Lincang Surrounding Counties and Towns: Weekly & Special Local Markets Travel Guide

Lincang City (临沧市), located in Yunnan Province, China, is known for its rich local markets that reflect the area’s cultural diversity. The city is home to several counties and districts, each with its own unique market schedule. This guide introduces the market schedules of Lincang’s surrounding counties and towns, along with insights into the local culture that thrives in these vibrant markets.

Lincang’s Administrative Structure

Lincang is composed of one district, four counties, and three autonomous counties. These include:

Linxian District (临翔区)

• 2 sub-districts, 32 towns, and 30 townships, including 13 ethnic minority townships.

Counties

• Yun County (云县)

• Fengqing County (凤庆县)

• Yongde County (永德县)

• Zhenkang County (镇康县)

Autonomous Counties

• Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County (耿马傣族佤族自治县)

• Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County (沧源佤族自治县)

• Shuangjiang Lahu, Wa, Blang, and Dai Autonomous County (双江拉祜族佤族布朗族傣族自治县)

The area is diverse, with each town or county hosting markets on different days of the week, allowing both locals and visitors to experience the full spectrum of regional culture.

Local Markets and Their Cultural Significance

Markets in Lincang are much more than places to buy and sell goods. These traditional trading spots are essential to the cultural fabric of the region, offering a vivid look at local customs, cuisine, crafts, and daily life. Below, you’ll find a summary of local markets and their cultural significance.

1.1 Cultural Legacy of the Markets

Local markets in Lincang are a vital part of cultural preservation. They are a place where centuries-old traditions continue to thrive, offering insights into the region’s heritage. From the wares on display to the interactions between buyers and sellers, the markets tell stories of generations of local life.

1.2 Unique Local Markets in Lincang

Each county in Lincang is home to markets with distinct characteristics. Whether it’s the products they sell, the foods they serve, or the traditional crafts on offer, these markets give visitors a taste of local life. Notable markets include those in Zhenkang, Yongde, Shuangjiang, Linxian, Gengma, and Cangyuan. These markets are not just commercial centers but also cultural hubs, drawing tourists and locals alike.

Market Schedules for Linxian District (临翔区)

Linxian District is one of the key areas in Lincang, and it is home to several vibrant local markets spread across various towns and townships. Below is a detailed schedule of market days in this district, highlighting the bustling trade and cultural exchanges that take place.

Linxian District Market Locations & Schedules

Weekly Market Highlights

Fengxiang Street: This weekly Sunday market is the go-to place for fresh agricultural products, daily necessities, and locally made crafts. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and the variety of goods on offer.

Boshan Town: Every Thursday, this market is dedicated to the sale of locally grown tea and handmade crafts. Tea lovers will find a wide selection of high-quality Yunnan tea.

Antidui Township: On Thursdays, the Antidui market specializes in mountain goods, including nuts such as walnuts, which are a local specialty. The market has been famous for this trade for many years.

Matai Township: Every Thursday, this market offers fresh agricultural products as well as local snacks. It is a great place to taste authentic Yunnan flavors and buy fresh produce directly from local farmers.

Special Local Market Events in Lincang

In addition to the regular markets, there are several special markets and festivals that take place throughout the year in Lincang. These events offer visitors a chance to experience the region’s unique culture and traditions.

Notable Market Events

Nanmei Township Fire Safety Awareness Market: On Wednesdays, this market not only serves as a place to trade goods but also as a platform for community fire safety awareness campaigns. Visitors can learn about local safety measures while browsing traditional ethnic products.

Zhangtuo Township New Market: The newly opened Zhangtuo market (since July 2024) combines legal awareness education with a lively market environment. It is a great place to explore local produce while also learning about the legal system in the area.

Quannei Township Safety Awareness Market: Held every Monday, this market focuses on safety education alongside the trading of local products. The market is a great opportunity to engage with the local community and learn more about the region’s safety standards.

Zhenkang County Market Schedules

Zhenkang County (镇康县) is one of the key areas in Lincang, with a variety of local markets in different towns and townships. Below is a detailed schedule of market days and the cultural activities associated with them.

