Xingmeng Mongolian Village in Tonghai County, Yuxi

About Xingmeng Mongol Ethnic Town

Xingmeng Mongol Ethnic Town(兴蒙蒙古族乡) is situated under the foot of Fenghuang(phoenix) Mountain, Tonghai County(通海县), and is the only dwelling area of Mongol minority in Yunnan Province. It has a history of more than a thousand years with unique ethnic culture. The fame of "Mongolia in South Plateau", "Home of Songs and Dances", "Home of Architecture" and "Home of Muskmelon" make the ethnic town an attractive destination. Through the promotion of "Mongols on the Southern Plateau", improvement of scenic spots construction and comprehensive facilities, Xingmeng now has become a tourism zone for sightseeing, recreation, holiday and experience of minority ethnic culture.

Xingmeng Mongolian Village (兴蒙蒙古族村) is located in Xingmeng Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡), Tonghai County (通海县), Yuxi (玉溪), in Yunnan Province (云南省), and it is the core settlement of the Mongol ethnic group in this region. Below is a comprehensive overview of the village.

Location

Xingmeng Village (兴蒙村) is situated by Qiluhu Lake (杞麓湖) and at the foot of Fengshan Mountain (凤山), making it the only Mongol-dominated community in Southern China (中国南方).

Population

The population of the village consists primarily of the Mongol (蒙古族) ethnic group, with around 5,600 Mongols, making up 94.99% of the total population. The remaining population is composed of Han (汉族), Yi (彝族), and other ethnic groups, totaling 8 different communities coexisting in this region.

Why is Xingmeng Mongolian Village So Special?

The first impression when you set foot on this village is a cavalry statue with Chinese and Mongolian introduction. Xingmeng village is one of the Mongolian villages in Tonghai. And most Mongolians of Yunnan Province are living there. Among the 5500 residents of Xingmeng, 5400 are Mongolians, therefore, Tonghai is the biggest Mongolian community in Yunnan Province.

The Xingmeng Mongolian Village located in the Yunnan Province in southwest China has the biggest Mongol group in the region. They are a farming community unlike the Mongols of the northern regions who subsist on animal husbandry, but they wear traditional Mongolian costumes and celebrate traditional Mongolian festivals including Nadamu Festival(那达慕节), Luban Festival(鲁班节) and other festivals. The highlight of the village is the Sansheng temple(三圣宫). This shrine was built in honor of Kublai Khan and Genghis Khan, the brave military leaders who are worshipped by the Mongols. Surrounding the village, there are nearly 20 tourist attractions. Some of these include the Taojiazui(桃家嘴) Xiaohaitan(小海潭) Pond Scenic Area, the Architecture Museum, Sanjiao Temple, Home of Songs and Dances, Muskmelon Garden, and the Jiaoyiwan(交谊湾) Ethnic Culture Garden.

History of Xingmeng Mongol Ethnic Town

Though far away from Mongolian area, Yunnan is a place where you can surprisingly find Mongolian communities. Some 750 years ago, the cavalries led by Kublai Khan conquered Dali Kingdom and continued northern expedition against the South Song Dynasty(1127-1279). Some Soldiers settled down as inhabitants in Tonghai County of Yuxi city, 130 kilometers from Kunming.

Historical Background

The ancestors of the Mongols (蒙古族) in Xingmeng (兴蒙) were soldiers who followed Kublai Khan (忽必烈) during the Yuan Dynasty (元朝) conquest of Yunnan (云南) in the 13th century. After the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, these Mongol soldiers (蒙古士兵) settled in this region, adopting local customs and living under the radar.

The village is home to the San Sheng Gong (三圣宫), a temple dedicated to their ancestors, Genghis Khan (成吉思汗), Möngke Khan (蒙哥), and Kublai Khan (忽必烈), and it houses several Yuan (元朝), Ming (明朝), and Qing (清朝) period inscriptions. The people of Xingmeng (兴蒙) also speak Kachuo language (喀卓语), a unique blend of Mongolian (蒙古语), Bai (白语), and Yi (彝语).

Cultural Characteristics

Architecture Style

The architecture of Xingmeng Village (兴蒙村) is a fusion of traditional Yunnan (云南) Sihui courtyard houses (四合院) and the typical Mongolian yurt (蒙古包). One of the standout features of the village is the Baisha’ao Village (白沙凹) with its unique homes.

The village also preserves a century-old well (百年古井) and a Mongolian history museum (蒙古族历史博物馆), which provide insight into the village’s rich historical legacy.

Festivals

• Naadam Festival (那达慕大会): Held every three years, this festival combines traditional Mongolian (蒙古族) sports like horseback riding (骑马), archery (射箭), and wrestling (摔跤) with southern Chinese (南方特色) cultural activities such as dragon dancing (耍龙灯) and dry boat rowing (划旱船).

