Local Ethnic Markets and Schedule in Puer
Market Name | Day | Main Ethnic Groups | Market Features | Location | Additional Information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Menghun Market | Every Sunday | Dai, Aini, Bulang, Ake, Lahu | Farm animals, tropical vegetables and fruits, local specialties, household items | Far from Jinghong | Colorful costumes, smiling faces |
Mangxin Market | Weekly | Aini | Aini women in traditional costumes | Far from Jinghong | Few tourists |
Menghai Market | Daily | Multi-ethnic | Outdoor and large indoor hall | Menghai | Lively and noisy |
Xiding Market | Every Thursday | Aini, Bulang, Dai | Small and remote | Xiding | Inconvenient transportation |
Menglian Market | Weekly | Aini | Mainly Aini ethnic group | Menglian | Few tourists, traditional costumes |
Fuyan Market | Weekly | Wa | Wa women in traditional costumes, smoking pipes | Far from Jinghong | Small and remote |
Jinghong Farmer’s Market | Daily 16:00-19:00 | Dai | Food and produce market | Manmai Village | 20-minute drive from downtown Jinghong |
Mandui Fruit Market | Every morning | Multi-ethnic | Dried and fresh fruits, snacks, handicrafts | Mandui Village | Stalls at the entrance |
Man Ge Wholesale Fruit Market | Daily | Multi-ethnic | Wholesale fruits, dried fruits, snacks, tea, coffee | Man Ge | Experience local urban culture |
Riverside Night Market | Starts at 19:30 every night | Multi-ethnic | Food, handicrafts, souvenirs | Riverside | Affordable prices, relaxed atmosphere |
Market Name | Day | Main Ethnic Groups | Market Features | Location | Additional Information |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Menghun Market | Every Saturday | Dai, Hani, Lahu, Bulang, Wa | Ecological agricultural products, ethnic snacks, traditional handmade crafts, traditional ethnic costumes | Menghun Town (勐混镇) | Located near the China-Myanmar border, the market stretches along the main street for over 1 kilometer. It is busiest in the morning. |
Mangxin Market | Weekly | Aini (Hani) | Aini women in traditional costumes | Far from Jinghong | Small market, few tourists. |
Menghai Market | Daily | Multi-ethnic | Outdoor and large indoor hall | Menghai Town (勐海镇) | Lively and noisy, a major trading center for locals. |
Xiding Market | Every Thursday | Aini (Hani), Bulang, Dai | Small and remote, authentic ethnic market | Xiding Town (西定乡) | Market is active from dawn to midday, attracting Dai, Hani, and Bulang minorities. |
Menglian Market | Weekly | Aini (Hani) | Mainly Aini ethnic group, traditional costumes | Menglian Town (勐连镇) | Less known, few tourists, traditional costumes. |
Fuyan Market | Weekly | Wa | Wa women in traditional costumes, smoking pipes | Far from Jinghong | Small and remote, few tourists. |
Jinping County in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, is renowned for its vibrant ethnic markets, which serve as both commercial hubs and cultural gatherings. These markets operate on a traditional six-day cycle, aligning with the Chinese zodiac calendar. Each market day is associated with a specific zodiac animal, creating a rotating schedule that brings together various ethnic communities.
Zodiac Day | Market Location | Ethnic Groups | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Snake & Pig | Adebo | Hongtou Yao, Yi | A bustling market where Hongtou Yao women often sell textiles and herbs, engaging in embroidery while waiting for customers. |
Horse & Rat | Jinping Town | Red-top Yao, Hani, Yi | Held in the downtown streets, this market showcases a mix of ethnic groups, with Red-top Yao prominently featured. |
Sheep & Ox | Nafa | Yao, Hani | A lively market attracting Yao and Hani communities from surrounding villages. |
Monkey & Tiger | Mengla | Yao, Hani | Known for its diverse offerings and vibrant atmosphere, frequented by local ethnic groups. |
Rabbit & Chicken | Sanguocun | Yao, Hani | A traditional market where villagers gather to trade goods and socialize. |
Dragon & Dog | Zhemi | Yao, Hani | The cycle concludes here, with a market that draws participants from various ethnic backgrounds. |
These markets are more than just places to buy and sell goods; they are social events where people dress in traditional attire, share news, and maintain cultural practices. The schedule allows vendors and visitors to attend multiple markets throughout the cycle, fostering a dynamic exchange of culture and commerce. yunnanexploration.com
In addition to the six-day cycle markets, the Laomeng Sunday Market stands out as a weekly event. Held every Sunday in Laomeng Town, this market is a vibrant gathering of various ethnic minorities, including the Hani, Yao, Yi, and Miao. Visitors can experience a rich tapestry of cultures, with stalls offering everything from colorful ethnic clothing and textiles to fresh produce and traditional crafts. The market is not only a commercial hub but also a significant social occasion, where people from different communities come together in celebration. yunnanexploration.com+1yunnanexploration.com+1
To make the most of your experience:
Arrive Early: Markets typically start in the early morning and wind down by mid-afternoon.
