Yangguang Town of Tonghai County, Yuxi

Yangguang Town (杨广镇) is situated in the northeast of Tonghai County (通海县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province, on the southeastern shore of Qilu Lake (杞麓湖). It borders Huaning County (华宁县) to the east, Lishan Yi Ethnic Township (里山彝族乡) to the south, Xiushan Subdistrict (秀山街道) to the west, and Qilu Lake (杞麓湖) to the north. The town government is only 3.5 kilometers from Tonghai County (通海县), covering a total area of approximately 96.77 square kilometers.

Cultural History

Yangguang Town (杨广镇) has a long history, originally named “Yongqing Township” (永清乡). In the early Qing Dynasty, it was called “East Road” (东路), later renamed “East District” (东区). During the Republic of China, it was designated as the “Second District” (第二区) and renamed “Donghua Township” (东华乡) in 1929. In 1958, it became Yangguang Commune (杨广公社), then Yangguang District (杨广区) in 1984, and was upgraded to a town in 1997. In 2002, some villages were incorporated into Xiushan Town (秀山镇).

Folk Culture

Yangguang Town (杨广镇) is a multi-ethnic settlement, primarily Han Chinese, with Yi (彝族) and other minority groups. The town boasts vibrant folk activities such as the Torch Festival (火把节) and Flower Street Festival (花街节), offering visitors a chance to experience Yunnan’s unique cultural traditions. Additionally, Yangguang is renowned for traditional handicrafts, including copperware from Caijiashan (蔡家山) and metal casting and forging from Zhenhai Village (镇海村).

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Yangguang Town (杨广镇) enjoys a subtropical plateau monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature ranging from 11.8°C to 17.6°C. The weather is mild with distinct seasons. The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the climate is pleasant and natural scenery is at its finest.

Recommended Attractions & Visit Duration

Tonghai Sansheng Palace (通海三圣宫)

Located in Xiaoxin Village (小新村), Yangguang Town (杨广镇), this historic site dates back to the late Yuan Dynasty and was renovated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Donghua Jianshi Revolutionary Memorial Park (东华简师革命活动纪念园)

Situated on Fengshan Mountain (凤山), this park is among the first batch of municipal-level revolutionary sites in Yuxi City (玉溪市). Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Zhu Clan Ancestral Hall in Xiaoxin Village (小新村朱氏宗祠)

Built during the Qing Dynasty, this hall is part of the third batch of municipal-level cultural heritage sites in Yuxi City (玉溪市). Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Xingyi Site (兴义遗址)

A late Neolithic to Bronze Age archaeological site with significant historical value. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Lin Clan Ancestral Hall in Daxin Village (大新村林氏宗祠)

Constructed during the Qing Dynasty, this hall features exquisite Dougong (斗拱) carvings and well-preserved paintings. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Transportation

Yangguang Town (杨广镇) is only 3.5 km from Tonghai County (通海县), with convenient access by bus or taxi (about 10 minutes).

Cuisine

Local specialties include Tonghai Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles (通海过桥米线) and Yangguang Grilled Tofu (杨广烧豆腐), celebrated for their unique flavors. Authentic Yunnan farmhouse dishes are also a must-try.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts like Caijiashan copperware (蔡家山铜器) and Zhenhai Village metalwork (镇海村铸造工艺品) as souvenirs.

Accommodation

Yangguang offers simple homestays for an immersive local experience. For higher-standard lodging, Tonghai County (通海县) is recommended.

Travel Tips

• Respect local customs, especially in ethnic minority villages.
• Preserve the environment—avoid littering in natural areas.
• Carry weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Tonghai County (通海县), visit Tonghai Sansheng Palace (通海三圣宫) to explore its history.
Day 2: Tour Donghua Jianshi Revolutionary Memorial Park (东华简师革命活动纪念园), then visit Zhu Clan Ancestral Hall (小新村朱氏宗祠) and Xingyi Site (兴义遗址) in the afternoon.
Day 3: Admire the architecture at Lin Clan Ancestral Hall (大新村林氏宗祠), savor local cuisine, and shop for souvenirs before returning.

Yangguang Town (杨广镇) blends natural beauty with cultural richness, offering unforgettable experiences in landscapes and traditions. Wishing you a memorable journey.