake, the towering and verdant Bijia Mountain, the bell-shaped Yusun Mountain, and the tranquil Boxi Bay. The village's most unique attractions include the stunning landscape, towering century-old banyan trees, and the traditional waterwheel fishing for kang yu (fish) in summer and autumn. Every year on the 19th day of the second lunar month, Guanyin Temple on the peak of Bijia Mountain hosts a lively and spectacular temple fair.

Maotian Mountain is famous for the discovery of the Naro worm fossil assemblage, a region that served as the site of the so-called "Cambrian Explosion" of life on Earth. Maotian Mountain contains fossils dating back 541 million years. These fossils, scattered throughout the mountain in a winding belt, recreate the true nature of marine life hundreds of millions of years ago. In 1991, The New York Times, the most authoritative and influential newspaper in the United States, featured the discovery of the Maotian Mountain fauna on its front page with stunning photos, declaring it one of the most astonishing scientific discoveries of the century and declaring it the "World's Holy Land of Paleontology."

Yangzong Town, located at the northernmost tip of Yuxi City, is the closest town to Kunming within Yuxi. Anciently known as Qiangzong, it was named after the Qiangzong tribe that inhabited the area during the Dali Kingdom, and later became Yangzong. The waters of Yangzong Lake within its boundaries are emerald green, and the surrounding mountains and rivers offer breathtaking scenery. Nearby, at the ancient Longquan Temple in the southeast of the lake, stands a thousand-year-old tree, still lush and leafy, blocking out the sun. To the south, Xiaotun Village is said to have been the site of the garrison of Guan Suo, a general who accompanied Zhuge Liang on his southern expeditions during the Three Kingdoms period. Villagers still perform the ancient Guan Suo opera. Southwest of Xiaotun Village, behind Baoguo Temple, seven giant rocks naturally form the shape of the Big Dipper. Nearby is a village called Beidou Village. In summer and autumn, from a vantage point overlooking the Yangzong Basin, each village is clearly visible, while Beidou Village is shrouded in mist, creating the remarkable spectacle of "Misty Rain over the Dipper Village." To the northeast of the lake, Tangchi Town is a renowned hot spring resort and a popular holiday destination for locals.

Qilu Lake, known as "Haihe" during the Tang Dynasty and later as "Tonghu," is the mother lake of the people of Tonghai. It's named for its location on the banks of Qilu Mountain (also known as Xiushan). Summer is the most beautiful season here, with verdant hills surrounding the lake's banks and endless rural scenery. On calm days, a deep blue band several meters long stretches across the lake's surface, a remarkable sight known as "The Blue Water," one of Tonghai's eight scenic spots. However, due to this year's severe drought in Yunnan, the water level of Qilu Lake has dropped, leaving many areas covered in a sea of ​​grass, creating a unique landscape. Along the shores of Qilu Lake, there are artificial embankments where people can stroll and fish. Several restaurants and farmhouse inns along the lakeside offer accommodation.

Xiushan, also known as Qilushan, is known as "the most beautiful mountain in southern Yunnan." Its rare Song Dynasty cypress, Yuan Dynasty fir, and Ming Dynasty magnolia are considered its "three wonders." Numerous ancient plaques, couplets, and inscriptions have earned it the nicknames "Plaque Mountain and Sea of ​​Inscriptions" and "Forest of Steles." Nestled amidst lush greenery, Xiushan boasts over 20 temples. Yongjin Temple, founded in the Song Dynasty, sits atop Xiushan Mountain and is its largest and oldest structure. From the temple's terrace, visitors can gaze out over the shimmering Qilu Lake and the beautiful countryside. Puguang Temple, located on the eastern side of the mountain, is the second oldest temple. Originally built during the Five Dynasties period and expanded during the Dali Kingdom era, a stone stele dating back to the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty stands outside. At the foot of Xiushan lies Xiushan Town, the seat of the Tonghai County government. A major town in southern Yunnan, it is known as "Little Yunnan" and a "Famous Land of Rites and Music." After visiting Xiushan, you can have a delicious meal at a restaurant in the town, and by the way, you can also buy some local specialty bean foam candy from the town’s shops to take back.