Cultural Sensitivity: Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially in traditional attire.
Cash is King: Carry local currency, as electronic payments may not be accepted.
Stay Informed: Market days follow the Chinese zodiac calendar, so check local schedules to align your visit accordingly.yunnanexploration.com+3yunnanexploration.com+3yunnanexploration.com+3
Exploring these markets offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural mosaic of Jinping County, providing opportunities to engage with diverse communities and traditions.
Yunxian County(云县), located in the southwest of Yunnan Province, belongs to Lincang City. It is located at the junction of Dali, Pu’er and Lincang. The expressway from Yunxain County to Lincang as well as Xianglin(Xiangyun祥云-Lincang) railway are under the plan and construction. Although Yunxian is a small county, transportation to Yuxian County is convenient.
With a distance of about 283 kilometers, tourists can go from Dali City to Yunxian County mainly by long-distance bus.
There are about 9 daily buses from Dali Bus Station to Yunxian Bus Terminal. And the journey is about 4-6 hours.
Dali Bus Station-Yunxian Bus Terminal Bus Timetable
Departs | Arrives | Duration | Price |
7:10, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00 | Yunxian Bus Terminal | 4h30m | 82 CNY |
11:00 | Yunxian Bus Terminal | 4h30m | 61 CNY |
Tip: The above information is for reference only, if any change is based on actual information.
Yunxian Bus Terminal云县客运站
Address: Yingxin Road, Aihua Town, Yunxian County, Lincang City临沧市云县爱华镇迎新路
Tel: 0883-3221333
In Yunnan, you can see many chartered buses and minibuses outside the scenic spots, railway station, airport and bus station. Because there are a lot of people in these places. Like taxi, chartered bus and minibus are more convenient and flexible. Accordingly, you will spend more money.
Chinese Name:昆明青鱼湾水上乐园
English Name: Qingyu Bay Water Park in Xishan District, Kunming
This article is jointly shared by Robert, an expatriate and long-time resident in Kunming, and Adam Yang.
The Bo people, Qiubei County
The somewhat underdeveloped southeast of Yunnan Province mainly includes Wenshan Miao and Zhuang Autonomous Prefecture, and part of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. There are very famous tourist spots such as the Bamei Zhuang Ethnic Village in Guangnan County, and Puzhehei Resort of Qiubei County which is a paradise for water fights in summertime. But bound for this part of Yunnan, how can you evade throngs of tourists and what can you do in particular? An ethnic cultural tour-if you are a fan of ethnic groups of Yunnan.
The tour starts from Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan, and you can choose to visit the counties of Qiubei, Guangnan, Yanshan, Funing, and finally reach Guangxi’s Napo County on the border between China and Vietnam.
Qiubei County
There are several branches of Yi ethnic groups living in this Karst-landform county. Besides the Sani people in Puzhehei Resort, whose costumes differ from those who live near the Stone Forest of Kunming, you can go to visit Bainitang (Shede Town), Liuwanpo (Shuanglongying Town), and Muzhutang (Shuanglongying Town) villages where you’ll marvel at the dazzling costumes of the Bo people, and the stony, rugged terrain.
Many farmers in Qiubei plant acres of chilis, so this county is dubbed “the hometown of chilis”. Indeed, you can see chains of chilis being dried on house walls, shelves and special makeshift buildings, as you travel through the countryside. In China, Hunan and Sichuan provinces are widely known for the chili that is widely used in the Chuan Cuisine and Xiang Cuisine; but Qiubei of Yunnan can rival the two as far as chilis are concerned.
Chili is a famous specialty of Qiubei County
In Liuwanpo Village, you can go around to see how villagers live; all the walls are made from lime stone, and most of the farmland suitable for growing corn. The village is 16 km from Shuanglongying Town, but the journey there involves is hard ride due to the rough, bumpy, stony road.
