Mohei Ancient Town in Ninger County, Pu'er

?️ Mohei Ancient Town (磨黑古镇)

A Cultural Gem in Southern Yunnan

Once a salt capital, revolutionary stronghold, and key node on the Tea Horse Road, Mohei (磨黑) is a lesser-known yet deeply rich town in southern Yunnan, blending layers of history, ethnic heritage, and natural charm.

?️ Core Cultural Themes

Salt Capital of Southern Yunnan (滇南盐都)

The name Mohei originates from the Dai language word “Mo-Ge,” meaning “salt well.” Salt mining here began as early as the Han Dynasty. Large-scale production took off in 1725 during the Qing Dynasty, making it one of Yunnan’s four major salt production areas.
A local proverb says, “Mohei salt, saltiest under heaven (磨黑盐，天下咸),” highlighting its historical importance.

? Salt Heritage Sites:

• Ancient salt mines like Baoxing Cave (宝兴洞) and Shengli Cave (胜利洞) (now sealed for preservation)

• Salt culture is embedded in local foods (e.g. salt tea) and architectural aesthetics

Tea Horse Road Town (茶马古镇)

A vital checkpoint on the historic Tea Horse Road, Mohei once received thousands of packhorses daily and was a thriving trade hub. In 2013, it was honored as “The No.1 Town on the Tea Horse Road” in China.

? Ancient Trail Relics:

• Kongqueping Relay Station (孔雀坪驿站) still features original stone paths and horse inns—walk in the footsteps of ancient caravans

Revolutionary Roots (革命老区)

Mohei was the core of the Sipu Revolutionary Base, where the Communist Party’s Sipu branch was founded in 1946 at Mohei Middle School.
? Sites include:

• Sipu Revolution Memorial Hall (思普革命纪念馆)

• Zeng Jiang Martyrs’ Memorial Park (曾蒋烈士纪念园)

• 初心园 “Original Aspiration Garden”

Hometown of a Screen Legend (丽人故里)

Famous actress Yang Likun (杨丽坤), star of classic Chinese films “Five Golden Flowers” and “Ashima”, was born in Mohei.
? Yang Likun’s Former Residence is a classic Yi-style courtyard home (“Three rooms and one wall”) displaying her life and artistic legacy.

? Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Red Tourism Route

• Sipu Revolution Memorial Hall: Detailed exhibits on the revolutionary history of the Sipu area; welcomes over 1,000 visitors daily

• Red Cultural Pathway (红色栈道): An 876-meter riverside trail along Mohei River, linking salt, tea, and revolutionary landmarks amid lush scenery

• Zeng Jiang Martyrs' Memorial Park: Honors revolutionaries Zeng Qingquan and Jiang Zhongming

Old Town & Ethnic Culture

• Yang Likun’s Residence: Open 8:30–11:30 / 14:30–17:30; offers an immersive journey into a film legend’s life

• Ethnic Festivals:

  • Hani “Second Month Festival” & Red Fish Festival

  • Dai Water Splashing Festival

  • Yi Torch Festival

  • Enjoy folk performances like bench dragon dance and lusheng bamboo flute dances

• Traditional Architecture:

  • Zouma Corner Tower (走马转角楼) and homes on Xinzheng Street showcase classic southern Yunnan residential styles

Nature & Surroundings

• Kongqueping Ancient Village (孔雀坪古村落): Offers panoramic views of the Tea Horse Road from a 100-year-old banyan tree lookout

• Qingshui River Hot Springs (清水河温泉): 19 natural pools rich in sulfur and minerals, ideal for therapeutic soaking (open all day)

• Fragrant Lemon Fields (香柠檬田园): A 200-acre plantation in Jiangxi Village where visitors can handpick sour-sweet lemons

? Flavors of Mohei

Must-Try Delicacies

• Barbecue Specialties: Charcoal-roasted pig’s trotters, soaked tofu, spicy pork slices—paired with secret dipping sauces

• Local Snacks:

  • Bean soup rice noodles

  • Chilled prawns (a summer favorite)

  • Mohei sausages and smoked meats (perfect take-home gifts)

• Traditional Feast:

  • “Mohei Eight Dishes (磨黑八大碗)” banquet featuring flavors influenced by salt-tea culture

? Practical Travel Guide

Getting There

• 60 km from Pu’er City

• 23 km from Ning’er County

• Accessible via Kunming–Bangkok Expressway and National Road 213

• Best reached by car or private transfer

Where to Stay

? Hongyang Guesthouse (鸿洋客栈):
An artistic, retro-style stay that offers dining, lodging, and photogenic decor in one place

Suggested Itineraries

?️ One-Day Trip:
Original Aspiration Garden → Red Pathway → Yang Likun’s Residence → Sipu Memorial Hall → BBQ lunch → Kongqueping Village

?️ In-Depth Trip:
Add hot spring experience and lemon-picking for a relaxing countryside getaway

Best Seasons to Visit

• Spring & Autumn (March–May, Sept–Nov) offer the best weather

• Avoid summer heat (no air conditioning in some areas)

• Plan around festivals for vibrant cultural experiences (e.g. Red Fish Festival)

? Hidden Charm & Tips

Best For:

• History lovers

• Red tourism enthusiasts

• Explorers of off-the-beaten-path ancient towns

Notes:

• Rated a National AAA Tourist Attraction (2021)

• Basic tourist infrastructure in place but low commercial density

  Bring your own water and sun protection

Nearby Attractions:

Combine your visit with:

• Ning’er National Unity Park, home to the “First Monument of National Unity in New China”

• Downtown Pu’er City

? Final Thoughts:

The beauty of Mohei (磨黑) lies in its “slowness” and “depth”—walk along stone paths steeped in salt and tea culture, read epic stories of revolution and artistry, and breathe in a world untouched by over-commercialization. Here, horse bells echo in the distance, the scent of grilled meats fills the air, and the red stars of history continue to shine bright.