The Martyr’s Tombs of Wang Desan (王德三), Wu Cheng (吴澄), and Ma Dengyun (马登云) are located on the southeastern hillside of Heilongtan (黑龙潭) in Kunming. These tombs honor three significant figures in the Chinese Communist movement who made great sacrifices for their revolutionary ideals.

Background of the Martyrs

Wang Desan

Wang Desan was a key leader in the Chinese Communist Party and the first secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Committee, appointed in January 1930. He played a crucial role in organizing revolutionary activities in Yunnan, including efforts to spread Marxism and mobilize local youth for the communist cause. Sadly, due to betrayal, he was executed on December 31, 1930, at the young age of 32. Before his death, he wrote a heartfelt letter to his father, expressing his unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause, stating, “If I must perish, let it be for the greater good of humanity.”

Wu Cheng

Wu Cheng was the eldest daughter of the calligrapher Wu Xizhong and an active participant in the student movements of the 1920s. She joined the Communist Youth League while studying at Kunming Women’s Normal School and later became a member of the Communist Party in 1926. Wu Cheng organized anti-feudal and anti-Japanese campaigns, and her activism included leading a women’s march in 1927. Tragically, she was arrested alongside her husband, Li Guozhu, also a communist, and both were executed on December 31, 1930. In her final moments, she symbolically tore a red handkerchief to share with her husband as a gesture of solidarity.

Ma Dengyun

Ma Dengyun, born in 1910, was the first Hui (回族) communist in Yunnan. He was a student at the Yunnan United Normal School and actively engaged in patriotic student movements. He joined the Communist Party in 1927 and became a school principal in 1928. In 1929, during a period of civil unrest, he courageously distributed flyers to expose the Nationalist government’s attempt to shift blame for a disaster onto the communists. He was arrested and executed in October 1930 at just 20 years old, exemplifying the youthful dedication to the revolutionary cause.

The Martyr’s Tombs

The Martyr’s Tombs are situated in a tranquil setting surrounded by towering cypress trees, symbolizing the enduring spirit of these martyrs. The tombs, built in a circular fortress style, face east, with Wang Desan’s tomb at the center. Each grave is marked with a stone tablet detailing the martyrs’ contributions and sacrifices.

Visiting Information

• Location: Southeastern hillside of Heilongtan Park, Kunming
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Ticket Price: Free
• Transportation: Accessible via public transport to Heilongtan Park
• Nearby Attractions: Heilongtan Park, Black Dragon Pool, Yunnan Nationalities Village

Visitors to the Martyr’s Tombs can reflect on the courage and legacy of these revolutionary figures while enjoying the serene environment of Heilongtan Park. The site stands as a testament to their contributions to the fight for equality and social justice in China.

Overview of the Poetry Tablet

The “Poetry Tablet to Ying Kong Monk Presented by Zhu De” (朱德赠映空和尚诗文碑) is located in the front garden of Tanhua Temple (昙华寺), at the base of Jinma Mountain (金马山) in the eastern suburbs of Kunming. The tablet is situated to the right of the Dayi Hall (大义厅) within a small garden. Standing 1.2 meters tall and 0.5 meters wide, the inscription is written in regular script, comprising 15 lines with 30 characters per line. This tablet is recognized as a protected cultural relic in Yunnan Province.

Historical Background of the Tablet

Tanhua Temple (昙华寺), located at the foot of Jinma Mountain (金马山) in eastern Kunming, houses the tablet which reflects Zhu De’s (朱德) progressive thoughts from his early years. The tablet’s material is made of a specific kind of stone, with a bluish core.

In the year of Renxu (壬戌年, 1922), Zhu De had served in the Yunnan military for 13 years. He experienced the Double Ninth Uprising (重九起义) during the Xinhai Revolution, participated in the National Protection War (护国战争), and fought fiercely on the battlefield to overthrow imperial rule, contributing to the restoration of civil rights. Later, he held the positions of Commander of the Yunnan Military Police and Chief of Police.

Although Yuan Shikai (袁世凯) had already fallen, the country remained embroiled in warlord conflicts, leaving civilians in despair. Zhu De, filled with frustration and concern for the fate of the nation, strolled through the temple’s garden. It was during this time that he composed the poem for Monk Ying Kong (映空和尚), expressing admiration for the monk’s tranquil lifestyle, while also conveying his own inner turmoil over the country’s fate. Shortly after, Zhu De left Kunming for Germany in search of a new revolutionary path, marking a turning point in his life.

The Inscription on the Tablet

The full text of Zhu De’s poem is as follows:

Respectfully Presented to Ying Kong the Great Monk for His Esteemed View

I have always loved the serenity of springs and woods, and loathed the hustle and bustle of the mundane world. In the waning years of the Qing dynasty, internal strife had not ceased, and external threats were constant. Born into this era, it would be a disgrace to stand idly by and observe, lest we follow the footsteps of the collapse of Vietnam. Reluctantly, I entered the military to help alleviate the nation’s suffering. My original intention was to eliminate despotism, restore civil rights, and then retire. However, to my dismay, the nation’s affairs worsened, and I have been burdened for over a decade.

