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Explore the historical architecture of the Gengma Tusi Mansion, learn about the local history and culture of the Tusi system in Yunnan, and enjoy walking through the traditional compound and gardens. It’s also a great spot for photography due to its beautiful design and scenic surroundings.
The Gengma Tusi Mansion, also known as the Gengma Tusi Yamen, is located in Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. It mimics a palace-style building, covering over 20 mu (approximately 16 acres). From east to west, it features a screen wall, gate pavilions, and quadrangle courtyards. The buildings feature carved beams and painted rafters, overhanging eaves and brackets, and sometimes feature landscape paintings, creating a dazzling display of light.
Facing Gengma Street, the Gengma Tusi Mansion boasts a grand screen wall with three sections and a single eave. Entering from the left and right doors, you'll find a tiled staircase and a horse pavilion, leading directly to the second screen wall. The center of the second screen wall is the Zhengyang Gate, flanked by crouching lions. Side doors are located on the left and right, with entrances and exits regulated by etiquette and social status. A passageway flanked by flower beds and a sign signifying the hereditary Gengma Xuanfu Division hangs high inside the building. Further inside, through the passageway, you'll find the Tusi compound. The front is a grand hall, built of high stone, with red bricks and green tiles, eaves and columns, and carved dragons and colorful paintings. This served as the Tusi's meeting hall.
Five courtyards of tiled houses flank the hall and are located behind it, serving as residences for chieftain officials. These buildings feature carved beams and painted rafters, overhanging eaves and brackets, and sometimes feature landscape paintings, radiating a dazzling array of colors. Hanging within the hall are couplets such as "The brilliant achievements of civil and military governance, the virtues of the Nine Mengs, and the towering towers and steep pavilions, the millennia-old masterpieces, the splendor of the Six Departments," reflecting the prosperity and former grandeur of Gengma.
The subtropical low-latitude mountain monsoon climate has a small temperature difference between the four seasons, distinct dry and wet seasons, and significant vertical changes. There is no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Visit Gengma Tusi Mansion.
It is recommended to play for about 30 minutes.
5 yuan/person
08:00-17:00
The Gengma Tusi Mansion is a historic site that showcases the Tusi system, a unique governance system used by ethnic minorities in ancient China. The mansion was the residence of the Gengma Tusi, a local ruler during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The site is significant for its architectural style and historical value in understanding the region's ethnic diversity and local governance.
The Gengma Tusi Mansion is located in Gengma County, part of Lincang in Yunnan Province. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from the city center of Lincang. Public transportation options are limited, so taxis or self-driving are the most convenient ways to reach the site.
The Gengma Tusi Mansion is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon when the site is less crowded, and the weather is cooler, especially in summer.
The entrance fee for Gengma Tusi Mansion is generally affordable. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, and there are no online booking systems available as of now.
No advance booking is necessary. Tickets are available for purchase on-site, and you can purchase them upon arrival without any hassle.
You’ll need around 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the Gengma Tusi Mansion, including the mansion itself, the gardens, and the surrounding area. If you plan to take your time and engage with the historical exhibits, allow up to 3 hours.
The must-see highlights include the Tusi Mansion’s unique architecture, the traditional garden, and the historical exhibits explaining the Tusi governance system. The mansion’s layout and the cultural artifacts are also worth exploring to understand the local history better.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer basic explanations in English for foreign visitors. Audio guides are typically not available, but local guides can provide a rich historical context during your visit.
The best viewpoints include the front courtyard of the mansion and the garden area, which offer a picturesque backdrop of traditional architecture and scenic surroundings. The mansion’s roof and inner courtyards also provide excellent angles for photography.
Start your visit by entering the main hall, then explore the smaller rooms and courtyards surrounding it. Don’t miss the garden area, and take your time to read the historical information about the Tusi system. If possible, walk around the entire complex to enjoy the full experience.
Currently, the Gengma Tusi Mansion does not offer night visits or light shows. Special tours may be available for educational groups or during specific festivals, but these are not regular offerings.
The Gengma Tusi Mansion is generally not crowded except during holidays or special events. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, particularly in the morning before noon.
The mansion offers basic facilities including clean toilets and resting areas. There are no food stalls or shops within the mansion, so it's recommended to bring your own water and snacks, or stop by local vendors outside the site.
The Gengma Tusi Mansion is accessible to elderly visitors and children. However, the terrain may not be fully wheelchair-friendly, as some areas are not paved. It’s advisable for disabled visitors to check with the staff for accessibility options before visiting.
Cash is typically required for purchasing tickets and souvenirs, although some local vendors may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay. Credit card payments are not commonly accepted within the mansion.
There are no restaurants or cafes within the Gengma Tusi Mansion itself. However, nearby Gengma town offers local restaurants serving Yunnan specialties, where visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as rice noodles and hot pot.
Vegetarian food options are available in the surrounding restaurants. However, halal food options may be limited, so it’s advisable to check the menu or inquire before ordering.
There are several basic hotels and guesthouses in Gengma town, providing convenient access to the mansion. For more luxurious options, visitors may need to stay in Lincang city and travel to the mansion by taxi or bus.
Nearby attractions include Lincang’s scenic areas and natural parks, as well as the Gengma Forest Park. Combining these with a visit to the Gengma Tusi Mansion makes for a day filled with history and nature.
There are no souvenir shops within the Gengma Tusi Mansion itself. However, nearby markets in Gengma town offer traditional Yunnan crafts, local teas, and ethnic handicrafts as souvenirs.
After visiting the mansion, taxis or buses are the best options for continuing your trip. Lincang city is about an hour’s drive away, and taxis are available for longer trips to other parts of Yunnan.