Yangguang Town is connected to Xiushan Town and is located on the southeast shore of Qilu Lake. Donghua Mountain in Daxin Village in the area has beautiful scenery and cool and sweet springs. The ancient Longquan Temple in the mountain was built during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. It is still very popular and attracts many tourists. It is a good place for local people to escape the heat and cool down in the summer. Fuchun Mountain behind Daxin Village has beautiful scenery. There is Tzu Chi Temple built in the Yuan Dynasty on the mountain. It is a famous Buddhist holy place in the county. Every October, tens of thousands of camellia flowers on Fuchun Mountain bloom, and the scenery is beautiful. Xingyi Village's Stone City, with its streets paved with large stones and ancient residential buildings constructed of earth and wood, is rich in character, making walking into the city feel like entering a maze. Xiaoxin Village's Sansheng Temple, built in the Yuan Dynasty, enshrines Confucius, Laozi, and Sakyamuni. Its most remarkable features are its six wooden lattice doors, each constructed from a single piece of purple toon wood and featuring five layers of three-dimensional carvings. The carvings depict stories from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," "Dream of the Red Chamber," and "Journey to the West." Each door also features a poem composed of bamboo leaves. These carvings have earned the reputation of being "a unique Chinese wonder," "an artistic treasure," and "the finest woodcarving in China." Other notable attractions within the town include the Zhu Clan Ancestral Hall, Faming Temple, Haichao Temple, and Zhu Zun's former residence. If you have time, consider exploring them.

Qutuo Pass was the residence of Alatemur, the Mongolian commander-in-chief during the Yuan Dynasty. It was the highest military and political institution established in southern Yunnan at that time.

Kublai Khan once led his Mongol army through this area during his campaigns, making it a hub for merchants and travelers. Seven centuries later, Qutuo Pass has lost its former fame. The ruins of the former commander's mansion, its peach grove, the Wolong Shrine, the Lock Well, the Thousand Household Camp, and the Hundred Household Camp have been reclaimed into farmland. The Mongol troops stationed there have since settled at the foot of Phoenix Mountain as the water level of Qilu Lake has receded. Only the former commander's mansion, the highest authority, and the "Horse Digging Well," a well midway up the mountainside, where a spring of water flows year-round, remain in the ancient town. The rich and fragrant Qutuo Pass sweet liquor is a renowned local specialty, so take some home with you when you visit.

Xingmeng Township is the only township in Yunnan Province inhabited by the Mongolian people. These people are descendants of the Mongolians who followed Kublai Khan's army to conquer the Dali Kingdom in Yunnan 700 years ago and settled in Tonghai while defending Qutuo Pass. Behind Xingmeng Township lies Phoenix Mountain. In its center stands the Sansheng Temple, built during the Qing Dynasty, housing statues of Genghis Khan, Kublai Khan, and Mongke. Ten steles from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties are also preserved. The township also boasts Mongolian ancestral halls, including the Pu Family Ancestral Hall, the Qi Family Ancestral Hall, and the Hua Family Ancestral Hall. Every year from December 13th to 15th, Xingmeng Township hosts the Nadam Festival, featuring lantern parades, dragon dances, and Mongolian dance performances. In the evening, the community gathers around bonfires for a revelry of "jumping music."

Nagu Town, nestled against Lion Mountain and facing Qilu Lake, encompasses three natural villages: Najiaying, Gucheng, and Sanjiacun. It is a renowned "hometown of overseas Chinese" and a "hometown of handicrafts." Nagu Town is one of the main settlements of the Hui ethnic group in Yunnan. The Hui people there adhere to Islam and maintain ancient traditional customs. The town boasts three mosques: the Najiaying Old Mosque, the Gucheng Old Mosque, and the Gucheng New Mosque. Najiaying Mosque, the oldest of these, is a place of worship for thousands of Hui people and serves as a hub for festival gatherings, educational activities, and funerals.