Zhenkang County Townships Market Days

Key Features of Zhenkang Markets

Nansan Town: Held on the 4th and 9th days of the lunar calendar (known as “Kong Si Kan Wu” tradition), this market is one of the largest in the county. It offers a diverse range of products, including agricultural goods and local crafts. It also often includes fire safety awareness campaigns and other community events.

Junsei Township: The markets here are typically held on weekends, either Saturday or Sunday. In addition to local trading, they are known for hosting legal education and disaster prevention events, providing visitors with insights into community development.

Mucang Township: This market follows a 5-day cycle, although the exact start date is not specified. It is held in a remote mountain area, making it an ideal location for promoting anti-drug awareness and legal education programs.

Mangbing Township: The market here is focused on mountain products, including herbs, nuts, and dried goods, often accompanied by fire safety campaigns. It’s a great opportunity to explore the local community while supporting safety initiatives.

Special Local Market Events in Zhenkang

Noteworthy Events

Junsei Township’s Policy Education: The “Zhi Shu Xuan Jiang Tuan” (支书宣讲团) uses market days to promote local policies and engage with the community. This initiative aims to raise awareness about governmental support programs and public welfare.

Mangbing Township Fire Safety Month: In 2024, Mangbing is dedicating its market days to fire safety campaigns. These events are part of a broader effort to ensure community safety, with educational workshops and demonstrations held during market hours.

Lunar Calendar Adjustments

Many of the market dates in Zhenkang County follow the lunar calendar, so visitors should check the lunar dates each year to confirm the corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar. This is particularly relevant for towns like Nansan (南伞镇), where the market days are scheduled according to the lunar cycle.

Zhenkang County Market Patterns

Zhenkang County has a unique market rhythm based on the lunar calendar. The market days are more bustling on the 5th and 10th days of each lunar month, with special activities taking place in various towns. Below is a breakdown of the market schedule based on lunar animal signs.

Zhenkang County’s markets provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant local culture of Yunnan. From the large market in Nansan Town to the specialized markets in Mangbing Township, each market day is an invitation to immerse yourself in the daily lives of the local people while exploring a range of local goods and products. Be sure to plan your visit around the lunar calendar to catch the most exciting market days, and enjoy the cultural experiences that come with them.

Yongde County Market Schedules

Yongde County (永德县) is known for its vibrant markets that cater to local and visiting traders. The markets in this county are held regularly and are a significant part of the community’s daily life. Below is a detailed schedule for the market days in various towns and townships of Yongde County.

Yongde County Townships Market Days

Key Features of Yongde County Markets

Dediang Town: Held on the 1st day of the lunar calendar, the market in Dediang Town is one of the largest in the county. It is known for its wide variety of goods, from food to handicrafts, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the locals.

Xiaomengtong Town: On the 2nd day of the lunar calendar, Xiaomengtong Town hosts a lively market with a focus on agricultural products such as tea and handmade crafts. It is a great place to find locally produced tea leaves and artisanal items.

Yongkang Town: On the 5th day of the lunar calendar, Yongkang’s market combines product trading with legal education, making it a unique event where visitors can not only shop but also learn about local laws and community welfare.

Banka Township: This market is known for its mountain goods, including herbs, nuts, and other natural products. Local snacks are also a highlight, and it is a great place to sample authentic Yunnan flavors.

Wumulong Township: The traditional “Sangzhuali” Festival, held on the 15th day of the lunar calendar, is a significant event in Wumulong Township. The market during this festival features ethnic products, such as handicrafts and textiles, alongside festive activities.

Special Local Market Events in Yongde

Noteworthy Events

Legal Awareness Activities in Yalian Township: Yalian Township often combines its market days with public legal education campaigns, making it a unique event where visitors can not only shop but also participate in educational programs.

Sangzhuali Festival in Wumulong Township: The Sangzhuali Festival, held annually on the 15th day of the lunar calendar, is a traditional gathering in Wumulong Township. It is a time for locals to come together to celebrate their heritage, with a market focused on ethnic products and cultural performances.

Lunar Calendar Adjustments

Many of the market dates in Yongde County are based on the lunar calendar. Therefore, visitors should check the lunar calendar each year to confirm the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates. For example, Wumulong Township (乌木龙乡) celebrates the traditional Sangzhuali Festival on the 15th day of the lunar calendar, a date that changes each year.