In the winter of Gengshen (庚申冬), I returned to Yunnan to assume the role of Commander of the Military Police, striving to maintain order amidst chaos. Though I have not yet retired to the fields, compared to the perilous days of bloodshed on the battlefield, the current hardships feel worlds apart.

In my spare time, I often strolled with friends to Tanhua Temple, where I found solace in its blossoming flowers and perennial greenery. Upon inquiry, I learned that all the plants were meticulously cared for by the great monk, Ying Kong. He also oversaw the restoration of the temple, creating an environment that was both tranquil and elegant, a labor of love indeed.

In our conversations, I found his words to be strict yet righteous, free from any impurity—a rare quality in the Buddhist realm. I offer these few words as a mark of my deep admiration:

Monk Ying Kong, with a heart so pure, Carefree in spirit, transcendent in poise. Worldly matters float like clouds,** While the body roams freely, unbound by the world. He plants flowers and grows bamboo, dispelling evil and cleansing the soul.** With wild birds as friends, and solitary clouds as companions,** He lays stones as his bed and reads scriptures under the moonlight.** The glory and disgrace of life seem distant now,** The life and death of man fade into insignificance.** Chill depends on the sun, heat relies on the wind,** When thirsty, he thinks of drink; when hungry, he thinks of food.** Unconcerned with the nation’s rise and fall,** What matters the gathering and parting of the world?** No self, no others—form and formlessness intertwined.** The state of the world, such as it is, brings contemplation to mind.**

Republic of China, Renxu Year, Spring
Respectfully Presented by Zhu De of Xishu (西蜀朱德)

Original Chinese Text:

敬赠
映空大和尚 雅鉴
余素喜泉林，厌尘嚣。清末叶，内让未息，外患频来。生当其时，若尽袖手旁观，必蹈越 南覆辙。不得已，奋身军界，共济时艰。初意扫除专制，恢复民权，即行告退。讵料国事日非，仔肩难卸，我马连绵，转瞬十余捻。庚申冬，颁师回滇，改膺宪兵司令，维持补救，百端待理，虽未获解甲归田，较之枪林弹雨，血战沙场时，劳逸吴育天渊。公余尝偕友游县华寺，见夫花木亭亭，四时不谢，足以娱情养性。询，皆映空大和尚手植，且募修庙宇，清幽古雅，实为煞费苦心。与之接谈，词严义正，一尘不染，诚法门所罕觏，爱为但言，以志钦慕：
映空和尚，天真烂漫。豁然其度，超然其逸。世事浮云，形骸放浪。栽花种竹，除邪涤荡。与野鸟为朋，结孤云为伴。砌石作床眠，抄经月下看。身之荣辱今茫茫，人之生死今淡淡。寒依日今暑依风，渴思饮今饥思饭。不管国家存亡，焉知人间聚散。无人无我有相无相，时局如斯令人想向。
中华民国 壬戌 年 孟春 月 西蜀朱 德敬赠

Buddhist Philosophical Elements in the Poem

The phrases “no self, no others—form and formlessness intertwined” (无人无我，有相无相) are rooted in Buddhist teachings. Zhu De’s usage of such concepts in his poem indicates his profound understanding and resonance with Buddhist philosophy. His admiration for Monk Ying Kong is evident, particularly in the lines “he lays stones as his bed and reads scriptures under the moonlight,” which reflect the monk’s enlightened detachment from worldly concerns.

Monk Ying Kong

Monk Ying Kong (映空和尚) was highly skilled in horticulture and knowledgeable in both poetry and Buddhist teachings. His diligent efforts in restoring Tanhua Temple (昙华寺) and cultivating its gardens are still visible today, with the flowers and plants he nurtured continuing to thrive. His close friendship with Zhu De is memorialized by the poetry tablet. Sadly, Ying Kong passed away just two months after Zhu De presented him with the poem, yet their bond remains eternal in the serene surroundings of the temple.

Overview of Longquan Taoist Temple

Longquan Taoist Temple (龙泉观) is a historic Taoist temple located at the foot of Longquan Mountain (龙泉山), about 12 kilometers north of Kunming City, Yunnan Province. The temple’s history dates back to the Hongwu Era in 1395 during the Ming Dynasty. According to the “Record of Longquan Mountain Taoist Monastery” (《龙泉山道院记》), the temple was constructed on the orders of Mu Ying (沐英), the Duke of Xiping. He chose the elevated terrain for the temple and appointed the Taoist priest Xu Rixian (徐日暹) as its head. Later, the renowned Taoist master Liu Yuanzhen (刘渊然), also known as Changchun Zhenren (长春真人), came to Yunnan and stayed at Longquan Temple to promote Taoist teachings.

During the Qing Dynasty, the temple underwent several major renovations. Under the reign of Emperor Kangxi, high-ranking officials such as Fan Chengxun (范承勋), the Governor of Yunnan-Guizhou, Wang Jiwen (王继文), the Provincial Governor, and Xu Hongxun (许弘勋), the Provincial Judicial Commissioner, oversaw the temple’s restoration. Later, during the reign of Emperor Guangxu, additional repairs were carried out by the Governor Cen Yuying (岑毓英) and Provincial Governor Du Ruilian (杜瑞联).

