Costumes of Axi Ethnic People

Costumes of Ake Ethnic People

Costumes of Aini Ethnic People

Introduction

The Yunnan Puer Tea Culture Museum (云南省茶文化博物馆) is a non-governmental museum established in 2013. According to information from the National Cultural Heritage Administration in 2022, the museum boasts a collection of 1,215 cultural relics and receives approximately 34,500 visitors annually.

The Yunnan Puer Tea Culture Museum is the provincial-level tea culture museum of Yunnan and serves as a public platform for promoting Yunnan’s tea culture to the outside world. The museum offers exhibitions of Puer tea (普洱茶), teaware (茶具), and old tea collections while providing visitors with tea art performances, tea culture education, and hands-on tea experiences.

This is an essential cultural destination for visitors seeking authentic Yunnan Puer tea tasting, knowledge sharing, and cultural interaction. The museum also offers free tastings to guests and organizes educational and interactive exhibits on ancient tea varieties, tea history, and tea culture.

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History

The Yunnan Puer Tea Culture Museum was approved by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism (云南省文化旅游厅) and the Yunnan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs (云南省民政厅). It is a state-level museum and is a member of the Chinese Museum Association. It has been recognized as a level-3 national museum by the government.

The museum’s establishment highlights efforts to promote and preserve tea culture while offering a platform for public education and cultural outreach related to Puer tea (普洱茶) and the historical traditions of tea consumption in Yunnan.

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Exhibitions and Collection

The museum houses over 1,000 valuable items, including tea products, teaware, cultural relics, rare samples of Puer tea, and ancient tea utensils. Key highlights include:

Main Exhibits Include:

1. Rare Puer Tea Samples (稀有种类普洱茶样本)
   • Includes samples of ancient trees and old tea varieties.
2. Historic Puer Tea (老茶)
   • Tea from the Republic of China period and other historical eras.
3. Cultural Exhibits from International Events
   • Exhibits linked to international events like the 2008 Beijing Olympics (北京奥运会), the 2010 Shanghai Expo (上海世博会), and the 2015 Milan Expo (米兰世博会).
4. National Gifts Featuring Ancient Tree Tea (古树茶)
   • Representations of the non-material cultural heritage in tea varieties from Yunnan’s ancient forests.
5. Ancient Teaware (普洱茶用具)
   • Various ancient tools and utensils used in brewing and serving tea over centuries.

The museum has three hundred or more rare Puer tea varieties, including ancient teas and ancient arbor teas with roots that extend back to the 1920s, spanning a century of history and providing significant historical value.

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Cultural Activities

The Yunnan Puer Tea Culture Museum frequently hosts over 30 events annually, including exhibitions and cultural performances. These include:

• Puer Tea Heritage Exhibits (非物质文化遗产展览): Featuring traditional tea-making processes and tea art performances.
• Tea Competitions (茶艺比赛): Competitions showcasing traditional Yunnan minority tea arts.
• Tree Tea Tastings and Experiences: Offering visitors free access to ancient tea tastings and sharing Yunnan’s unique tea history.
• International cultural events and exchanges through platforms like the Beijing Olympics, Shanghai Expo, and Milan Expo.

These events make the museum a hub for cultural exchange, social education, and a venue to experience traditional tea culture. Visitors can participate in workshops and discussions to better understand Yunnan’s tea-making history and minority traditions surrounding tea culture.

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Highlights

Some unique highlights of the collection include:

• International Award-Winning Teas
  • Tea varieties gifted during the 2008 Beijing Olympics (北京奥运会), 2010 Shanghai Expo (上海世博会), and 2015 Milan Expo (米兰世博会).
• Ancient Historical Teas
  • “Hong Tai Chang” seven-tea cakes from the 1950s and other historic tea varieties.
• Old Trade Items
  • Ancient tea-related currencies and other trading artifacts used in ancient tea trading routes like the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道).
• Ancient Teaware and Cultural Exhibits
  • A wide variety of traditional teaware from across generations and tea-trading regions in Yunnan’s tea culture.

Visitors can also engage in interactive workshops to explore the production techniques of Puer tea and learn about brewing, tasting, and history.

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Visitor Information

Address

• 86 Qianwang Street, Wuhua District, Kunming City (昆明市五华区钱王街86号)
  • Located 50 meters in from the Starbucks at Qianwang Street.

Opening Hours

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Closed on Mondays

Entrance Fee

• The museum is free to enter throughout the year.

