Qinglong Town of Huanimg County, Yuxi

Qinglong Town (青龙镇) is located in the northern part of Huaning County (华宁县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province. Situated in the southern part of Central Yunnan, it borders the Nanpan River (南盘江) to the east and connects with Mile City (弥勒市) and Yiliang County (宜良县). To the south, it neighbors Ningzhou Subdistrict (宁州街道) of Huaning; to the west, it reaches Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖), sharing a close connection with Jiangchuan District (江川区); and to the north, it faces Haikou River (海口河) in Chengjiang City (澄江市). The town government is located 93 km from Kunming (昆明市), 85 km from Yuxi (玉溪市), and 37 km from Huaning County seat (华宁县城).

History and Culture

Qinglong Town (青龙镇) has a long history and is named after the Qinglong River (青龙河). In ancient times, the river originated from the central watershed ridge of Huaning County, meandering with numerous spring-fed streams that merged into a rapid river. From a distance, it appeared like a giant dragon winding through the Qinglong Valley, hence the name. On January 12, 1950, the area was designated as Pide District (丕德区), later undergoing several renamings, and was officially established as Qinglong Town in January 1988. In July 2014, it was designated a National Key Town by seven central ministries including the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

Folk Customs

Qinglong Town (青龙镇) is a multi-ethnic community, home to Yi (彝族), Hani (哈尼族), Miao (苗族), and other minority groups, each with rich folk traditions. Traditional festivals such as the Torch Festival of the Yi people and the Flower Mountain Festival of the Miao people are celebrated with colorful cultural events including singing, dancing, and ritual ceremonies.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Qinglong Town (青龙镇) has a mid-subtropical low-latitude plateau monsoon climate characterized by warm winters, cool summers, dry winters and springs, rainy summers and autumns, distinct wet and dry seasons, and regional climatic variations. It has an average annual temperature of 15.2°C, annual rainfall of 921.1 mm, 255 frost-free days, and 2,025 hours of sunshine per year. The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is especially beautiful.

Recommended Attractions and Suggested Visit Duration

  • Modou Mountain (磨豆山): At an elevation of 2,663.1 meters, it is the highest point in Qinglong Town, offering panoramic views of the entire area. Recommended visit: 2 hours.
  • Lihuashan Hot Springs (黎花山温泉): A well-known local resort for wellness and relaxation. Recommended visit: Half a day.
  • Qinglong Valley (青龙河谷): Featuring a unique “V”-shaped landscape with scenic beauty along the way. Recommended visit: Half a day.
  • Haijing Community (海镜社区): Named for its lakeside, mirror-like waters, this village offers a rich local cultural experience. Recommended visit: 2 hours.

Transportation

Qinglong Town (青龙镇) is strategically located at the intersection of Yuxi City (玉溪市), Kunming City (昆明市), and Honghe Prefecture (红河州), serving as the northern gateway of Huaning County (华宁县) and a crucial part of the central Yunnan transportation network. Major roads such as the Chenghua Road (澄华路) and Lakeside Ring Road (环湖路) pass through the town. It is easily accessible by coach from Huaning County seat, with a travel time of about 30 minutes.

Cuisine

Local cuisine in Qinglong Town (青龙镇) highlights native agricultural products such as Huaning oranges (华宁橙) and persimmons (华宁柿), as well as ethnic specialties like roasted whole lamb by the Yi people and cured meat by the Miao people.

Shopping

Specialty agricultural products such as Huaning oranges (华宁橙), Huaning persimmons (华宁柿), and dried wild mushrooms are available for purchase as souvenirs.

Accommodation

Qinglong Town (青龙镇) offers a limited number of homestays and rural inns, providing simple yet culturally immersive lodging experiences. For travelers with higher accommodation standards, staying in Huaning County seat (华宁县城) is recommended.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially in villages inhabited by ethnic minorities.
  • Protect the natural environment while sightseeing; avoid littering.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and bring sun protection items as needed.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Huaning County (华宁县城) and arrive in Qinglong Town (青龙镇). Visit Modou Mountain (磨豆山) to enjoy natural landscapes.

Day 2: Enjoy a relaxing visit to Lihuashan Hot Springs (黎花山温泉) in the morning, then explore the picturesque Qinglong Valley (青龙河谷) in the afternoon.

Day 3: Visit Haijing Community (海镜社区) to experience local culture. Sample local delicacies and shop for souvenirs before returning.

Qinglong Town (青龙镇) is a place brimming with natural beauty and cultural charm. Whether you’re drawn to its scenic landscapes or vibrant folk traditions, it offers a rewarding experience worth discovering in person. We hope your journey here will be truly unforgettable