Yongde County Market Patterns

The markets in Yongde County follow a specific lunar cycle pattern, where market days are aligned with certain lunar dates. These markets are often busier on certain days, with specific activities planned around the lunar animal signs.

Yongde County’s markets offer an enriching experience for visitors, combining shopping with opportunities to learn about the local culture and traditions. From the bustling markets in Dediang Town to the culturally rich Sangzhuali Festival in Wumulong Township, each market has its own unique charm and significance. Visitors should plan their trips around the lunar calendar to fully experience these vibrant events and gain a deeper understanding of Yunnan’s rich cultural heritage.

Shuangjiang County Market Schedules

Shuangjiang Lahu, Wa, Blang, and Dai Autonomous County (双江拉祜族佤族布朗族傣族自治县) is known for its distinct ethnic diversity and lively market days. Below is a breakdown of the market schedules for the various towns and townships in Shuangjiang County.

Shuangjiang County Townships Market Days

Key Features of Shuangjiang County Markets

Mengmeng Town: The markets in Mengmeng Town are held on odd days, typically the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th of the lunar month. This large market offers a wide variety of goods, including local crafts and agricultural products.

Mengku Town: There is some uncertainty regarding whether Mengku follows the same odd-day schedule as Mengmeng or the “Kong Si Kan Wu” (空四赶五) pattern, which means the market is held on certain lunar dates. It’s recommended to confirm this schedule before visiting.

Dawen Township: Markets in Dawen occur on odd days and are notable for their emphasis on social awareness, such as anti-drug campaigns and public safety initiatives.

Mangnuo Township: Mangnuo also follows the odd-day schedule and frequently incorporates various public awareness campaigns into its market days, including anti-drug and food safety promotions.

Shahe Township: Shahe has a market every 5 days, offering a range of products from local food to agricultural goods, along with educational and safety awareness activities.

Gengma County Market Schedules

Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County (耿马傣族佤族自治县) is home to several bustling markets, providing locals and visitors alike with a chance to experience the diverse culture and goods of the region. Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed and pending market schedules for the various townships in Gengma County.

Gengma County Townships Market Days

Key Features of Gengma County Markets

Daxing Township: The market in Daxing takes place on the 2nd, 5th, and 8th days of the lunar month. It is known for its focus on agricultural products, offering a wide range of local fruits, vegetables, and fresh produce.

Mengjian Township: Mengjian holds its market on Sundays, although the specific dates are not always confirmed. The market is a great place for residents to handle administrative tasks, such as activating social security cards, alongside their regular shopping.

Special Local Market Events in Shuangjiang and Gengma

Noteworthy Events

Shahe Township (Shuangjiang): The market in Shahe is an important community event, and the township often uses it to host various public safety campaigns, such as crime prevention and safety management, especially around major holidays like Chinese New Year.

Mangnuo Township (Shuangjiang): Mangnuo combines its market days with campaigns such as the International Anti-Drug Day, food safety initiatives, and other educational programs to promote public awareness.

Mengjian Township (Gengma): Market days in Mengjian often coincide with convenient public services, providing locals with a chance to manage various administrative tasks, including social insurance and welfare services.

Lunar Calendar Adjustments

Many of the markets in both Shuangjiang and Gengma counties are scheduled according to the lunar calendar. Visitors should check the lunar dates each year to ensure they plan their visits around the correct market dates.

Gengma County Market Days

Gengma Dai and Wa Autonomous County (耿马傣族佤族自治县) operates on a seven-day cycle for its market days, with a number of fixed market days in various townships. The market schedule follows both the Kong Si Kan Wu (空四赶五) rule and a standard seven-day rotation. This section includes details for Gengma, Mengyong, and Mensa townships.

Gengma County Market Schedule

Key Features of Gengma County Markets

Gengma Town: The markets in Gengma are held on a seven-day cycle, offering a large variety of products, including agricultural goods, ethnic crafts, and local textiles.

Mengyong Town: A significant stop for ethnic products, Mengyong hosts vibrant markets where visitors can purchase unique crafts and local foods.

Mensa Town: Mensa hosts markets that focus on traditional goods and local delicacies, often accompanied by community activities and cultural events.