Transportation

1. Public Buses:
   • Take bus routes 4, 5, 26 to “Yishu Juyuan” (艺术剧院), then walk toward Qianwang Street.
2. Subway:
   • Subway Lines 3 and 5 stop at the Wuyi Road (五一路) station.
3. Parking:
   • Nearby parking areas include Underground parking at Zhengyi Square, Shengli Hall, Police Star Park, Kunming Cultural Center, and Xingjie Building.

Important Note: The museum is located within a walking street area, and there are no direct buses or subway exits directly at the front door. Visitors will need to walk approximately 5-10 minutes from the nearby subway/bus stops. Exploring the old streets around Kunming adds an extra cultural experience to your journey.

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Travel Tips

1. Experience Puer Tea Workshops: Try hands-on workshops to explore the traditional tea-making processes.
2. Explore the Old Streets: As the museum is near traditional shopping areas, you can explore local markets and historic streets after your visit.
3. Attend Tea Events: The museum hosts regular tea performances and heritage exhibits—don’t miss them if you’re lucky to be in town during one.
4. Transportation Planning: Plan your transportation in advance due to the area’s walking street setup and limited parking.
5. Photography & Exploration: Spend time exploring the surrounding areas and exhibitions showcasing ancient artifacts and rare tea varieties.

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How to Get There

1. By Subway: Take Subway Lines 3 or 5 and get off at the Wuyi Road station.
2. By Bus: Use bus routes 4, 5, 26 and alight at “Yishu Juyuan.”
3. By Private Vehicle or Taxi: Input 86 Qianwang Street, Wuhua District into your GPS or ask your driver for assistance.
4. Parking Nearby: Utilize nearby parking garages to avoid congestion.

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This museum is a must-visit destination for tea enthusiasts, history buffs, and culture lovers visiting Kunming. Whether you’re tasting ancient teas or learning about the ancient tea culture’s role in Yunnan’s development, the Yunnan Puer Tea Culture Museum (云南省茶文化博物馆) offers unforgettable insights into this unique heritage.

An Achang ManAchangs’ costumes are simple, austere, and beautiful. Most Achang men tend to wear blue, white or black jackets buttoned down in the front, and black trousers with short and broad bottoms. Unmarried men wrap their heads with white cloth, while married men have indigo cloths. Some men of middle or old age also like wearing felt hats. When men of young or middle age wrap their heads, they would make a fringy part of cloth drooping down the head. When men go to market or to a festival party, they like having a “tongpa”(satchel) and an Achang knife on the back, which makes them look more handsome and graceful.

Costumes of Lianghe GirlsWomen’s Costumes depend on how old they are and whether they are married. On ordinary days, unmarried girls usually wear black trousers and jackets of various colors, which are either buttoned on one side or in front. They also wear aprons and have their heads wrapped with black cloth. Yet, girls in the Lianghe area like wearing straight skirts, too. Married women, however, usually wear black blue jackets buttoned down front and straight skirts, and leg wrappings on their crura. They are fond of tall black head wrappings in the shape of a pointed cap and with four or five embroidered colorful balls, which adds more charm. On occasions of going to market, An Achang Girl Wearing Flowers on her Heador going to visit someone as a guest, or on festival days, they would always elaborately dress themselves up with various ornaments. They would wear large earrings, decorated bracelets and silver chaplets, and also silver chains on the bosom buttons and on their waists.

When you get into an Achang village, you will also find that both young men and young women are fond of wearing flowers on the head as ornaments, which are not only regarded as beautiful, but also seen as a symbol of their integrity and chastity.

The news was updated on November 19, 2019. 

Vivian Wu, an experienced online travel business professional from the United States, has been busy meeting her Chinese suppliers and seeking opportunities at the 2019 China International Travel Mart (CITM) which concluded Sunday in Kunming, the capital city of Southwest China’s Yunnan province.

Wu has been working in the online hotel business for the China market since 2004 and began to expand her career in the online tour business segment in 2015 for TripAdvisor, the world’s major travel platform.

“In the past 15 years, China’s online travel industry has grown rapidly. The China market has huge potential no matter if it’s from the perspective of local tour operators or the consumer booking behavior,” said Wu, regional manager of Greater China, TripAdvisor Inc.

In early November, TripAdvisor Inc reached a strategic partnership with Trip.com Group Limited, China’s largest online travel agency, to expand global cooperation, including a joint venture, global content agreements and a governance agreement.

The strategic partnership will expand TripAdvisor’s global reach and help outbound Chinese travelers plan more meaningful trips, said Wu, who has participated in the CITM many times.