Travel route: Qiubei county seat-40km-Shuanglongying-16km-YezhutangVillage or Liuwanpo Village;
Funing County
The Yi ethnic minority in Funing County can be divided into such branches as the Baiyi (White Yi), Heiyi (Black Yi), Hualuoyi, Baihua Yi and Gakujiao Yi etc.
The Hualuo branch of the Yi ethnic minority, Funing County
The townships of Banlun, Muyang and Tianpeng are the best places to meet some of the Yi ethnic branches.
Muxiangcun Village, of Muyang Township, is on the asphalted roadside. You can drop in on a family and take photos of the Hualuo branch of the Yi people. Another place for the Luo branch is Mie’non Village of Tianpeng Township; cars can go directly to the village.
The Tiaogong Festival, Longmai Village, Banlun Town
During each lunar April to June, the Yi people of Banlun Township celebrate a traditional festival locally called “Tiaogong Festival”.
The festival is mainly dedicated to the ancestor-worship of the Yi people, who are said to migrate from the north due to persecution by governments in ancient times. It’s said that the ancestors of the Yi won after years of struggle against the government, and the commemorations to honor the triumph have over time evolved into what is now the “Tiaogong Festival”. On festival days, all the ethnic Yi from nearby villages dress in their traditional costumes to join the three-day (annually) or nine-day (decadally) event.
Napo County
Napo County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is adjacent to Vietnam and is a neighbor of Funing County of Yunnan Province. It is home to as many as 12 branches of the Zhuang ethnic minority, among whom the Black Zhuang is best-known for their distinctive culture. Napo’s Black Zhuang make up about 33% of the Zhuang ethnic population; and Tunlitun Village is the most primitive destination to visit for an insight into their life style.
The Black Zhuang ethnic members, Napo County
Tunlitun is the closest destination to the county seat, only 14 km away. Going there for the first time, you will find this village is actually hidden among Karst hills, and most of the buildings are built with natural lime stones, similar to Nuohei Village near the Stone Forest. As a branch of the Zhuang ethnic minority, the Black Zhuang here treat guests with great hospitality; whilst entering the arched gate, you will be served wines/rice wine while the Black Zhuang members singing folk songs in their language which you won’t understand. You will also be invited to play a game called “whispering by a wired phone” which is composed of two bamboo tubes connected by a thread.
Exploring Napo, you can go furt[FS:Page]her to Guilong Village (Xiahua Township) for Landian Yao ethnic branch, Powu Village (Baisheng Township) for the Red Yi ethnic branch, and Nonbu Village (Baisheng Township) for Daban Yao ethnic branch. All these villages are situated in mountains, and you will need a 4WD or a Land Cruiser to get you there safely.
Travel routes for Napo
Napo county seat-14km-Tulitun Zhuang ethnic village;
Napo county seat-50km-Xiahua Town-6km-Guilong Yao ethnic village;
Napo county seat-60km-Baisheng Town-10km-Powu Yi ethnic village or Nonbu Yao ethnic village.
Travel tips:
(1)-Route:
Kunming-Mi’le-Qiubei-Guangnan-Yanshan-Funing-Napo
(2)-Abnormal travel routes for abnormal tourists. This special tour is suitable for minority aficionados and especially photographers.
(3)-A special tour can be organised by some travel agencies in Kunming that have foreign-language-speaking guides.
Yunnan Festivals in December introduces ethnic festivals and activities celebrated in Yunnan in December, such as The Kuoshi Festival of Lisu ethnic group and events like Long Street Banquet of Hani people, ect. You can join our 4 Days Long Street Banquet Festival Photography Tour to have a deep exploration of the ethnic festival and ethnic culture.
December in Yunnan is relatively quiet in terms of festivals compared to other months. However, the cool and generally pleasant climate still makes it a good time for cultural events and other celebrations. Here are some festivals and events that might take place in Yunnan during December:
Naxi Ancient Music Festival: The Naxi people of Lijiang are famous for their ancient music, which is a blend of Taoist and Confucian ceremonial music. A festival celebrating this unique tradition might take place in December.
Dongba Fair: In Lijiang, home to the Naxi ethnic minority, the Dongba Fair may be held, which is a traditional festival featuring Naxi culture, arts, and crafts.
Christmas Celebrations: In urban areas like Kunming, Christmas has become a popular holiday, and while not a traditional Chinese festival, it is often marked by festive decorations, events, and sales in shopping centers and hotels.
New Year Celebrations: Towards the end of December, preparations for the New Year may begin, with various events, countdowns, and celebrations planned, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.