The temple complex includes several notable halls, such as the Patriarch Hall (祖师殿), dedicated to Bai Yuchan (白玉蟾), the Hall of the Northern Pole (北极殿), the Thunder God Hall (雷神殿), the Three Pure Ones Hall (三清殿), the Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁), and the Doumu Pavilion (斗姥阁).

Notable Features of Longquan Taoist Temple

One of the most remarkable features of Longquan Temple is its collection of ancient trees, which include the Tang Dynasty plum trees (唐梅), Song Dynasty cypresses (宋柏), Yuan Dynasty fir trees (元杉), and Ming Dynasty tea trees (明茶). These trees reflect the long history of the temple and its surroundings.

Another notable artifact is a bronze cauldron weighing over 2,000 jin (about 1,200 kilograms), cast during the Daoguang Era of the Qing Dynasty. The temple also houses a pavilion containing over 20 stone steles from the Ming Dynasty onward. Some of the most famous inscriptions include the “Tang Mei Stele” (唐梅碑) by Li Shiyao (李侍尧) from Korea, the “Biography of Zhang Sanfeng” Stele (张三丰行状碑), and the “Talisman Stele” (符箓碑) by Liu Yuanzhen (刘渊然). These inscriptions are precious historical records and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Longquan Temple.

Key Details

• Name: Longquan Taoist Temple (龙泉观)
• Location: 12 km north of Kunming, at the foot of Longquan Mountain (龙泉山)
• Built: 1395, Hongwu Era of the Ming Dynasty
• Founder: Mu Ying (沐英), Duke of Xiping
• Significant Figures: Xu Rixian (徐日暹), Liu Yuanzhen (刘渊然), Fan Chengxun (范承勋), Wang Jiwen (王继文), Cen Yuying (岑毓英), Du Ruilian (杜瑞联)

Attractions Within the Temple

Historical Halls and Pavilions

• Patriarch Hall (祖师殿): Dedicated to Bai Yuchan (白玉蟾), a renowned Taoist figure.
• Hall of the Northern Pole (北极殿): Dedicated to the god of the North Star.
• Thunder God Hall (雷神殿): Honors the Thunder God, an important figure in Taoist mythology.
• Three Pure Ones Hall (三清殿): Devoted to the Three Pure Ones, the highest deities in Taoism.
• Jade Emperor Pavilion (玉皇阁): Dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven in Taoism.
• Doumu Pavilion (斗姥阁): Honors Doumu, a goddess in Taoism associated with the stars.

Ancient Trees and Artifacts

• Ancient Trees: Tang Dynasty plum trees, Song Dynasty cypresses, Yuan Dynasty fir trees, and Ming Dynasty tea trees are all part of the temple grounds.
• Bronze Cauldron: A 2,000-jin bronze cauldron cast during the Daoguang Era, a rare and impressive artifact.
• Stele Pavilion: Houses over 20 steles from various periods, including:
  • “Tang Mei Stele” (唐梅碑) by Li Shiyao (李侍尧)
  • “Biography of Zhang Sanfeng” Stele (张三丰行状碑)
  • “Talisman Stele” (符箓碑) by Liu Yuanzhen (刘渊然)

Travel Information

How to Get There

• Address: South gate of Heilongtan Park (黑龙潭公园), 100 meters from the entrance, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan Province
• Public Transportation: Take bus routes 9 or 79 and get off at Ganxiusuo Station (干休所站).

Temple Highlights

Longquan Temple is recognized as the oldest Taoist temple in central Yunnan, known as the “First Ancient Shrine of Central Yunnan.” The temple is built along the mountain’s natural terrain, with each hall carefully integrated into the landscape. From the majestic Ziji Xuandu Gate (紫极玄都山门) to the sacred Three Pure Ones Hall (三清殿), every corner of the temple reflects the profound cultural and spiritual essence of Taoism. The temple’s rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Kunming.

Overview of Fading Temple

Fading Temple (法定寺) is situated in the southeastern outskirts of Kunming, within the historic Guandu Old Town (官渡古镇). Built during the Dali Kingdom by the Gao family (高氏), it became an important center for the development of Tantric Buddhism in the region. The temple also served as a significant educational institution at the time. The area is lush with trees, giving it a serene atmosphere, which earned the site the poetic name “Luofeng Diecui” (螺峰叠翠), meaning “Layered Green Peaks.” It is one of the famous attractions in Guandu.

Although the temple is not large in scale, its architecture is notably tall. The main structure of Fading Temple is unique for its use of 45-degree wing-shaped dougong brackets, which are richly decorative. The front eaves are ornately adorned, with a double phoenix motif carved beneath the central eave, symbolizing the rising sun. The eave columns are topped with wooden carvings of qilin (麒麟), a mythical creature, and the ends of the roof beams are carved into lively phoenix shapes. These features retain the style of Song Dynasty architecture, making the temple a valuable example of ancient architectural artistry.

Key Details

• Name: Fading Temple (法定寺)
• Location: Guandu Old Town, southeastern outskirts of Kunming
• Architectural Style: Song Dynasty characteristics
• Main Attractions: “Luofeng Diecui” (螺峰叠翠) scenic view, ornate eave decorations, Song Dynasty-style dougong brackets

Temple’s Significance

In 2008, Fading Temple, along with three other temples in Kunming—Tuzhu Temple (土主寺), Miaozhan Temple (妙湛寺), and Guanyin Temple (观音寺)—signed an agreement with Shaolin Temple (少林寺). According to this agreement, Shaolin Temple would send a group of monks to manage these temples following Shaolin’s management principles, which emphasize culture, education, regional ties, charity, and the integration of Zen and martial arts. Abbot Shi Yongxin (释永信) of Shaolin Temple noted that this collaboration would bring spiritual and cultural enrichment to the local area, increase the temple’s prominence, and attract more visitors.