“I am here to look for potential targeted suppliers and to understand the latest market trends of China’s tourism. Of course, it’s also a great opportunity to catch up with many of my existing suppliers from all over China,” she said.

Wu said she found that traditional offline tour operators start to pay much more attention to online business as well as have a strong desire to cooperate with online travel agencies.

Founded in 1998, the CITM has grown into one of the largest and most influential tourism fairs in the Asia-Pacific region.

The three-day event, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the provincial government of Yunnan, attracts representatives and exhibitors from 75 countries and regions.

Tourism has become an important engine to power global economic growth with the total number of inbound and outbound tourists in China, reaching 291 million in 2018, up 7.8 percent year-on-year, according to Luo Shugang, minister of culture and tourism.

China’s cultural and tourism departments at all levels will continue to expand the industrial scale, promote international cultural and tourism exchanges and cooperation, and provide more opportunities for all countries, he added.

Jacob Iwikua, the journey coordinator from an Australian company called Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, said it was his first time to travel in China and participate in this travel mart. But he has worked in China’s inbound tourism industry for years.

“We send about 3,000 tourists from Australia, the US and the UK to China each year. The top destinations on their list include Beijing, Shanghai, Lijiang and Shangri-La,” Jacob said, adding that he will visit some scenic spots in Yunnan this time to find more business opportunities.

“There is certainly a lot of potential in China’s tourism market. It’s an ever-growing market, especially for Australian guests,” Jacob added.

Source from http://english.yunnan.cn/html/2019/consulgeneral_1119/18184.html

About Small Stone Forest

Small Stone Forest is also called Ashima Scenic Area, and thick stone wall is like a screen. It’s divided into a number of gardens. The most famous scenic spot is “Ashima”. When night falls, the lights reflect, it is even more colorful and charming.

Legend &  Minority Culture 

Story about Ashima

Many beautiful legends originate in this magical place, passed along by  the native people known as Sani, a branch of the Yi ethnic group. One particular story about the faithful love of Ashima, a beautiful, clever and warm-hearted Sani girl, is the most popular and has been told for thousands of years. As the legend goes, Ashima was kidnapped by an lanlord’s son and forced into marriage. Her lover, Ahei, made every effort to save her. However, on the way home, Ashima was swept away by a flood and turned into what is known as the Ashima Rock, which can be found in the Minor Stone Forest. Her passion and perseverance for freedom and true love still encourage today’s Sani people.

Torch Festival of Sani People

The Sani people celebrate their national festival – the Torch Festival – every lunar year on June 24. They take part in traditional performances such as wrestling, bull fighting, pole-climbing, dragon-playing, lion-dancing and the A-xi Moon Dance. During this time, the Stone Forest is alive with a particular0ve atmosphere, making the area even more attractive than usual.

Nearby Attractions

Lager Stone Forest(大石林)
Naigu Stone Forest (乃古石林)
Long Lake (长湖)

Recommended Small Stone Forest Tours

Top 3 Small Stone Forest tours chosen by most customers to explore Small Stone Forest in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us. We provide some tour routes for tourists to choose.

1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Group Tour
1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Tour by High Speed Train
1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Tour with Nuohei Ethnic Village Discovery

How to Get There?

By Lomg-distance Bus

1. Travelers can take public coach at bus stations in Kunming to Stone Forest. This will take about 1.5 hours.
2. From Kunming Changshui International Airport, travelers can take the travel bus to there, and it will take about 2 hours.

By Private Car

Another way to get to Stone Forest is taking a private car, and this is the fastest and most convenient way. It only takes about 1 hour. If you book tour with us, we will provide you the private car with a private driver and a tour guide to make your trip worry-free.

By Train

Shilin Yi Autonomous County also has a train station, and it has trains to Kunming, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanning, Zhanjiang, Guiyang, Hongguo, etc. Shilin Train Station is only about 4 km from Stone Forest, so traveler can get the spot easily.

Useful Travel Tips

1. Best seasons: Best time to visit here is from March to October. Most ethnic festivals are during this time, and travelers can also appreciate various flowers during this time. Stone Forest is located in the subtropical humid monsoon climate zone, and it features in continental monsoon climate. No hot summer nor severe cold winter, the climate here is rather moderate all year round.

2. Tickets: The entrance ticket for the Stone Forest is ¥175/person. The ticket for cable car in the scenic area is ¥25/person. The dance show in the scenic area is free.