Located in the eastern middle section of the Ailao Mountains, Jiasa Town is known as Yunnan's "Hometown of the Flower-Waisted Dai People." "Gasa," meaning "street on the beach" in the Dai language, has been a major trading and transportation hub since ancient times. It boasts magnificent Ailao Mountain scenery, the beautiful and simple Flower-Waisted Dai women, and a rich tapestry of local customs. The nearby Dabinlangyuan is a renowned local ecological village for its ethnic culture, home to tamarind, mango, and lychee trees that bear abundant fruit year after year. The Flower-Waisted Dai villagers still maintain their ancient customs, with women continuing to practice unique crafts such as weaving, cross-stitching, embroidery, and knitting.

The Ailao Mountains, located in central Yunnan Province, are a southern extension of the Yunling Mountains. They mark the boundary between the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains, and serve as the watershed between the Yuanjiang and Amojiang Rivers. The Ailao Mountains stretch from Chuxiong City in the north to Luchun County in Honghe in the south, spanning Chuxiong, Pu'er, Yuxi, and Honghe. Its main peak, Ailao Mountain, rises 3,166 meters above sea level. The area boasts lush primeval forests and a variety of rare wildlife, creating a magnificent landscape. Famous attractions within the area include Qianjiazhai in Zhenyuan, Azalea Lake in Jingdong, Nan'en Waterfall in Xinping, and the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Entering the Ailao Mountains from Xinping County, the winding route leads to breathtaking views of the mist-shrouded red mountains, passing through the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, Nan'en Waterfall, the Longxi Aristocratic Manor, and Shimen Gorge.

The Ailao Mountain Tea-Horse Ancient Road in Xinping County lies in the heart of the Ailao Mountains, boasting a formidable terrain that rivals the might of "one man guarding the pass, ten thousand cannot break through." This section of the ancient road is part of the Yinan Great Road, one of Yunnan's three major ancient roads. The Yinan Great Road began in Pu'er during the Tang Dynasty, crossing the Ailao Mountains to Dali. After the Ming Dynasty, it began in Kunming and continued to Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and other destinations. It reached its peak during the Qing Dynasty, when vast caravans and merchants once carried a variety of goods from the Central Plains to the borderlands. After more than 1,300 years of vicissitudes, the ancient road is now deserted, overgrown with lush grass. Only the broken bricks and tiles of the Qianjiazhai ruins, the stone arches of the former iron smelting furnaces at the ancient road post station, and the horse hoof marks on the bluestone slabs bear witness to the prosperity of the former southern Yunnan Great Road and the legendary stories of the caravans.

Also known as the Longxi Aristocratic Tusi Mansion, it was the residence of Li Runzhi, the last descendant of the hereditary Longxi Tusi, Li Xianzhi. The Longxi Li clan rose to prominence during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1768). Their ancestor, Li Yufang, was granted the title of "Yunqiwei" by the emperor for his military achievements. His son, Li Xianzhi, was granted the title of Yanwang Tubazong, and subsequent generations of the clan remained hereditary Tusi. The manor witnessed the rise and fall of the Longxi Li clan. Comprising a courtyard, gardens, and stables, it boasts 58 houses in the architectural style of a medieval European castle. The gardens are adorned with numerous carvings, paintings, and calligraphy. Although much of the work was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, the surviving fragments remain treasures. The marble reliefs and red toon wood carvings in the garden are particularly valuable.

Mopan Mountain, named for its resemblance to a millstone, boasts over 50 scenic spots, including a forest lake, a secluded cliff valley, an observation deck, Enemy Mountain, King Hebaizu's footprints, azalea fields, and camellia forests. Flowers bloom year-round, creating a breathtaking spectacle of alpine meadows, seas of clouds, towering ancient trees, and forest lakes. In spring, azaleas, camellias, Michelia, and primroses bloom in a vibrant array of vibrant colors, creating a spectacular "sea of ​​flowers." In summer, the area is bathed in lush greenery, verdant mountains, and shimmering lakes. In autumn, the vibrant colors of the forest create a tranquil atmosphere. In winter, mist and clouds linger, creating a captivating and ever-changing sea of ​​fog. Every February and March, the 500,000 cherry trees planted within Mopan Mountain bloom, creating a spectacular sight. The Cherry Blossom Festival, held during this period, attracts numerous visitors, offering opportunities to enjoy the Flower Waist Dance and cherry blossom banquets.