Important Individuals

• Abbot of Fading Temple: Shi Yongxin (释永信)
• Signatory on behalf of Guandu District: Liu Yuejin (刘跃进), the District Mayor of Guandu

By maintaining Shaolin’s management philosophy, Fading Temple and its counterparts have grown in both cultural and spiritual significance, drawing a larger following and further enriching Kunming’s religious landscape.

The Shilongba Hydropower Station is located in Haikou Street (海口街道), Xishan District (西山区), Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China. Situated next to Qingyutang Village (青鱼塘村) by the Tángláng River (螳螂川), it is 14 km from Haikou and 30 km from Kunming, covering an area of approximately 230 acres. The hydropower station is under the ownership of China Huadian Corporation (中国华电集团有限公司).

The construction of the first plant began in July 1910 during the Qing Dynasty and started generating electricity on May 28, 1912. Subsequent expansions saw the addition of a second workshop in 1935, a third workshop in 1943, and a fourth one in 1958. The station has become a key industrial and historical site in China, recognized by various national and provincial bodies for its heritage value.

Historical Development

Official Construction

In 1895, following the First Sino-Japanese War, France forced the Qing government to sign a series of unequal treaties. After the construction of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, France pressured the Qing government to allow the railway extension into China under the Treaty of Additional Articles on Boundary and Commercial Affairs (《中法续议界务商务专条》). In 1897, a French team entered Yunnan to conduct railway surveys, and they chose Shilongba as the site for a power station to supply electricity to the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway.

However, this plan was met with strong opposition from the local community, who advocated for “national salvation through industry” (实业救国). In 1909, Yunnan’s governor-general, Li Jingxi (李经羲), authorized the development of Tángláng River’s hydropower resources. This led to the formation of the privately-operated Yáolóng Electric Lighting Co. Ltd. (耀龙电灯股份公司), spearheaded by businessman Wang Hongtu (王鸿图). The station officially started construction on August 21, 1910.

Key Milestones

• 1910-1912: The first phase of the power plant was constructed, including a dam, intake structures, and a 1478-meter-long water channel. The plant initially installed two 240 kW water turbine generator units, producing electricity to power Kunming via a 32-kilometer transmission line.
• 1930-1945: Expansion works continued, including the construction of additional workshops and increasing the plant’s capacity. By the mid-1930s, the plant had an installed capacity of 1272 kW.
• 1958: The fourth workshop was completed, adding further capacity and upgrading the plant to keep up with modern demands.

Architectural Layout

Shilongba Hydropower Station uses the natural flow of Tángláng River and the elevation drop to generate power. The facility includes several important structures, such as:

• Middle Sand Pump Station (中滩抽水泵站): A crucial part of China’s first pumped-storage power station.
• Gǔnlóng Dam (滚龙坝): This dam helps to regulate water flow and store up to 255,000 cubic meters of water.
• Powerhouse: The main buildings include four plants (one built post-1949) and a substation.

The engineering marvels of Shilongba, from its intake structures to the advanced design of its water channels and sand filters, ensured efficient water utilization and high-quality electricity generation.

Key Attractions

First Workshop

The first workshop of the Shilongba Hydropower Station was completed in 1912. Initially equipped with 480 kW capacity, the station was later upgraded in 1930 to handle 1272 kW. In 1988, one of the original 240 kW units was restored, adding two additional 200 kW generators.

Second Workshop

Built in 1935, the second workshop added another 448 kW unit to the plant’s capacity.

Third Workshop

The third workshop was built in 1943 and went operational on August 1, 1945. It housed upgraded equipment to meet growing power demands.

Fourth Workshop

The fourth workshop was completed in 1954, and expanded further in 1957 to include additional generators. This phase helped modernize the plant’s operations, further cementing its place in China’s industrial history.

Shilongba Hydropower Museum

The Yunnan Shilongba Hydropower Museum (云南石龙坝水电博物馆) is housed in a traditional courtyard building. The museum displays important relics from the power station’s history, including an antique German-made safe, high-voltage switches, and control panels from the early 1900s. Stone steles documenting the achievements of key engineers and the station’s construction are also featured.

Historical Events

Shilongba has witnessed significant historical moments:

• 1927: The station was the site of the founding of the Shilongba Branch of the Communist Party of China (中共云南地下党石龙坝支部委员会), one of the earliest grassroots Party branches in Yunnan Province.
• 1940: On December 16, 1940, the plant was attacked by Japanese aircraft, causing damage to the first workshop and other parts of the plant. A pond built afterward was named “Feilai Pond” (飞来池) in memory of the attack.