3. Facility: In the front of the scenic area, there are parking lot and China post office.
The Visitor Center can provide wheelchair, baby carriage, umbrella, walking stick, etc. for visitors.
The Visitor Center also provide tour guide service in Chinese, English, Japanese, Thai, etc. for tourists, and the guide service will charge a certain fees, please check with the staffs in the Visitor Center for detailed price.
Tourists can find the location of toilets in the scenic area according to the infrastructure map on the back of the entrance ticket.

4. Accommodation: Travelers can stay overnight in Shilin County after visit, and there are also some 3-star hotels in the county. However, most travelers will choose to go back to Kunming for accommodation. Kunming has more choice for travelers and it’s more convenient to transfer to your next destination from Kunming.

The news was updated on February 3, 2019. 

Southwest Yunnan’s Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture always follows a tradition of “going to a fair” when the Spring Festival draws near. Swarms of locals go to a fair to buy food for the festival, especially for the family reunion dinner. 

On their shopping list, there are all kinds of food such as Chinese chives roots and stinky tofu, and raw materials for frozen meat, fish, peltry and raw meat. And the fish is a must-have dish among others.

Picturesque Erhai Lake is home to a myriad of fishes which have pampered the taste buds of locals. At Xizhou Town, “yellow box fish” never absents itself from family reunion dinner because its auspicious implication of bumper harvest. When it comes to cooking fish, the old generations prefer a simple yet special way to clean fish. 

They don’t cut off fish gills nor cut the fish open. They take fish gall out with knife. In this way, the fish remains fresh and tasty, and nothing in the fish is wasted. And the fish will be boiled for thirty minutes. At the moment, when you open the pot cover, you will be greeted by hot and aromatic air.

Source from http://english.yunnan.cn/html/2019/flavor_0203/15836.html

Shuncheng Mosque (顺城街清真寺) is one of the most notable and largest mosques in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. Located on Shuncheng Street, this mosque has a rich history and a deep connection with the local Hui Muslim community. Over the centuries, it has served as a center for religious worship, cultural exchange, and education. The mosque is both a historical monument and a living place of worship, providing a spiritual haven for the Hui Muslims of Kunming.

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🕌 Historical Overview 

Origins and Construction

Shuncheng Mosque was founded in 1425, during the Hongxi era of the Ming Dynasty (明代洪熙元年). It was initially built by the Hui Muslim community, with contributions from local Muslims. The mosque was originally constructed along the old city walls of Kunming, and thus, it was named “Shuncheng Mosque” (顺城寺) because it is located on Shuncheng Street, next to the city’s walls.

In the early Qing Dynasty, during the Daoguang period (道光初年), the mosque was expanded by local Hui Muslims. According to the “Reconstruction of Shuncheng Mosque Stele” (重建顺城清真寺碑), the expansion added a larger hall with five bays and a surrounding structure. The complex was greatly enhanced, featuring a “scripture hall” (经书堂) and a “head teacher’s office” (掌教屋). A small pavilion (园亭) was also built in the courtyard, with an inscription of scriptures.

Destruction and Rebuilding

The mosque suffered substantial damage during the later Qing Dynasty, particularly in the late 19th century. During the Hui Muslim uprisings against the Qing government, the mosque became a stronghold for insurgents led by figures like Ma Linghan. After the defeat of the uprisings, the mosque, along with surrounding buildings, was destroyed by fire during the civil unrest.

However, in 1880, local Hui Muslims raised funds to rebuild the mosque. A second round of renovations took place in 1927, further expanding the mosque’s scale. In the modern era, after 1981, the Yunnan Provincial Government provided grants for continued restoration and preservation.

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🏛️ Architectural Features 

The architectural style of Shuncheng Mosque is a blend of traditional Islamic and local Chinese elements. The mosque’s prayer hall follows the “horizontal corridor” (横列围廊式) style, with a double-eaved (歇山顶) roof. It consists of five bays in the front and three sections in depth, creating a spacious and open interior for prayer and communal activities.

Key Architectural Elements:

1. Golden Pillars: Inside the prayer hall, there are two rows of towering golden pillars. These pillars are not only decorative but also hold significant structural and symbolic importance.

2. Prayer Hall: The prayer hall, which spans over 400 square meters, is the central place for worship. The hall features intricate woodwork and is adorned with inscriptions in Arabic and Chinese.

3. Courtyard and Surroundings: The mosque has expansive courtyards, with lush pine (松树) and cypress (柏树) trees surrounding the buildings. The gardens and landscaping contribute to the serene atmosphere of the mosque.

