Longxi Li Clan Manor in Xinping County, Yuxi

Longxi Aristocratic Manor (陇西世族庄园) is located in Dapingzhang Village Group, Yaonan Village, Jiasha Town (戛洒镇耀南村大平掌村民小组), Xinping County (新平县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is near Zhaojiacun Road (赵家村路) and about 30 kilometers from downtown Xinping.

History and Culture

Construction of Longxi Aristocratic Manor (陇西世族庄园) began in 1938 and was completed in 1943. The manor was the residence of Li Runzhi (李润之), the last heir of the hereditary Tusi (土司) Li Xianzhi (李显智), who was granted the title of Tubazong (土把总) by Emperor Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty.
The manor combines architectural styles of medieval European castles with traditional Chinese courtyard design. It comprises the main building, a garden, and stables, covering an area of 4.2 mu (approx. 2,800 square meters), with a total construction area of 1,837.42 square meters and 69 rooms.
In 1995, it was designated as a patriotism education base in Xinping County, and in 2001 it was listed as a provincial-level cultural heritage site.

Local Customs

Xinping County is one of the main settlements of the Huayao Dai (花腰傣) ethnic group, known for their vibrant traditional customs.
Every year from May 1st to 3rd, Jiasha Town (戛洒集镇) hosts the Huayao Dai Bathing Festival (花腰傣风情沐浴节), featuring unique activities like water-fetching blessings, water-splashing welcome ceremonies, and the traditional water-pouring ritual.
The region also offers a rich food culture, including flower banquets (鲜花宴) and local pickled dishes.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Xinping has a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons and a mild atmosphere. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, offering pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

Main Buildings of Longxi Aristocratic Manor (陇西世族庄园主体建筑):
Includes the main hall, garden, and stables, all showcasing a unique architectural fusion.
Recommended visiting time: approx. 1 hour.

Garden:
Planted with rare flowers and trees in a peaceful setting.
Recommended visiting time: approx. 30 minutes.

Surrounding Natural Attractions:
Near the manor lies the Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve (哀牢山自然保护区), with notable spots like Nan’en Waterfall (南恩瀑布) and Shimen Gorge (石门峡) worth exploring.

Admission

The entrance ticket to Longxi Aristocratic Manor is ¥30 per person.

Transportation

By Car: From downtown Xinping, head toward Jiasha Town (戛洒镇), approximately 30 km or 40 minutes by car.
By Public Transport: Take a bus from downtown Xinping to Jiasha Town, then walk to the manor.

Local Cuisine

Specialties include Jiasha Hot Pot (戛洒汤锅), Yaonan Ham (耀南火腿), and pickled vegetables. In spring, the flower banquet offers delicacies such as shrimp flower (虾花) and Ma Sang flower (马桑花) dishes.

Shopping

Popular local products include buckwheat series (苦荞系列产品), Xinping pickles (新平腌菜), and Xini brown sugar (西尼红糖).

Accommodation

Hotels in Xinping County: Various mid-range hotel options are available downtown.
Guesthouses: Unique guesthouses around Jiasha Town offer a chance to experience local culture.

Travel Tips

Environmental Protection: Please do not litter and help preserve the natural surroundings.
Cultural Respect: Maintain quiet and respectful behavior, honoring local traditions and religious customs.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:

• Morning: Arrive in downtown Xinping and visit Longxi Aristocratic Manor's main building and garden.
• Afternoon: Explore nearby natural attractions such as Nan’en Waterfall.

Day 2:

• Morning: Enjoy local cuisine at Jiasha Town and shop for souvenirs.
• Afternoon: Return trip.

Longxi Aristocratic Manor (陇西世族庄园), with its rich historical background and unique architectural charm, attracts countless visitors. May your journey to Xinping be filled with beauty and unforgettable memories of this cultural gem.