Leadership Inscriptions

Shilongba Hydropower Station has received praise from various national leaders over the years:

• Li Rui (李锐), former Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Electric Power, inscribed the following during a 1957 inspection:
  “The power plant resembles a temple, with couplets praising the moonlight. Kunming Shilongba, may you last as long as the 1911 Revolution.”
  (“电厂似庵堂，楹联赞月光。昆明石龙坝，寿共辛亥长。”)
• Li Peng (李鹏), Premier of the People’s Republic of China, offered the following words during the plant’s 80th-anniversary celebration in 1990:
  “Promote the spirit of self-reliance, accelerate the construction of hydropower in Yunnan.”
  (“发扬自力更生精神，加快云南水电建设。”)

Other notable inscriptions were made by prominent figures such as Song Renqiong (宋任穷), Qian Zhengying (钱正英), and many others, emphasizing the plant’s role as a pioneer of China’s hydropower industry.

Value and Significance

Shilongba Hydropower Station is recognized as China’s first hydropower plant and the first pumped-storage power station. It holds a special place in Chinese industrial heritage due to its innovative design, historical importance, and contributions to the development of Yunnan’s infrastructure and energy sectors.

It has been designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (全国重点文物保护单位) and has been included in both the Industrial Heritage Protection List (中国工业遗产保护名录) and the National Industrial Heritage List (国家工业遗产名单), highlighting its continued legacy in Chinese history.

Location:

During this tour, visit the famous Tuocha Tea factory, museum and Jizhao Nunnery. Do some trekking in Taoxigu Valley. Pick tea leaves, fry tea and process tea cake on your own. Learn local tea culture.

Detailed Itinerary

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

he Tomb and Ancestral Shrine of Lan Mao (兰茂墓及兰公祠) is located in Nanjie Village, Laocheng Village Committee, Yanglin Town, Songming County, Kunming, Yunnan Province. This historical site honors the famous Ming Dynasty phonologist and physician, Lan Mao (兰茂) (1397–1470). It stands as a significant cultural and historical landmark in the region.

Historical Overview

Lan Mao’s Contributions

Lan Mao was renowned during the Ming Dynasty for his advancements in phonology and medicine. His contributions to traditional Chinese medicine and linguistic studies have left a lasting legacy, making him a celebrated figure in Yunnan’s history.

Construction of the Shrine

The Ancestral Shrine of Lan Mao (兰公祠) is divided into three parts: the front courtyard, the shrine hall, and the rear courtyard. The shrine was originally built in 1470, shortly after Lan Mao’s death. Throughout the centuries, it has been restored and renovated several times. During the Republic of China period, it was reconstructed into a siheyuan (四合院) courtyard-style complex, comprising a main hall, east and west wing rooms, and a gate tower. In 1988, the provincial, municipal, and county governments invested 122,000 yuan to rebuild the shrine on its original site, maintaining its historical appearance.

The Tomb of Lan Mao

The Tomb of Lan Mao (兰茂墓) is located in the rear courtyard of the ancestral shrine. It is a circular earthen mound with a curved stone structure. The tomb has a diameter of 4.7 meters and stands 2 meters high. The tombstone features an inscription authored by Yuan Jiagu (袁嘉谷), a prominent scholar.

Lan Mao Memorial Museum

In 1985, the Lan Mao Memorial Museum (兰茂纪念馆) was established within the ancestral shrine complex. The museum collects and organizes a wealth of academic materials related to Lan Mao’s life and work. It includes three exhibition rooms dedicated to his biography, offering visitors an in-depth look at his contributions to phonology and medicine.

Cultural and Historical Significance

In 1983, the site of Lan Mao’s tomb and ancestral shrine was officially listed as part of the second batch of provincial-level key cultural relics protection units in Yunnan Province. Later, in 1998, the shrine was designated by the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government as a provincial patriotism education demonstration base.

Notable Attractions at the Site:

• Ancestral Shrine of Lan Mao (兰公祠)
• Tomb of Lan Mao (兰茂墓)
• Lan Mao Memorial Museum (兰茂纪念馆)

This site serves as an important educational and cultural location for those interested in the life and work of one of Yunnan’s most influential scholars of the Ming Dynasty.

Introduction

Fulintang (福林堂), located at No. 31, Guanghua Street, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, is one of the oldest surviving pharmacies in Yunnan, originally established in 1857. Covering an area of about 210.4 square meters with a building area of approximately 464.3 square meters, Fulintang consists of a shop, staircase, and medical rooms. The pharmacy, shaped by its unique pharmaceutical craft, stands as a significant representation of traditional Chinese medicine culture in Yunnan.

In 1990, Fulintang’s old store on Guanghua Street was designated as a “Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit” by the People’s Government of Panlong District, Kunming City. In May 2003, the same store was declared as a fourth-batch city-level cultural relic protection unit by the People’s Government of Kunming City. On March 5, 2013, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China listed Fulintang as a national key cultural relic protection unit.

Location and Transportation

Fulintang is located at No. 31, Guanghua Street, Wuhua District, Kunming City (云南省昆明市五华区光华街31号). The site is approximately 28.5 kilometers from the Kunming Municipal Government, and it takes around 57 minutes to drive there.

Historical Evolution

Fulintang has undergone three major development stages:

• 1857 to 1956: The pharmacy was known as Li Family Fulintang (李氏福林堂), founded by Li Yuqing (李玉卿).
• 1956 to 1999: After public-private partnerships, it became State-owned Fulintang (国有福林堂), merging with over 200 small and medium-sized pharmacies in Kunming to form the Kunming Pharmaceutical Company.
• 1999 to Present: Fulintang transformed into a joint venture, marking the beginning of its expansion and modernization.