4. Modern Additions: New buildings have been constructed on the mosque grounds, including multi-story classrooms and an office building. There is also a newly built bathing room and funeral hall, which serve the needs of the community.

The mosque’s overall architectural style is elegant and majestic, embodying Islamic traditions while blending harmoniously with the local Yunnan architectural heritage.

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📍 Location and Transportation 

Shuncheng Mosque is located in Shuncheng Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan Province. The mosque is easily accessible by public transportation within the city, such as buses and taxis. Visitors to Kunming can also reach the mosque by walking from nearby landmarks or using the local public transit system.

• Address: Shuncheng Street, Dunren Lane, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China

• Postal Code: 650032

Nearby Attractions

Shuncheng Mosque is situated near several other notable sites in Kunming. Visitors can explore nearby historical sites, enjoy local markets, and taste halal food in the area. The mosque is a short distance from the Kunming Old City, where tourists can explore traditional streets, local markets, and cultural landmarks.

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🕌 Cultural and Religious Significance

Shuncheng Mosque is not only a significant architectural landmark but also a cultural and religious center for the Hui Muslim community in Kunming. The mosque plays a crucial role in the spiritual life of Muslims in the region and offers religious education, prayers, and community events.

• Islamic Education: The mosque houses the Kunming Islamic College (昆明伊斯兰教经学院), which is an important institution for the study of Islamic theology, Arabic language, and Islamic history. The Yunnan Islamic Association (云南省伊协) is also located here, serving as a central body for organizing Islamic activities and promoting religious outreach across the province.

• Community and Social Impact: The mosque serves as a gathering place for thousands of Hui Muslims in Kunming. It hosts regular prayer services, religious ceremonies, and cultural events. It is also a place where the community can engage in social activities, with the mosque often organizing charity events and religious festivals.

Islamic Celebrations and Services

The mosque plays a central role during important Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, where thousands of Muslims gather for prayers and community meals. These festivals are significant moments for the Hui Muslim community in Kunming to come together and celebrate their faith.

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🏫 Educational Role 

The mosque’s Kunming Islamic College (昆明伊斯兰教经学院) offers educational programs focused on Islamic studies. This institution plays a vital role in training Islamic scholars and religious leaders who serve not only in Kunming but also across Yunnan Province.

Students at the college receive education in Arabic language, Quranic studies, Islamic law, and Islamic history, helping preserve and propagate Islamic teachings within the region.

Muslim Travel Tips for Shuncheng Mosque in Kunming

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📝 Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: The mosque is generally open to visitors outside of prayer times. Visitors should respect prayer hours and religious practices when visiting.

• Dress Code: Modest clothing is required when entering the mosque. Both men and women are expected to dress respectfully and conservatively.

• Guided Tours: Some tours may be available for visitors interested in learning more about the mosque’s history and architecture. It is recommended to contact the mosque in advance to arrange a guided tour.

For further inquiries or to plan a visit, contact the Kunming Islamic College or the Yunnan Islamic Association for more information.

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Shuncheng Mosque continues to stand as a significant religious and cultural site, offering a peaceful place for reflection, worship, and the preservation of Islamic heritage in Kunming.

If you’re planning to visit Shuncheng Mosque in Kunming, Yunnan, here are some essential tips for Muslim travelers to help you make the most of your visit, ensuring it’s comfortable, respectful, and spiritually fulfilling.

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🕌 Respect the Prayer Times 

Shuncheng Mosque is a functioning place of worship, so it is essential to respect the prayer times when visiting.

Prayers at the Mosque:

• Fajr (Dawn Prayer): Early morning prayer, before sunrise.

• Dhuhr (Midday Prayer): Occurs after the sun has passed its zenith.

• Asr (Afternoon Prayer): Afternoon prayer, before sunset.

• Maghrib (Sunset Prayer): Just after sunset.

• Isha (Night Prayer): Evening prayer, once it’s dark.

You may want to visit the mosque outside of prayer times to explore the architecture. If you happen to be there during prayer times, it’s best to observe quietly or take part in the prayer if you’re Muslim.

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👕 Dress Modestly 

When visiting the mosque, both men and women should wear modest clothing, as a sign of respect for the sacred space.

Dress Code Tips:

• For Men: Long pants and a shirt with sleeves are recommended.

• For Women: Wear loose-fitting clothes, covering the arms and legs. A scarf or head covering is necessary for women to enter the prayer hall.

