Gucheng Subdistrict of Xinping County, Yuxi

Ancient City Street (古城街道) is located in the southwestern part of Xinping County (新平县), Yuxi City (玉溪市). It is bordered by Guishan Street (桂山街道) to the east, Modian Mountain National Forest Park (磨盘山国家森林公园) to the south, Pingdian Township (平甸乡) to the west, and is separated by Pingdian River (平甸河) to the north. The administrative area covers 140 square kilometers.

History and Culture

Ancient City Street (古城街道) has a long history. During the late Ming Dynasty, a man with the surname Lu moved here and raised tigers for pleasure. The place was initially named “Yanghu Ba” (养虎坝), meaning “tiger-raising dam,” but later renamed Yangwu (扬武), which means “displaying martial prowess,” to sound more auspicious. The street was established in March 2011.

Ethnic Customs

Ancient City Street (古城街道) is home to a diverse ethnic population, including the Yi (彝族), Dai (傣族), Bai (白族), Hani (哈尼族), and Hui (回族) ethnic groups. The street is known for its rich ethnic culture and traditions, such as the “Flower Street Festival” (花街节), which is a significant event for the local ethnic communities. The street is also famous for its local folk arts, including the smoke box dance, four-string dance, and the Yi ethnic group’s traditional flower鼓舞.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Ancient City Street (古城街道) has a subtropical vertical climate with distinct climatic zones due to its varying altitudes. The average annual temperature is around 19.3°C. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

  • Modian Mountain National Forest Park (磨盘山国家森林公园): Enjoy the natural beauty of the forest park. Suggested visiting time: 3 hours.
  • Ancient City Community (古城社区): Experience the local ethnic culture and traditions. Suggested visiting time: 2 hours.
  • Wucai Yun Tower (五彩云楼): A landmark building with cultural significance. Suggested visiting time: 1 hour.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a local bus or minibus from the county seat of Xinping to Ancient City Street (古城街道). The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
  • Self-Drive: Navigate to the Ancient City Street People’s Government (古城街道办事处) on Qingfeng Road (庆丰路). The drive takes about 1 hour.

Cuisine

  • Xinping Smoked Meat (新平熏肉): Traditional smoked meat with a unique flavor.
  • Yi Ethnic Group’s Traditional Dishes: Such as “ba ba” (粑粑), a traditional snack made from glutinous rice.

Shopping

  • Local Specialty Products: Ancient City Street (古城街道) is known for its citrus fruits, pomegranates, and other agricultural products, which can be purchased at local farmers’ markets.
  • Handicrafts: Traditional handicrafts such as bamboo weaving and ethnic embroidery are also available.

Accommodation

  • Hotels: There are several hotels in Ancient City Street (古城街道) with basic facilities.
  • Homestays: Experience local ethnic culture by staying in a traditional homestay.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Culture: When visiting historical sites and participating in ethnic activities, be mindful of and respect local cultural customs.
  • Protect the Environment: Do not litter during your visit to preserve the local natural environment.
  • Safety First: Pay attention to personal safety and follow relevant regulations when engaging in outdoor activities.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Ancient City Street (古城街道) and visit Modian Mountain National Forest Park (磨盘山国家森林公园) to enjoy the natural beauty of the forest park.
  • Day 2: Explore Ancient City Community (古城社区) and experience the local ethnic culture and traditions.
  • Day 3: Visit Wucai Yun Tower (五彩云楼) to learn about local history and culture; shop and enjoy local cuisine in Ancient City Street (古城街道) before concluding your trip.
Ancient City Street (古城街道) attracts numerous visitors with its rich natural landscapes and unique ethnic culture. Whether you are exploring the forest park or immersing yourself in the ethnic festivals, you will surely be captivated by the unique charm of this land. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Ancient City Street (古城街道).