During the late Qing Dynasty in 1857, Li Yuqing established Fulintang on Guanghua Street. By the time of the Republic of China, the pharmacy had expanded its scope, selling both medicinal herbs and prepared medicines, with famous doctors providing consultations on-site. The pharmacy gained a strong reputation for its quality herbs, comprehensive selection, and outstanding efficacy, becoming one of the most renowned traditional Chinese medicine shops in Kunming.

In 1999, Fulintang was approved as Yunnan’s first pharmaceutical chain pilot enterprise by the Yunnan Provincial Economic and Trade Commission. By 2007, the Fulintang chain had grown to over 150 stores, not only in Kunming but also expanding into other regions, including Guizhou and East China. Fulintang, a century-old Yunnan brand, successfully ventured beyond the red earth plateau.

In 2021, the cultural relics department of Wuhua District initiated a protection and restoration project for Fulintang.

Architectural Layout

Fulintang’s structure is composed of a shop at the street intersection, a staircase, and medical rooms. The shop is fan-shaped, built in accordance with the street layout. The staircase and medical rooms are connected to the east, forming a straight line in their plan. The shop features an eight-sided roof, typical of the three-story wooden structures in Kunming’s traditional corner buildings. The total area of the property is about 210.4 square meters, with a total construction area of approximately 464.3 square meters.

The attached buildings are connected to the east gable of the main building and include a three-story staircase and two-story medical rooms. The total construction area of these structures is about 250 square meters, all adopting a brick-wood structure with traditional Kunming architectural features.

Ground Floor

The first floor houses the reception area and the pharmacy. The walls are decorated with advertisements that read: “Famous doctors write good prescriptions, famous stores dispense good medicine.” Photos of famous doctors and staff members are also displayed.

Second Floor

The second floor contains consultation rooms named after famous doctors such as Shizhen (时珍) and Simiao (思邈), where patients receive treatment. The walls feature the four traditional diagnostic methods of Chinese medicine: “Inspection (望), Smell (闻), Inquiry (问), and Palpation (切).” Nearby is the medicine dispensing hall for patients.

Third Floor

The third floor is used as a medicine warehouse, with restricted access to unauthorized personnel.

Main Building Features

Shop

The shop, fan-shaped with an eight-sided wind-resistant roof, is a three-story wooden structure typical of brick-wood corner buildings. The roof is a single-eave green-tile top, with two intersecting ridges that meet at a right angle, forming a characteristic “umbrella” shape. The central support pillar, known as the “umbrella handle,” holds the main load-bearing beams. This innovative design maximizes interior space.

Staircase and Medical Rooms

The staircase area connects to the medical rooms. The medical rooms consist of five bays with an overhanging second-floor gallery supported by carved columns. The buildings maintain the traditional green-tiled gable roofs and are characteristic of Kunming’s local architectural style.

Cultural Significance

The Name “Fulintang”

The name “Fulintang” (福林堂) is inspired by the legend of Dong Feng (董奉), a famous doctor from the Three Kingdoms period who treated the poor without charging a fee. Instead, cured patients would plant apricot trees in his courtyard. Over time, his courtyard became a flourishing apricot forest, symbolizing the benevolence of medical practice. Li Yuqing named the pharmacy “Fulintang,” meaning “a blessed apricot forest,” to honor Dong Feng’s virtuous deeds.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Craftsmanship

Fulintang is renowned for its adherence to the traditional Chinese medicine processing techniques outlined in the pharmacy’s motto: “Prepare decoction pieces according to the law, and skillfully combine them into pills, powders, and plasters.” The pharmacy prioritizes quality, craftsmanship, and the efficacy of its medicines, and the experienced staff are knowledgeable in the four natures of medicine: cold, heat, warmth, and coolness, as well as the five flavors: pungent, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. These skills, along with precise weighing methods, have made Fulintang a representative of Yunnan’s traditional Chinese medicine culture.

Honors and Recognition

In 1990, Fulintang’s old store was designated as a cultural relic protection unit by the People’s Government of Panlong District. In May 2003, it was recognized as a fourth-batch city-level cultural relic protection unit. On March 5, 2013, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China listed Fulintang as a national key cultural relic protection unit.

In 1994, Fulintang was awarded the title of “China Time-honored Brand” by the Ministry of Domestic Trade.

Tourist Information

• Location: Fulintang is located at No. 31, Guanghua Street, Wuhua District, Kunming City (云南省昆明市五华区光华街31号).
• Transport: The site is approximately 28.5 kilometers from the Kunming Municipal Government, about a 57-minute drive.

When the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out between China and Japan in 1937, Peking University, Tsinghua University and Nankai University merged to form Changsha Temporary University in Changsha and later National Southwestern Associated University (Lianda) (traditional Chinese: 國立西南聯合大學; simplified Chinese: 国立西南联合大学; pinyin: Guólì Xīnán Liánhé Dàxué) in Kunming and Mengzi, in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province. After the war, the universities moved back and resumed their operation. What was left behind in Kunming became the National Kunming Normal University which later emerged as the Yunnan Normal University.