• Footwear: You will be required to remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall. Be sure to wear clean socks.

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🕌 Halal Food Nearby 

Kunming is home to a significant Hui Muslim population, and you’ll find many halal restaurants nearby. If you’re looking for a place to eat after visiting Shuncheng Mosque, here are a few suggestions:

Halal Restaurants Near Shuncheng Mosque:

• Yi Yi Zhai (一一斋): A popular spot for halal food offering a variety of traditional Hui dishes.

• Huimin Street (回民街): Located near the mosque, this street has many food vendors and restaurants serving halal food, perfect for trying local Muslim snacks and dishes.

• Yangjia Beef Noodle (杨家牛肉面): Known for its delicious halal beef noodles, a must-try when in Kunming.

Many of these places serve dishes that incorporate traditional Hui spices and flavors, giving you an authentic taste of the local Muslim cuisine.

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📜 Islamic Educational Resources 

For those interested in learning more about Islam and Islamic culture in Kunming, Shuncheng Mosque houses the Kunming Islamic College (昆明伊斯兰教经学院). This institution provides various educational programs, such as Arabic language courses and Islamic theology studies.

You may be able to speak with the scholars or students at the mosque to deepen your understanding of Islam in Yunnan and learn about the local Muslim community’s history and practices.

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🕌 Guided Tours and Mosque Etiquette 

While visiting, you can inquire about a guided tour of the mosque to learn more about its history, architecture, and cultural significance. A local guide can provide insight into the mosque’s role in the Hui Muslim community and its historical importance.

Etiquette to Follow:

• Silence and Reverence: The mosque is a place of worship, so be mindful of noise and avoid disruptive behavior.

• No Photography During Prayers: Photography is usually allowed outside of prayer times, but always ask before taking pictures inside the mosque, especially during prayer services.

• Keep the Mosque Clean: Since it is a place of worship, avoid bringing food or drink inside the prayer areas. Respect the cleanliness of the space at all times.

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🕋 Participating in Islamic Festivals

If you happen to visit during Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, Shuncheng Mosque becomes a central gathering place for the local Muslim community. These are excellent opportunities to join in the communal prayers and celebrations.

• Eid Prayer Times: Arrive early to secure a good spot for the Eid prayers. The mosque can get crowded during these times, so expect a vibrant and busy atmosphere.

• Eid Community Meals: On Eid, there may be communal meals and celebrations at the mosque. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the local community and enjoy traditional halal foods.

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🕊️ Spiritual Peace and Reflection 

Shuncheng Mosque is not just an architectural marvel but a peaceful sanctuary for spiritual reflection and prayer. As a Muslim traveler, take some time to pray or simply reflect in the tranquil environment of the mosque. It offers a serene atmosphere, allowing you to connect with your faith and enjoy moments of peace amidst the bustling city.

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🌍 Language Tips 

While Mandarin is the primary language spoken in Kunming, the Hui Muslim community speaks Hui Chinese (回族方言), which is a blend of Mandarin and some Arabic terms, especially in religious settings. If you’re not familiar with Mandarin, a few useful phrases could help:

• Assalamu Alaikum (السلام عليكم) – Peace be upon you.

• Wa Alaikum Assalam (وعليكم السلام) – And peace be upon you, too.

• Shukran (شكرا) – Thank you (in Arabic).

Many of the local Hui Muslim community members can understand basic Arabic or Mandarin, so you can usually communicate effectively with them.

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📅 Best Time to Visit 

Kunming has a mild, temperate climate, so visiting Shuncheng Mosque can be done year-round. However, the best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is most pleasant. Try to avoid the hot summer months, as it can get quite warm, especially in the afternoons.

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By following these tips, you can ensure that your visit to Shuncheng Mosque in Kunming is respectful, enriching, and spiritually fulfilling. Whether you’re there for prayer, education, or cultural exploration, the mosque offers a unique glimpse into the Islamic heritage of the region.

The news was updated on November 11, 2019. 

China-Laos railway tunnels’ construction has been continuing to make lots of breakthroughs as one more major tunnel was drilled through on Friday in the tropical mountains of northern Laos.

A Chinese railway engineering company, namely China Railway No. 8 Engineering Group (CREC-8), on Friday bored Ban Ka No. 1 Tunnel near the ancient Lao capital of Luang Prabang, some 220 km north of capital Vientiane.

This marks another important milestone in the tunnel construction of the China-Laos railway. With a length of 4,585 meters, it is the second longest tunnel on the rarely-inhabited peninsula area half-circled by the Mekong River.