Daxing Township: Known for its agricultural focus, the Daxing market is held on specific lunar dates, showcasing local fruits, vegetables, and other farm products.

Cangyuan County Market Schedule

Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County (沧源佤族自治县) follows the Kong Si Kan Wu (空四赶五) tradition, where the market days fall on specific lunar dates, such as the 4th, 9th, 14th, and so on. This schedule governs multiple townships, including Mengdong, Mengkang, Menglai, and Banlao townships.

Cangyuan County Market Days

Key Features of Cangyuan County Markets

Mengdong Town: Mengdong is the largest market in Cangyuan, held on odd days such as the 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike gather to trade ethnic handicrafts, agricultural products, and local foods.

Mengkang Town: The market in Mengkang is based on the lunar calendar, typically falling on the 4th and 9th days. It offers a range of agricultural products and unique ethnic items, attracting traders from surrounding regions.

Banlao Township: Banlao has a long-standing tradition of holding markets on the 1st and 6th lunar days. This market focuses on traditional goods, especially ethnic crafts and textiles from the Wa and other ethnic groups.

Special Local Market Events in Gengma and Cangyuan

Noteworthy Events

Mengdong Town: Markets in Mengdong are known for their lively atmosphere, especially on specific lunar days. During these times, local artisans and farmers sell their goods, and the markets often feature cultural performances and community celebrations.

Banlao Township: The market in Banlao is especially known for its ethnic goods, including traditional textiles, beads, and carvings. These markets coincide with ethnic festivals such as the Gongxiang Festival (贡象节), a celebration unique to the Wa people.

Cangyuan County’s Ethnic Celebrations: The markets in Cangyuan frequently host special events around Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) and Lunar New Year (春节), with community activities, ethnic performances, and local food fairs.

Lunar Calendar Adjustments

Many markets in Gengma and Cangyuan counties operate based on the lunar calendar. Visitors planning to attend these markets should verify the exact lunar dates for each market to ensure they coincide with their travel plans.

Fengqing County Market Days (凤庆县)

Fengqing County (凤庆县) includes a variety of townships, each with its own market schedule. The market days follow both the lunar calendar and the solar calendar, offering a range of goods from agricultural products to ethnic crafts. Some of the townships included are Fengshan Town (凤山镇), Lushi Town (鲁史镇), Xueshan Town (雪山镇), Luodang Town (洛党镇), and Guoshaizhai Yi and Bai Ethnic Township (郭大寨彝族白族乡).

Regular Market Days in Fengqing County Townships

Key Features of Markets in Fengqing County

Fengshan Town (凤山镇): The market in Fengshan Town is one of the largest in the county, offering a wide range of products, from local agricultural produce to traditional crafts.

Xueshan Town (雪山镇): In Xueshan, the market primarily focuses on agricultural products, with a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Sanchhe River Town (三岔河镇): Sanchhe River hosts markets on specific lunar dates, and local authorities often use these days to promote agricultural product safety and quality.

Luodang Town (洛党镇): Luodang has a strong focus on community well-being, with markets that feature services such as child welfare support alongside the usual product offerings.

Lushi Town (鲁史镇): Lushi maintains a traditional market atmosphere, often featuring products from the surrounding mountains, including local herbs, dried foods, and handcrafted goods.

Special Activities During Market Days

Recent Trends and Community Events

Xiaowan Town (小湾镇), Yingpan Town (营盘镇), and Mengyou Town (勐佑镇) have begun using market days as an opportunity to promote social welfare campaigns, such as anti-drug initiatives and fire safety awareness.

Dashimen Village Market (大寺乡马庄村集贸市场) is a newly built market that has become a popular venue, especially during market days, attracting both local residents and visitors.

Special Public Services

Sanchhe River Town (三岔河镇): During market days, various safety and quality-related public services are offered, including agricultural product safety promotions.

Luodang Town (洛党镇): Luodang utilizes market days to organize special activities focused on children’s welfare, offering free health checks and educational resources.

Information Gaps

Some market dates for towns like Xiaowan Town (小湾镇), Yingpan Town (营盘镇), Mengyou Town (勐佑镇), Shili Township (诗礼乡), Xinhuai Yi and Miao Ethnic Township (新华彝族苗族乡), and Dashimen Township (大寺乡) are still not fully confirmed. These may vary according to specific local events or adjustments to the lunar calendar. It is advisable for visitors to confirm the dates through local channels before traveling.

