Beige Xiacun Village of Xingmeng Town in Tonghai County, Yuxi

Beigexia Village (北阁下村) is located in Xingmeng Mongolian Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡), Tonghai County (通海县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province. It serves as the administrative center of the township and is situated at the western shore of Qilu Lake (杞麓湖), at the foot of Qilu Mountain (杞麓山), approximately 11 kilometers from Tonghai County's downtown. The village is conveniently accessible via Provincial Highway S304 (Yutong Secondary Highway), lying 129 kilometers from the provincial capital Kunming (昆明) and 39 kilometers from Hongta District (红塔区) of Yuxi City.

History and Culture

Beigexia Village (北阁下村) is one of the few Mongolian-inhabited villages in Yunnan Province and was listed among the second batch of China’s Traditional Villages in August 2013. The Xingmeng Mongolians (兴蒙蒙古族) are descendants of Mongol soldiers who settled in Yunnan after Kublai Khan’s southern expedition in 1253. Over the course of more than 760 years, this once-nomadic community transitioned from herding on horseback to fishing on Qilu Lake (杞麓湖), and later to farming around its shores.

Folk Customs

The village preserves rich Mongolian ethnic customs, including traditional attire and folk song and dance performances. Notable historical buildings include the Zhao Family Ancestral Hall (赵家祠堂) and the Sanjiao Temple (三教寺), which reflect the village’s cultural evolution and heritage.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Beigexia Village (北阁下村) experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 15.6°C. Winters are mild, and summers are not overly hot. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the climate is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its finest.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

Zhao Family Ancestral Hall (赵家祠堂): A traditional structure with significant historical and cultural value.
Recommended visiting time: 1 hour.

Sanjiao Temple (三教寺): Another important traditional building that showcases the area’s unique religious culture.
Recommended visiting time: 1 hour.

Surrounding Natural Scenery: The area around the village is picturesque, perfect for hiking and photography.
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours.

Transportation

Public Transport: Take a county bus to Xingmeng Township (兴蒙乡), then transfer to a local vehicle to reach Beigexia Village (北阁下村).
Self-Driving: Departing from Tonghai County (通海县), follow road signs to Beigexia Village, about 11 kilometers in total.

Cuisine

Beigexia Village (北阁下村) and its surrounding areas offer a variety of Mongolian-style cuisine, such as roasted whole lamb and hand-pulled meat. You can also try local specialties like Tonghai Soy Candy (通海豆末糖) and Tonghai Pickles (通海酱菜).

Shopping

There are several local shops selling agricultural products and handmade crafts. Visitors can purchase unique souvenirs that represent the local culture.

Accommodation

Local Farm Stays: Offer accommodation and a chance to experience rural Mongolian life.
Nearby Hotels: Hotels in Tonghai County (通海县) provide convenient lodging near the village.

Travel Tips

Environmental Protection: Please avoid littering and help preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Respect Local Customs: When participating in folk activities, respect local traditions and cultural practices.

Itinerary

Day 1:

• Morning: Arrive in Beigexia Village (北阁下村) and visit Zhao Family Ancestral Hall (赵家祠堂) and Sanjiao Temple (三教寺) to learn about local history and culture.
• Noon: Enjoy a traditional Mongolian-style meal.
• Afternoon: Explore the surrounding natural landscape through hiking or photography.
• Evening: Check into a local farm stay for an authentic experience.

Day 2:

• Morning: Shop for local souvenirs in the village center.
• Noon: Lunch at the farm stay.
• Afternoon: Return to Tonghai County (通海县) or Yuxi City (玉溪市), ending your trip.

Beigexia Village (北阁下村) captivates visitors with its stunning natural scenery and rich Mongolian cultural heritage. Whether you're strolling through the ancient village or immersing yourself in ethnic traditions, this charming destination promises a memorable experience. We hope your visit to Beigexia Village leaves you with lasting memories.