The Mekong River runs around an area north to Luang Prabang city, creating a peninsula surrounded by water and mountains, where there had been no power supply before the railway construction kicked off three years ago.

The poor transportation infrastructure, without bridges connecting to nearby Luang Prabang and roads in the area, the living and production conditions on the peninsula have been quite hard.

What’s more, the Ban Ka No. 1 Tunnel has to pass through unfavorable geology, creating lots of difficulties to the Chinese engineering company, CREC-8. It is listed as a high-risk, difficult and bottle-neck project for the China-Laos railway construction.

The surrounding rocks of the tunnel are not strong and tend to get broken easily, while the rock formation where the tunnel goes through is complex and variable, with many karst sections and faults. With high geothermal heat and high stress around, the tunnel is extremely easy to meet deformation and collapse during construction.

During construction, hydraulic discharge and mud cleaning have brought difficulties to the Chinese engineers.

However, with efforts made by the Chinese and Lao sides, the tunnel’s construction was Carried out scientifically, and rapidly. last May, the CREC-8 once achieved the first place along the railway with over 1,000 meters bored into a tunnel from a single working face in the Ban Ka No. 1 Tunnel, which also laid the foundation for its Friday completion.

According to a mobilizing meeting for the dry season’s work held in Vientiane in October, by the Laos-China Railway Co. Ltd (LCRC), which is in charge of the railway’s construction and operation project, 79 percent of the civil engineering work contract volume has been completed till then, while breakthroughs have been made in lots of key and bottle-neck projects.

Especially for the tunnel construction, the China-Laos railway has holed through around 40 tunnels so far, out of its 76 tunnels with total length of 198 km.

The Boten Tunnel, the first major tunnel over 5,000 meters along the China-Laos railway was drilled through on March 21, 2019 by China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group (CREC-5). In October, 2018, the CREC-5 also completed the first over-1,000-meter tunnel along the China-Laos railway, the Nateuy No. 1 Tunnel with a length of 1,158 meters, some 360 km north of Lao capital Vientiane.

In February, 2018, the Chinse engineering companies started inside-tunnel construction for all major tunnels along the China-Laos railway, and started construction of all over-one-kilometer tunnels.

In December 2017, Ban Somsanook No. 2 Tunnel with a length of 301 meters in Laos’ Vientiane Province, was bored by the Chinese project contractor Sino Corporation Engineering Bureau 15 Co., Ltd., and became the first completed tunnel along the China-Laos railway, and the first road and railway tunnel in Lao history.

The China-Laos Railway is a strategic docking project between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Laos’ strategy to convert from a landlocked country to a land-linked hub. The 414.332-km railway, with 198-km tunnels and 62-km bridges, will run from Boten border gate in northern Laos, bordering China, to Vientiane with an operating speed of 160 km per hour.

The electrified passenger and cargo railway is built with the full application of Chinese management and technical standards.

The project started in December 2016 and is scheduled to be completed and opened to traffic in December 2021.

Source from http://english.yunnan.cn/html/2019/asean_1111/18155.html

About Yongning Mosque

Kunming Yongning Mosque was located in the west section of Jinbi Road, Kunming, Yunnan. According to the History of Kunming County, it was built by Sayyid Ajjal Shams, the governor of Yunnan Province in the Yuan Dynasty. Director Naguo Xiang suggested that Yongning Mosque should be rebuilt as a modern building. With the support of the government and the support of Muslims, it finally broke ground on December 25, 2007. The new mosque was completed ahead of schedule on December 5, 2008. In less than a year, a building with Arab characteristics combined with the traditional Chinese pattern sprang up.

Historical Evolution

The original site was in Donglai Street, which was called “Fish Market”, also known as “Donglai Street Mosque”, destroyed in the end of the war. There was a reconstruction in Ming Dynasty(1647-1661), renamed the “Yongning Mosque.” According to the tablet, the temple is the largest of all the mosques in the province, and was destroyed in the Qing Dynasty (1856) when the Qing army suppressed the Hui uprising. The existing Yongning Mosque was rebuilt in 1898. It was rebuilt by wooden structure in 2007 and completed ahead of schedule in December 2008.