Lunar Calendar Adjustments

Many of the market days in Fengqing County (凤庆县) follow the lunar calendar, which means dates change from year to year. For example, Guoshaizhai Yi and Bai Ethnic Township (郭大寨彝族白族乡) has market days on the 1st and 6th of the lunar month. Visitors are encouraged to check the lunar calendar in advance to ensure they do not miss out on key market dates.

Market Days in Yunxian County (云县)

Yunxian County (云县) is home to a number of townships that host regular and special markets. The market days follow the lunar calendar, with dates falling on specific days of the month, depending on the local customs and activities.

In Yunxian County (云县), visitors have the opportunity to experience traditional local markets, where they can explore a wide range of agricultural products, crafts, and ethnic goods. The markets are held on specific days based on both the lunar and solar calendars, and each township has its unique market day schedule. This guide offers details about the market days in various townships, including Aihua Town (爱华镇), Manwan Town (漫湾镇), Dachao Mountain West Town (大朝山西镇), and others.

Regular Market Days in Yunxian County Townships

Key Features of Markets in Yunxian County

Maolan Town (茂兰镇): This town’s market, based on the “Empty 4, Market 5” pattern (Lunar 4th and 9th), is one of the largest in the region, offering a variety of local agricultural products and goods.

Dazhai Town (大寨镇): Similar to Maolan, Dazhai hosts its market on the same lunar days, and it is an essential spot for both locals and visitors to buy and sell agricultural products.

Manghuai Yi and Blang Ethnic Township (忙怀彝族布朗族乡): On Ox/Sheep Day (Zodiac), Manghuai holds its market, which focuses on both products and community activities such as public awareness campaigns and local services.

Xiaojie Township (晓街乡): The market in Xiaojie follows the Horse Day pattern based on the lunar calendar. It’s known for local agricultural goods and seasonal items.

Yongbao Town (涌宝镇): In Yongbao, the market occurs on Monkey/Tiger Days (Zodiac). It is an excellent spot for those looking to buy exotic fruits, nuts, and local crafts.

Special Activities During Market Days

Community Engagement and Awareness

Xingfu Town (幸福镇) and Manghuai Yi and Blang Ethnic Township (忙怀彝族布朗族乡) often use market days to conduct various social campaigns, such as anti-drug and fire safety awareness programs, reaching out to the local population and visitors.

Dachao Mountain West Town (大朝山西镇): The markets in Dachao Mountain West focus on promoting forest fire safety and conservation efforts, with information and resources available to visitors during the market day.

Conservation and Cultural Promotion

Aihua Town (爱华镇), the county’s government seat, organizes wildlife and plant conservation patrols during its market days. This is an excellent opportunity for tourists to learn about local environmental protection efforts.

Missing Market Days Information

Certain towns in Yunxian County (云县), including Aihua Town (爱华镇), Manwan Town (漫湾镇), and Dachao Mountain West Town (大朝山西镇), have unclear or unspecified market dates. For example, in Aihua Town, there are indications that Toudaoshui Market (头道水集市) may coincide with market days. Similarly, Manwan Town (漫湾镇) and Dachao Mountain West Town (大朝山西镇) may have special markets around the Xincun Market (新村集市) and Laojie Market (老街集市), but these dates need confirmation.

Lunar Calendar Adjustments

As in other towns within Yunxian County (云县), the market days in several locations are based on the lunar calendar. These dates can vary each year, and visitors should verify the lunar schedule in advance.

For example:

Manghuai Yi and Blang Ethnic Township (忙怀彝族布朗族乡) holds its market on Ox/Sheep Day (Zodiac), so visitors should check the specific lunar date for each year.

The local markets in Yunxian County (云县) offer a unique glimpse into the everyday life and culture of this picturesque part of Yunnan. Whether you’re looking for fresh agricultural products, ethnic crafts, or an opportunity to engage with local communities through special activities, these markets have something for everyone. As always, make sure to confirm the exact dates in advance to fully enjoy these vibrant markets and cultural experiences.