History

By summer 1937, the Imperial Japanese Army had bombed Nankai University to the ground in Tianjin and occupied areas including the campuses of two of the country’s leading universities in Beijing: Peking University and Tsinghua University. These three universities, which were some of the country’s most prestigious, modern institutions of higher learning and research, with the agreement of those who led the institutions — men of high standing who had been educated abroad — retreated to Changsha, the capital city of Hunan province (about 900 miles away from Beijing) to unite. By the middle of December 1937, many students had to leave to fight the Japanese when the city of Nanjing fell to enemy forces.

As the Japanese forces were gaining more territory, they bombed Changsha in February 1938. The 800 staff faculty and students who were left had to flee and made the 1,000 mile journey to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province in China’s remote and mountainous southwest. It was here that the National Southwest Associated University (commonly known as ‘Lianda’) was formed. In these extraordinary wartime circumstances for eight years, staff, professors and students had to survive and operate in makeshift quarters that were subjected to sporadic bombing campaigns by the Imperial Japanese forces. There were dire shortages of food, equipment, books, clothing and other essential needs, but they managed to conduct the running of a modern university. Over those years of war (1937-1945), Lianda became famous nationwide for having and producing many of China’s most prominent scientists and intellectuals, including the Nobel Prize laureates Yang Chen-Ning and Tsung-Dao Lee.

Aftermath

When the war ended with victory over the Japanese, the Lianda community, which had entered the war fiercely loyal to the government of Chiang Kai-shek, emerged in 1946 as a bastion of criticism of China’s ruling Kuomintang party. Within three years, the majority of the Lianda community had returned to their north China campuses in Beijing and Tianjin.

The Technology Geology Museum in Kunming University of Science (昆明理工大学矿物数字博物馆) is one of the most comprehensive museums in China, housing an extensive collection of global rock, mineral specimens, and paleontological fossils. With an exhibition area of about 700 square meters, the museum features 110 display cabinets in its rock and mineral hall and paleontology hall, showcasing rare fossils, precious rocks, minerals, and geological specimens with a unique Yunnan characteristic. Each year, the museum not only welcomes domestic and international scholars but also serves as an important base for student quality education and science popularization, regularly hosting visits from primary and secondary school students from Kunming and other regions. It also provides support for scientific research.

Exhibitions and Features

Rock and Mineral Collection

The museum’s rock and mineral collection boasts over 10,000 precious specimens from more than 50 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Japan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. These exhibits showcase the chemical composition of the Earth’s crust. Among the treasures are over 1,200 varieties of minerals, some of which were acquired from the United States during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period. These minerals and paleontological fossils form one of the most complete collections in China, making them highly valuable from scientific, educational, and historical perspectives.

Some particularly rare specimens include:

• Precious Opal from Australia (变彩贵蛋白石)
• Native Silver from Norway (自然银), a rare specimen from a mine that has since been sealed, making it an exceptionally rare treasure.

Paleontology Collection

The paleontology section houses a wealth of fossil specimens that date back millions of years, including fossils that provide insight into the ancient life forms that once roamed the Earth. These fossils offer an unparalleled glimpse into the past and are key resources for scientific studies on evolution and geology.

Digital Museum Project

Supported by the Ministry of Education’s Science and Technology Department, the museum has embarked on the construction of a digital platform—the Kunming University of Science and Technology Mineral Digital Museum. This initiative leverages modern network technologies to present rare mineral specimens in a vivid and accessible manner to the public. The first phase of the project, which involves the digitalization of 1,000 “world rock and mineral specimens,” has been successfully completed.

Future Plans

In the future, the Technology Geology Museum aims to become a comprehensive mineral website, featuring over 4,000 discovered minerals. This platform will reflect the advanced level of mineralogical research in China and showcase both domestic and international treasures to the world. The project aims to create a vibrant and visually stunning online exhibit, contributing to the development of the geological sciences and providing an exciting “landscape” for the field.

The museum will continue to serve as a scientific and educational hub, promoting a deeper understanding of Earth’s geological history and resources.

The Wu Mayao Museum of Anthropology (云南大学伍马瑶人类学博物馆) is located at No. 2, Cuihu North Road, Kunming City (昆明市翠湖北路2号), beside the east gate of Yunnan University (云南大学). It officially opened on April 10, 2006, as part of a sub-project for the construction of the ethnology discipline at Yunnan University. The museum was generously funded with a donation of $700,000 from the renowned Hong Kong entrepreneur Mr. Wu Daguan (伍达观) and his wife, Ms. Wu Mayao (伍马瑶).

Museum Overview

• Total Area: 4,154 square meters
• Building Area: 4,000 square meters
• Exhibition and Reception Area: 2,100 square meters

The museum serves multiple purposes: it acts as a support unit for the teaching and research of ethnology and anthropology at Yunnan University, serves as a base for quality education, and functions as a window for external publicity and display. It plays an active role in promoting the academic traditions of Yunnan University, enriching campus cultural life, conducting relevant research and teaching, and disseminating knowledge of the humanities to society.