Hot Spring Festivals: Given the cooler weather, December can be a popular time for hot spring resorts to attract visitors, and they may host special events or offer promotions.
Wild Mushroom Festivals: While the prime season for mushrooms is earlier in the year, some regions in Yunnan may still celebrate the diversity of local fungi with exhibitions or markets.
Bird Watching Festivals: With its rich biodiversity, Yunnan is a popular destination for bird watchers, especially in areas like Dali and the wetlands around Kunming. Events related to bird watching might be organized during this time as many migratory birds visit the province.
Winter Solstice (冬至): This is an important time in the Chinese lunar calendar, often associated with family gatherings and eating particular foods such as dumplings in the north or tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) in the south. Some ethnic minorities in Yunnan may have their own unique ways of observing this day.
As with any travel plans, it’s important to verify the dates and details of events, as they can change due to various factors. Local tourism offices, event websites, and cultural centers can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Yunnan Festivals in November introduces ethnic festivals and activities celebrated in Yunnan in November, such as Panwang Festival of Miao ethnic group, New Year Festival of Yi and events like Opening of the Fishing Season in Dali, ect. You can join our Festival Tours to have a deep exploration of the ethnic festival and ethnic culture.
November in Yunnan is characterized by cooler and drier weather, and although it’s not as packed with festivals as some other months, there are still a number of cultural events and festivals that may be of interest:
Lhabab Duchen (佛陀成道日): This is an important festival in Tibetan Buddhism, celebrating the Buddha’s descent from heaven back to earth. It usually occurs in the ninth Tibetan month, which can sometimes correspond with November in the Gregorian calendar. In Yunnan, areas with Tibetan populations, such as Shangri-La, may observe this day with religious activities and festivities.
Jinchi Festival (金池节): The Jinchi Festival is celebrated by the Bai ethnic minority, particularly in the Dali area. It’s a time when locals pay homage to the gods of the lakes and rivers to ensure a good harvest and to pray for peace and prosperity. This festival includes dragon boat races and other cultural performances.
The Yi New Year: The Yi people celebrate their new year, which is also known as Kuarjie. The date of this festival is determined by the Yi calendar and may fall in November. It is marked by traditional activities such as bullfighting, horse racing, and dancing.
The Naxi Torch Festival: Although the Torch Festival is primarily celebrated in the sixth lunar month, the Naxi people in the Lijiang area have their own version of this festival which sometimes takes place in late autumn.
Kunming International Tourism Festival: While the exact dates can vary, Kunming has been known to host a tourism festival in the fall, which might take place in November. This event aims to promote tourism in Yunnan with cultural performances, exhibitions, and other activities.
Hot Spring Festivals: With the onset of cooler weather, hot spring resorts in areas like Tengchong and Anning might host festivals or special events to attract visitors.
Mushroom and Truffle Festivals: Yunnan is famous for its wide variety of mushrooms and truffles. Some areas might have festivals celebrating the harvest of these delicacies in late autumn.
Dali International Photography Exhibition: If not held earlier in the year, this exhibition can sometimes be held in November, showcasing works from photographers worldwide.
As always, it’s recommended to check with local tourism boards or event organizers for the most current information regarding festival dates and the specific activities planned, as these can change from year to year.
Yunnan Festivals in September introduces ethnic festivals and activities celebrated in Yunnan in September, such as Kaimen (Opening Door ) Festival of Dai Ethnic Minority, Huijie Festival of Achang and events like Across The Bridge Noodle Festival in Mengzi, ect. You can join our Festival Tours to have a deep exploration of the ethnic festival and ethnic culture.
In September, as the rainy season in Yunnan begins to wind down, the province often hosts a variety of cultural festivals and events. Here are some of the festivals and events that may take place in Yunnan during September:
The Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节): One of China’s most important traditional festivals, it is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which often falls in September. Families gather to admire the full moon and eat mooncakes. In Yunnan, different ethnic groups may have their unique ways of celebrating.
The Benzhu Festival (本主节): Celebrated by the Bai people in Dali, this festival is dedicated to the local patron gods or Benzhu. Each village has its own patron god, and the festival dates can vary from village to village. Festivities often include traditional Bai music, dance performances, and religious rituals.
The Kuoshi Festival (阔时节): Celebrated by the Lisu people, this festival is also known as the Knife Ladder Festival, where participants climb a ladder with blades as rungs as a test of courage and faith.