The Yuanjiang High Bridge, located at an altitude of 518.2 meters, features five continuous steel spans with a main span of 265 meters and two main piers reaching a height of 123.3 meters. This surpasses the previous record for the highest pier height of a continuous steel bridge of 107 meters, making it the world's tallest bridge and the second-longest span of its type. The bridge, with a total length of 1,000 meters, was fully opened in 2014. The scenic area now houses the Yulin Resort, a leisure and entertainment destination, as well as a 300-acre mango orchard and other natural attractions. Furthermore, this area was the site of the last battle in mainland China, where the remains of the trenches remain, along with observation decks and attractions such as the Daming Temple, named after the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Nanuo Township, predominantly inhabited by the Hani ethnic group, is renowned in central Yunnan for its terraced fields, seas of clouds, and Hani culture. Yuanjiang's terraced fields are primarily concentrated in Yangjie and Nanuo, with the Nanuo terraces being the most spectacular. The hardworking Nanuo people have created this magnificent masterpiece with their own hands. The magnificent terraced landscape changes with each season: in spring, the terraces are clearly defined and vibrantly colored; in summer, they are a vibrant expanse of green; in autumn, the rice fields ripen, blanketing the earth in golden color, a scene of abundant harvest; and in winter, the terraces are shrouded in mist, creating an unpredictable and ever-changing landscape. After admiring the Nanuo terraces, consider visiting Nanuo to sample Zhujie ecological green tea. Grown at high altitude in the Ailao Cloud Mountains, Zhujie has been renowned for its green tea since the Ming Dynasty. If time permits, you can also drive to Zhujie Township, approximately 6 kilometers from Nanuo.

The Tak cliff paintings are 19.5 meters long and 3 meters high, estimated to be 3,000 years old. Beneath the paintings are two artificially constructed platforms, presumably used by primitive people for religious ceremonies. Approximately 200 meters above the paintings, a horizontal cave, known locally as "Yinbin Cave," is located on the slope. It is believed to have been the residence of the cliff painters, but excavations are currently underway. The Tak cliff paintings contain 109 recognizable images, painted in ochre-red. They include figures, frogmen, animals, and scenes of dancing and hunting. The flowing, simple lines create vivid images, fully reflecting the production, living customs, and fertility worship of primitive people.

The Colorful Gypsum Forest is a natural gypsum peak forest. Years of rainwater erosion along vertical fissures has formed a cluster of peaks. The diverse composition of the original rock creates a rich palette of gray-green, gray-purple, gray-red, and yellow-brown colors. The overlapping peaks and forests here are magnificent, with diverse shapes and colors, rivaling those of Kunming's Stone Forest, Luliang's Colorful Sand Forest, and Yuanmou's Earth Forest. It is also the only reported instance of a Colorful Gypsum Forest discovered in the world.

Wansong Mountain, named for its pine forests, is one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Ancient Ningzhou." The scenic area comprises Wansong Mountain, Ciguang Temple, the Martyrs' Cemetery, celebrity tombs, the Locking Water Tower, the Yingchun Bridge, and the Huazhu Garden. Ciguang Temple, the Locking Water Tower, and the Yingchun Bridge were all built during the Ming and Qing dynasties and are well-preserved. Ciguang Temple, located at the top of the scenic area, comprises the Heavenly King Hall, the Jade Emperor Hall, the Purple Gold Hall, and the Main Hall. The temple boasts numerous plaques inscribed by renowned calligraphers throughout history, making it a truly remarkable sight. It is also said to be the origin of the "Fox Tomb" from the tales of Liao Zhai. Two Ming Dynasty osmanthus trees stand in front of the Purple Gold Hall. Every August, the osmanthus blossoms in full bloom, their fragrance wafting for miles.

Longquan Park boasts a long history. Established in the late Tang Dynasty, it was once a center of cultural activity for the Yi people in central Yunnan. The park boasts towering ancient trees, elegant pavilions, and crystal-clear springs. It was once hailed by the renowned late Qing Dynasty painter Dong Yida as "the premier scenic spot in western Yunnan" and the first of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Yimen." The park's main attraction is the 180-million-year-old dinosaur fossils discovered in Jiaojiadian, Shijie Township, Yimen in 1987. Nearby are the Longquan River and Longquan Cultural Square. After exploring the park, consider exploring Yimen County.