• Ancestor Remembrance Festival (忆祖节): Held on the 20th day of the 6th lunar month (农历六月二十日), the festival honors the village's ancestors, with ceremonies held at San Sheng Gong (三圣宫) to remember Mongol (蒙古族) history and heritage.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

• Naadam Festival (那达慕大会): Included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2006.

• Kachuo language (喀卓语), embroidery (刺绣), and other traditional craftsmanship are also part of the community's intangible cultural heritage.

Economy and Tourism

Economic Transformation

The economy of Xingmeng (兴蒙) has transitioned from nomadic herding (游牧) to fishing (渔业) and agriculture (农耕), and today, the village is developing its orchards (果园), focusing on fruit production like cherries (樱桃) and peaches (桃子), alongside farm stays (农家乐) for tourists.

Tourism Highlights

• San Sheng Gong (三圣宫), also known as the Mongol Yuan Dynasty History Museum (蒙元历史文化博物馆), offers an opportunity to explore Mongolian (蒙古族) heritage.

• Baisha'ao Ethnic Cultural Experience Area (白沙凹民族风情体验区) provides visitors with a chance to experience the unique customs of the Mongol (蒙古族) people in Xingmeng (兴蒙).

• During the Naadam Festival (那达慕大会), visitors can participate in activities such as horseback riding (骑马) and archery (射箭).

Modern Development

Community and Cultural Awareness

Recent development projects in Xingmeng (兴蒙) aim to strengthen cultural awareness and community spirit, such as the establishment of the Tongxin Lake Cultural Plaza (同心湖文化广场) and the Ethnic Unity Corridor (民族团结长廊).

In 2023, the Naadam Festival (那达慕大会) was reinitiated, attracting tourists and promoting the integration of agriculture and tourism in the region.

Unique Cultural Identity

The Mongol community in Xingmeng (兴蒙) retains a unique identity formed by centuries of migration and adaptation. While maintaining a core Mongol (蒙古族) identity, it also embraces the influences of Yunnan's (云南) local culture, creating a rich and distinctive cultural blend that stands out from Northern Mongolia (北方蒙古).

Nearby Attractions

Sansheng Palace in Tonghai County, Yuxi
Hexi Confucius Temple in Tonghai County
Xiushan Mountain Park in Tonghai County
Xiahuicun Mosque
Najiaying Mosque in Tonghai County, Yuxi

How to Get There

Xingmeng Mongol Ethnic Village is about 11 kilometers from the Tonghai bus terminal. After arriving in Tonghai County, you can take a taxi or minibus to Xingmeng Mongolian Village. The train can take less time than long-distance bus.

1. By Long-distance Bus

There are long-distance buses from Kunming to Tonghai County.

Kunming East Bus Station-Tonghai Bus Terminal

Departure Time: 6:58-18:00

Ticket Price: 42 CNY

Distance: 138 Kilometers

Consume Time: About 2.5 hours

2. By Train

Kunming Railway Station-Tonghai Railway Station

Departure Time: 7:45, 11:02, 12:30, 15:41

Ticket Price: 21.5 CNY

Distance: 139 Kilometers

Consume Time: About 2 hours

Accommodation Around Xingmeng Mongolian Village

Xingmeng Mongolian Village is not far from the county seat of Tonghai County. You can get back to Tonghai County for accommodation.

1. Tonghai Landun Hotel通海兰顿酒店

Address: No.72, Liyue West Road, Xiushan Town, Tonghai County, Yuxi玉溪市通海县秀山镇礼乐西路72号

Tel: 0877-3098888

Starting Price: 114 CNY

2. Tonghai Mingbang Hotel通海名邦大酒店

Address: No.219, Xiushan West Road, Sangyuan Industrial Zone, Tonghai County, Yuxi玉溪市通海县桑园工业区秀山西路219号

Tel: 0877-3058999

Starting Price: 145 CNY

3. Tonghai Diannan Hotel通海滇南大酒店

Address: Liyue West Road, Xiushan Town, Tonghai County, Yuxi玉溪市通海县礼乐西路

Tel: 0877-3078888

Starting Price: 173 CNY

Useful Travel Tips

1. Learn something about Mongol minority and Mongolian culture in advance.

2. Know some general situation of Xingmeng Mongol Ethnic Town in advance.

3. You can participate in some ethnic activities during festivals.

Tours Including Xingmeng Mongolian Village

Xingmeng Mongol Ethnic Town(兴蒙蒙古族乡) is not far from the county seat of Tonghai County and Nagu Town. Xingmeng Mongolian village(兴蒙蒙古族村) is called the last Mongols in Yunnan. It is worthy to visit the village when you are traveling in Tonghai County of Yuxi.

2 Days Jianshui Ancient Architecture Tour from Kunming

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6 Days Yunnan Small Group Tour with Honghe Hani Rice Terraces

11 Days Yunnan Photograph Tour with Luoping Rapeseed Flowers Festival and Honghe Hani Rice Terraces Field (Feb-March Available)