Chongmai Village of Ningzhou Sub-district in Huaning County, Yuxi

Chongmai Village (冲麦村) is located on the western side of Ningzhou Subdistrict (宁州街道), Huaning County (华宁县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is 8 kilometers from the Ningzhou Subdistrict Office and 8 kilometers from the county seat of Huaning. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the village boasts beautiful natural scenery and convenient transportation, with cement roads connecting it to the surrounding towns.

History and Culture

Chongmai Village (冲麦村) was established in the mid-Ming Dynasty and has a history of more than 600 years. In the 14th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1381), Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (朱元璋) dispatched generals Fu Youde (傅友德), Lan Yu (蓝玉), and Mu Ying (沐英) to campaign in Yunnan. After pacifying the area, they built postal roads and stations between Huaning (华宁) and Kunming (昆明) to strengthen military logistics. Some stationed soldiers settled here and became the earliest residents of Chongmai. In 2014, Chongmai Village was listed in the third batch of Traditional Chinese Villages, and in 2022, it was named a Beautiful Village of Yunnan Province.

Folk Customs

Chongmai Village (冲麦村) preserves rich folk culture, including distinctive martial arts dances and flower drum dances. The martial arts dance originated from the soldiers who built and maintained the ancient postal roads and has been passed down through generations. The village also retains well-preserved ancient architecture, including the Guan Sheng Temple (关圣宫), the Chen Family Ancestral Hall (陈家祠堂), and the Li Family Ancestral Hall (李家祠堂).

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Huaning County (华宁县) has a subtropical low-latitude plateau monsoon climate, characterized by mild temperatures and distinct seasons. The best time to visit Chongmai Village is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions and Visit Duration

Guan Sheng Temple (关圣宫): Built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, it is a majestic and ornately decorated landmark of the village.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour

Chen Family and Li Family Ancestral Halls (陈家祠堂和李家祠堂): Featuring precise layout and exquisite structure, they hold significant historical and cultural value.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour

Ancient Postal Road (古驿道): Marked with deep hoof prints, this road reflects the history of horse caravans that once passed through the village.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours

Xisha Moon-Reflecting Spring (西沙印月泉): One of the Eight Scenic Spots of Ningzhou (宁州八大景), known for its clear spring water and beautiful surroundings.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour

Transportation

Public Transportation: Take a city bus within Yuxi City (玉溪市) to reach Huaning County (华宁县), then transfer to local transport to reach Chongmai Village (冲麦村).

Self-Driving: Start from Yuxi city center, follow signs toward Huaning County (华宁县), and then proceed to Chongmai Village (冲麦村); the total distance is approximately 16 kilometers.

Cuisine

Local specialties include Huaning citrus (华宁柑桔), Yuxi tobacco leaves (玉溪烟叶), Huaning pottery (华宁陶), Huaning persimmons (华宁柿子), local sausages, and sweet rice ball soup with bean paste (豆末汤圆).

Shopping

Chongmai Village (冲麦村) has many local specialty and handicraft shops where visitors can purchase unique souvenirs and agricultural products.

Accommodation

Local Farm Stays: Offer lodging services and an opportunity to experience authentic rural life.
Nearby Hotels: Hotels in Huaning County (华宁县) are conveniently located near Chongmai Village and easily accessible.

Travel Tips

Environmental Protection: Please protect the environment during your visit. Do not litter.
Respect Local Customs: When participating in cultural activities, respect the traditions and customs of the local community.

Itinerary

Day 1:

• Morning: Arrive at Chongmai Village (冲麦村), visit Guan Sheng Temple (关圣宫), Chen Family and Li Family Ancestral Halls (陈家祠堂、李家祠堂) to learn about local history and culture.
• Noon: Enjoy local specialty dishes.
• Afternoon: Stroll along the Ancient Postal Road (古驿道) and experience the history of the village.
• Evening: Stay at a local farm stay and rest.

Day 2:

• Morning: Visit Xisha Moon-Reflecting Spring (西沙印月泉) and appreciate its natural beauty.
• Noon: Lunch at the farm stay.
• Afternoon: Return to Huaning County (华宁县) or Yuxi City (玉溪市), concluding the trip.

Chongmai Village (冲麦村) attracts visitors with its unique natural scenery and rich historical culture. Whether you're wandering through the ancient village or participating in folk traditions, you're sure to experience the charm of this historic village. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Chongmai.