Collections and Exhibitions

The Wu Mayao Museum of Anthropology has developed significantly, currently housing nearly 3,000 artifacts and welcoming approximately 3,000 visitors annually. The museum features four permanent exhibitions:

1. Tea Horse Road Culture Exhibition (茶马古道文化展)
2. Ethnic Arts (民族艺术)
3. Cultural Ecological Village Construction of Yunnan Ethnic Minorities (云南民族文化生态村建设)
4. Seventy-Year Review of Anthropology and Ethnology at Yunnan University (云南大学人类学和民族学七十年回顾展)

Facilities and Research

The museum also encompasses an audiovisual anthropology laboratory, one of the earliest established in domestic universities for teaching and research in this field. It has created the first anthropological audiovisual archive in domestic higher education institutions, providing on-demand content that includes classic international documentaries, early ethnographic films from China, series featuring ethnic folk artists, and interviews with anthropologists, totaling nearly 1,000 audiovisual pieces.

Academic Courses Offered

• For Master’s Students: “Documentary Creation and Practice” (纪录片创作与实践)
• For Undergraduates: “Basics of Imaging Technology” (影像技术基础), “Visual Anthropology” (影视人类学)

Academic Activities

The Wu Mayao Museum of Anthropology hosts dozens of academic lectures annually. The audiovisual laboratory regularly organizes audiovisual anthropology salons. It has published a catalog of its collections, featuring photographs of selected artifacts with Chinese and English descriptions. Looking ahead, the museum aims to leverage the Ethnology and Sociology Institute to prepare for new exhibitions, striving to become an important institution in Yunnan that promotes interaction, communication, and integration among ethnic groups, while reinforcing the consciousness of the Chinese national community.

• ADDRESSInside Yunnan University on Beimen Jie, Kunming
  昆明北门街云南大学里面
  
• PHONE(0871) 5031607

Bajiang River (巴江), also known as Banqiao River (板桥河), is a first-level tributary of the Nanpan River (南盘江) on the left bank of the Pearl River (珠江) system.

Origin and Route

The river originates from the Shanshen Temple Peak (山神庙峰) in Shilin County (石林县), flowing from north to south through the county seat of Shilin and merging into the Nanpan River at Lufeng Village (禄丰村) in Yiliang County (宜良县). The total length of Bajiang River within Shilin County is 57 kilometers, with a drainage area of 810 square kilometers.

Nearby Attractions

• Shilin World Geopark (石林世界地质公园): Located upstream, this area is renowned globally.
• Dadianshui Scenic Area (大叠水风景区): Situated downstream, it is a national-level scenic spot.

Bajiang River serves as a multifunctional waterway, providing irrigation, flood control, power generation, and urban ecological environment regulation for Shilin County. Along the banks, four townships and two towns host a population of approximately 120,000.

The Mother River of Shilin

Bajiang River is revered as the mother river of the people of Shilin, nurturing countless generations with its vast and generous waters. However, rapid economic and social development has led to significant environmental challenges:

• Vegetation damage along the banks
• Severe soil erosion
• Dilapidation of riverbanks, resulting in blockages and collapses

Environmental Remediation Efforts

In June 2003, the county committee and government decided to invest 212 million yuan in four phases to initiate the largest environmental remediation and protection project in Shilin’s history. The goals are to:

• Thoroughly address pollution in the Bajiang River basin
• Transform it into an ecological river suitable for tourism, urban leisure, agricultural irrigation, urban drainage, and sewage discharge

By the end of 2004, the first two phases of the project, which included 2,200 meters of river length and 115,300 square meters of green space, had been completed with a total investment exceeding 68 million yuan. Construction of a sewage treatment plant is set to begin.

Scenic Features

In the early morning and evening, the 3,300-meter-long Bajiang linear park exudes tranquility and beauty, featuring:

• Winding paths
• Pavilions
• Lush green grass
• Blooming flowers

The scenery resembles an unembellished ink wash landscape painting, attracting an increasing number of domestic and international tourists.

Tourism Resources

Bajiang River is not only a vital water source but also a tourist link, enriching the cultural and recreational landscape of Shilin County:

• Shilin World Geopark (石林世界地质公园): A world-renowned attraction upstream.
• Dadianshui Waterfall (大叠水), also called Feilong Waterfall (飞龙瀑): The largest and most spectacular waterfall in Yunnan Province, located 25 kilometers southwest of Shilin County.

Enhanced Leisure Spaces

After the comprehensive management of Bajiang, Shilin County has introduced a new highlight for tourism and leisure: the Bajiang River Linear Park. The town of Shilin has transformed, allowing the river to flow through the city, creating a harmonious environment where the river and urban life intertwine.

In the early morning and evening, the serene riverbanks are adorned with scenes of fishing, net casting, swimming, and laundry, resembling an exquisite ink wash painting. Visitors can stroll along winding paths by the river, enjoying lush green lawns, clear waters, blooming flowers, shady trees, and refreshing breezes, allowing for relaxation and a reconnection with nature.

The rejuvenated banks of Bajiang have become a popular choice for residents to relax and take walks after meals. As evening falls, the sounds of frogs fill the air, and crowds are often seen enjoying the gentle, colorful lights along the river. The improved water quality and ecological environment have led to an increase in fish and shrimp, with the sight of fish leaping from the shimmering waters adding to the enjoyment. The successful designation of Shilin as a national-level garden city is closely tied to these positive developments.

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