The Water-Sprinkling Festival (泼水节): Although the main Water-Sprinkling Festival for the Dai people is celebrated in April, there might be smaller-scale celebrations or related events in September, especially in Xishuangbanna, where the Dai people predominantly live.
The Shoton Festival (雪顿节): This is a traditional Tibetan festival that may be celebrated in the Tibetan regions of Yunnan. It starts with the unveiling of a giant thangka (a painted or embroidered Tibetan banner) and includes activities like opera performances and horse racing.
The Zhaotong Rapeseed Flower Festival (昭通油菜花节): Depending on the flowering season, this festival in Zhaotong celebrates the blooming of rapeseed flowers with photography competitions and cultural performances.
The Lijiang International Cultural Festival: If not held earlier in the year, this festival can also take place in September, showcasing the rich Naxi culture and international cultural exchanges.
Harvest Festivals: Various ethnic groups may celebrate their harvest festivals during this time, as September is a time for harvesting crops in many parts of Yunnan.
Remember that festival dates can vary from year to year as some are based on the lunar calendar or local customs. It is advisable to check with local tourism information centers or official event calendars for the latest details on festival dates and activities.
Yunnan Festivals in August introduces ethnic festivals and activities celebrated in Yunnan in August, such as Axi Tiaoyue Dance Festival of Axi Ethnic People and events like Wild Mushroom Festival and Swallow Nest Festival, ect. You can join our 1 Day Kunming Mushroom Tour to taste various delicious wild mushroom dishes.
August in Yunnan is a vibrant month with many ethnic groups celebrating their traditional festivals. Here are some of the festivals and events that you might encounter in Yunnan during August:
The Torch Festival (火把节): While the Torch Festival is typically celebrated around the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, if the lunar calendar aligns, it might occur in early August. The festival involves various activities such as torch parades, singing, dancing, and traditional sports.
The Yi People’s Axi Fire Festival (阿细跳火节): Similar to the Torch Festival, if the lunar calendar dates fall in such a way, the Axi Fire Festival might be celebrated in early August, with its fire-jumping ceremonies.
The Nadam Fair (那达慕大会): Although traditionally a Mongolian festival, the Nadam Fair can also be celebrated by the Mongolian ethnic communities in Yunnan, featuring horse racing, wrestling, and archery.
The Harvest Festival (丰收节): Many of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities celebrate the harvest with festivals in August, thanking the gods for the bounty and celebrating with food, dance, and music.
The Seven Sisters’ Festival (七姐诞): Celebrated by some of the ethnic minorities in Yunnan, this festival is similar to the Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day), which usually falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, potentially in August. It involves romantic traditions and customs.
The Ghost Festival (中元节): Also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, it falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, which might be in August. It is a Taoist and Buddhist festival where offerings are made to appease the spirits of ancestors.
The Lugu Lake Goddess Festival (泸沽湖女神山节): Celebrated by the Mosuo people living around Lugu Lake, this festival honors the mountain goddess Gemu with singing, dancing, and ritual ceremonies.
The Dali International Photography Exhibition (大理国际影会): If you’re into photography, this event in Dali is a must-see, showcasing work from photographers around the world.
The Kunming International Cultural Tourism Festival: This event may also be held during the summer months, promoting tourism and cultural exchange in the provincial capital.
As always, the dates of these events can change based on the lunar calendar and local decisions. It is recommended to check with local tourism boards or event organizers for the most current information regarding festival dates and the specific activities planned.
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Overview Yunnan Festivals in December introduces ethnic festivals and activities celebrated in Yunnan in December, such as The Kuoshi Festival of Lisu ethnic group and events like Long Street...
Overview Yunnan Festivals in November introduces ethnic festivals and activities celebrated in Yunnan in November, such as Panwang Festival of Miao ethnic group, New Year Festival of Yi and events...
Short Brief Yunnan Festivals in September introduces ethnic festivals and activities celebrated in Yunnan in September, such as Kaimen (Opening Door ) Festival of Dai Ethnic Minority, Huijie Festival of Achang...
Overview Yunnan Festivals in August introduces ethnic festivals and activities celebrated in Yunnan in August, such as Axi Tiaoyue Dance Festival of Axi Ethnic People and events like Wild...
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Address: Building 4, Yifuyuan, Hehong Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Wechat/QQ: 270384698
Office Call: 86-18812220370
Email: Trip@YasoTrip.com
Facebook Page:
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Tel/WhatsApp: +8618088243690
Trip@YasoTrip.com