Sijie Town of Tonghai County, Yuxi

Sijie Town (四街镇) is located in the northwest of Tonghai County (通海县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province. It borders Yangguang Town’s (杨广镇) Majiawan Sijia Village (马家湾四家村) to the east, Qilu Lake (杞麓湖) to the south, Shishanzui (石山嘴) of Hexi Town (河西镇) to the west, and Jiangchuan County (江川县) to the north. The town government is about 10 kilometers from Tonghai County (通海县), 50 kilometers from Hongta District (红塔区) of Yuxi City (玉溪市), and 130 kilometers from Kunming (昆明), with convenient transportation.

Cultural History

Sijie Town (四街镇) has a long history and was anciently known as “Chaoyang” (朝阳). During the Qin and Han dynasties, it belonged to Shengxiu County (胜休县). In the Tang and Song dynasties, it was under the jurisdiction of the Buxiong Tribe (部雄部) under the Tonghai Dudu (通海都督) and later part of the Xiula Tribe (休腊部) under Xiushan County (秀山郡). During the Yuan Dynasty, it was a township under Hexi County (河西县). In the Ming and Qing dynasties, it belonged to Dongli (东里) and Dong District (东区) of Hexi County (河西县). During the Republic of China, it was Chaoyang Township (朝阳乡) and Dongxing Town (东兴镇) of Hexi County (河西县). In 1950, it became the First District of Hexi County (河西县). In November 1956, Hexi (河西) and Tonghai (通海) counties merged to form Qilu County (杞麓县), and it became the First District of Qilu County (杞麓县). In November 1958, Qilu County (杞麓县) merged with Huaning County (华宁县) to form Tonghai County (通海县), and the district was renamed Sijie Commune (四街公社). In December 1983, the commune became a district again; in 1987, the district was changed to a township; and in 1997, the township became a town.

Folk Culture

Sijie Town (四街镇) is a multi-ethnic settlement, home to 20 ethnic groups including Han, Yi (彝), Mongolian (蒙古), Hani (哈尼), and Hui (回). The town preserves intangible cultural heritage such as “Gaotai” (高抬, high platform performances), stilts (高跷), embroidery (刺绣), calligraphy and painting (书画), and dragon and lion dances (舞龙舞狮). It has great potential in folk art and creative products and is renowned as the “Hometown of Calligraphy and Painting” (书画之乡) and “Hometown of Folk Culture and Art” (民间文化艺术之乡). Additionally, Qijie (七街) holds a market every fourth, seventh, and tenth day of the lunar calendar, forming Yunnan’s largest livestock market, with hundreds to thousands of animals traded each market day, famous throughout the province.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Sijie Town (四街镇) has a subtropical plateau monsoon climate, with mild winters and cool summers, distinct dry and wet seasons. The average annual temperature is 15.2°C, and the average frost-free period is 261 days. The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is pleasant and natural scenery is most captivating.

Recommended Attractions & Visit Duration

Bishan Park

Originally built during the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty, this ancient architectural complex rises from the foot of the mountain and is an important historical site in Sijie Town (四街镇). Recommended visit time: 2 hours.

Xiaojian Mountain

A scenic area located west of Zhewan Village (者湾村) and south of Daxi Mountain (大西山), with an elevation of over 2,000 meters, offering panoramic views. Recommended visit time: 2 hours.

Shagouzu Park

Located south of Shijie Village (十街村) on the northern shore of Qilu Lake (杞麓湖), this park was built in April 1965 and is ideal for leisurely walks. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Chang Clan Ancestral Hall

Built in 1733 during the Qing Dynasty, this hall was constructed by descendants of Chang Yuchun (常遇春), a founding general of the Ming Dynasty, and holds significant historical and cultural value. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Tonghai County Xiaojian Mountain Revolutionary Martyrs Monument

Located on Xiaojian Mountain (小尖山) in Zhewan Village (者湾村), this monument dates back to 1949 and is among the first batch of municipal-level revolutionary sites in Yuxi City (玉溪市). Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Transportation

Sijie Town (四街镇) is well-connected, only 10 km from Tonghai County (通海县). Buses and taxis are available from Tonghai County (通海县), with a travel time of about 20 minutes.

Cuisine

Local specialties include agricultural products like roasted tobacco, vegetables, and flowers, as well as snacks such as Sijie Braised Chicken (四街卤鸡) and Sijie Rice Noodles (四街米线).

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local agricultural products like flowers, vegetables, and dried flowers, as well as handicrafts and intangible cultural heritage creative products.

Accommodation

Sijie Town (四街镇) offers a few simple homestays for an authentic local experience. For higher-standard lodging, Tonghai County (通海县) is recommended.

Travel Tips

• Respect local customs, especially in ethnic minority villages.
• Protect the environment—do not litter when visiting natural sites.
• Bring appropriate clothing and sun protection based on weather conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Tonghai County (通海县), visit Bishan Park (碧山公园), and explore its historical culture.
Day 2: Hike Xiaojian Mountain (小尖山) for scenic views, then relax at Shagouzu Park (沙沟嘴公园) in the afternoon.
Day 3: Visit Chang Clan Ancestral Hall (四街常氏祠堂) and the Revolutionary Martyrs Monument (通海县小尖山革命烈士纪念碑), enjoy local cuisine, and shop for souvenirs before returning.

Sijie Town (四街镇) is a place of natural beauty and cultural charm, offering unforgettable experiences in both landscapes and traditions. We hope you have a wonderful journey.