Layout of Kunming Yongning Mosque

Kunming Yongning Mosque’s layout is like a quadrangle. There is a hill-shaped gatehouse facing north and there is an open patio in the door. The hall of worship is a pure wood structure on the top of the hill. In the middle of the door is hung a wooden plaque of “the true palace”. It has an area of about 200 square meters. In front of the hall, there is a covered gallery with pictures of mecca pilgrimage on both sides of the walls. On the opposite side of the hall, there are seven rooms, which are used for the gathering. The side of the hall has a classroom, a chamber. The bathroom is located behind the chamber. Although the scale of the temple is smaller than that built in the past years, but the temple education has been thriving, mosques throughout Yunnan imams, the master of the school had studied here.

How to Get there?

Yongning Mosque was located at No.153, Jinbi Road in Xishan District. We provide 3 ways for tourists to choose.

Historical Significance

Founded during the Yuan Dynasty, Yongning Mosque has a long history intertwined with the cultural and religious development of Kunming. Over the centuries, it has served as a key religious, educational, and cultural center for Muslims in the area.

Architectural Features

The mosque is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, which blends traditional Chinese design elements with Islamic motifs. Key features include the grand prayer hall, the elegant minarets, and the beautifully landscaped courtyards.

Prayer Hall

The main prayer hall is spacious and adorned with intricate calligraphy and artwork. It can accommodate a large number of worshippers and is the focal point of religious activities.

Minarets

The minarets of Yongning Mosque are notable for their height and elegant design, serving both a religious function and as an architectural landmark in Kunming.

Courtyards

The mosque’s courtyards are beautifully landscaped, providing a serene environment for prayer and reflection. They are often used for community gatherings and events.

Role in the Community

Yongning Mosque plays a vital role in the local Muslim community. It is not only a place of worship but also a center for education and cultural exchange. The mosque hosts various religious and educational programs, including Quranic studies, language classes, and cultural events.

Educational Contributions

The mosque has a long tradition of providing religious education. It has been home to many esteemed scholars and has produced numerous religious leaders who have contributed significantly to the Islamic community in Kunming and beyond.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Yongning Mosque has undergone several renovations and expansions to better serve the growing Muslim population in Kunming. These developments have helped preserve its historical significance while ensuring it meets the needs of contemporary worshippers.

By Subway

Tourists can take Line.3 subway to Wuyi Road Station, and walk about 10 minutes to Yongning Mosque.

By Bus

Tourists can take bus No.206, 213, 3, 4, 62, 90, 98, A1, K11, 62 to Jinmafang Station, and then walk for about 5 minutes to Yongning Mosque.

By Taxi

It takes tourists about 15 minutes to Yongning Mosque from downtown of Kunming by taxi.

 

Overview

The Zhalete Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic minority, particularly celebrated by the Yiche branch of the Yi people in Honghe County, Yunnan Province, China. The Yi ethnic group is one of the largest minority groups in China and has a rich cultural heritage with various branches, each with its own distinct traditions and festivals.

Zhalete Festival Introduction:

• The Zhalete Festival is a significant cultural event for the Yiche people, embodying their ethnic identity and traditional customs.
• It typically involves a series of traditional activities, including singing and dancing, traditional sports, and the worship of ancestors and nature deities.
• The festival is also a social event, where people dress in their finest traditional attire and gather to celebrate their cultural heritage.

Festival Activities:

• Ancestor Worship: The festival often begins with rituals to honor ancestors, which may involve offerings and prayers.
• Singing and Dancing: Traditional Yi songs and dances are performed, showcasing the unique cultural expressions of the Yiche people.
• Sports and Games: Traditional sports, such as wrestling, horse racing, or archery, may be part of the festivities.
• Community Feasts: Food is an essential part of the celebration, with communal meals that include traditional Yi dishes.

Travel Tips:

• Understand the Customs: Before participating, try to learn about the festival’s customs and what is considered respectful behavior.
• Dress Appropriately: If you plan to join the celebrations, dress respectfully. While you may not need to wear traditional clothing, avoiding casual or revealing clothes is advisable.
• Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially during religious or private ceremonies.

How to Get to Honghe County:

• From Kunming: The most common travel route is from Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province. You can take a bus or drive to Honghe County, which may take several hours.
• Local Transportation: Once in Honghe, you may need to find local transportation to the village or area where the Zhalete Festival is being held.

Address and Exact Location:

Given that the Yi people are spread across various regions, the specific location for the Zhalete Festival celebrations can vary. It’s best to check with the local tourism bureau or consult with your accommodation provider in Honghe for the exact location and timing of the festival in the year you wish to visit.

Experiencing the Zhalete Festival can provide a deep insight into the Yi culture, allowing visitors to witness the vibrant customs and community spirit of the Yiche people.