Chuxiong and Surrounding Counties & Towns: Weekly & Special Local Markets Travel Guide

Chuxiong (楚雄), Yunnan, is famous for its vibrant “Gan Jie” (赶街) markets — traditional rural fairs held weekly or on specific days each month. These markets are lively social hubs where locals gather to buy fresh produce, herbs, ethnic handicrafts, clothing, and specialty foods.

Key weekly markets include Fumin Town (富民镇) on Mondays, Baoman Street (饱满街) on Wednesdays, Donggua Town (东瓜镇) and Dajiu Village (大旧庄) on Fridays, and Lühe Town (吕合镇) on Sundays. Monthly and zodiac-linked markets, along with festivals such as the March Fair (三月街) and Erhai Lake Opening Festival (洱海开海节), showcase Chuxiong’s rich folk culture and traditions.

For travelers, visiting these markets is a unique way to experience local life, discover authentic handicrafts, and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of Yunnan’s countryside.

Traditional Gan Jie (赶街) Customs in Chuxiong (楚雄)

Chuxiong (楚雄) has long preserved a traditional lifestyle custom called “Gan Jie” (赶街). This refers to periodic rural market events, where streets or designated areas transform into lively trading hubs on specific days. Residents from surrounding villages travel from all directions to participate, creating a vibrant atmosphere of buying, selling, and socializing.

Types of Goods at Rural Markets

At Chuxiong’s rural markets (乡街子), visitors can find:

• Traditional Chinese herbs and medicinal ingredients

• Farming tools and equipment

• Clothing and textiles

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Ethnic handicrafts reflecting local culture and craftsmanship

Each item embodies local artistry, offering a sense of home and human warmth. In today’s fast-paced urban life, these markets provide a tranquil and authentic cultural experience.

Popular Markets: Donggua Town (东瓜镇)

The Donggua Town (东瓜镇) market is one of the most popular near Chuxiong city. Traditionally held every Friday, it is a long-established custom for locals. When Fridays coincide with public holidays, families and children eagerly anticipate visiting.

Visitors can enjoy local delicacies like cold rice noodles, fresh produce, and specialty products. Occasionally, one may discover inexpensive yet practical items, making the market trip rewarding and enjoyable.

Weekly and Monthly Market Schedule

Chuxiong (楚雄) and surrounding areas have markets held on weekly fixed days and on specific dates of each month. The schedule helps locals and tourists plan visits efficiently.

Weekly Market Days

• Monday: Fumin Town (富民镇), Bajiao Town (八角镇)

• Wednesday: Baoman Street (饱满街)

• Friday: Donggua Town (东瓜镇), Dajiu Village (大旧庄)

• Saturday: Donggua Town (东瓜镇) — note: changed from Friday since 2017

• Sunday: Lühe Town (吕合镇)

Monthly and Special Dates

• Ziwu Town (子午镇): 2nd and 8th of each month

• Yunlong Street (云龙街): 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th

• Donghua Town (东华镇): 1st, 7th, 11th, 17th, 21st, 27th

• Xincun Town (新村镇): 1st, 11th, 21st

• Daguokou Township (大过口乡): Lunar calendar 1st, 11th, 21st

• Zhongshan Town (中山镇): Lunar calendar 20th, 22nd

• Shuju Township (树苴乡): Lunar calendar 5th, 15th, 25th

Tip: During the Lunar New Year, Donggua Town (东瓜镇) market offers a wide variety of traditional New Year goods.

Detailed Market Schedules by County

Shuangbai County (双柏县)

• Ainishan Township (爱尼山乡): 1st, 7th

• Hejiushao (和旧哨): 3rd, 6th

• Ejia Town (鄂嘉镇): 4th, 9th

• County Town (县城): 5th, 10th

• Other towns: Shuma Dazhuang Town (鼠马大庄镇), Houhu Damaidi Town (猴虎大麦地镇), Longgou Fapiao Town (龙狗法脿镇), Jitu Yulong Town (鸡兔雨龙), Xinjie (新街)

• Pending info: Anlongbao Township (安龙堡乡), Dutián Township (独田乡)

Yao’an County (姚安县)

• Mixing Town (弥兴镇): 1st, 4th, 7th (lunar calendar)

• Qianchang (前场): 1st, 5th, 8th (lunar calendar)

• Other towns follow specific lunar calendar schedules

Dayao County (大姚县)

• Wednesday & Sunday: Jinbi (金碧), Shiyang (石羊), Qijie (七街), Cangjie (仓街), Zhongxiu (钟秀), Longjie (龙街), Cangtun (苍屯), Shujie (鼠街), Xiaohongshan (小红山), Beixinjie (北新街), Xinjie (新街), Bimo (碧么)

• Saturday: Santai (三台)

• Sunday: Tanhua (昙华), Dacun (大村), Wanbi (湾碧), Wancizi (湾碧茨拉), Sanchahe (三岔河), Santai Town (三台镇), Tiesuo (铁锁)

Wuding County (武定县)

• Monday: Chadian (插甸), Fawo (发窝), Niga (尼嘎)

• Tuesday: Tianxin (田心), Gaoqiao (高桥), Tazhen (它真)

• Wednesday: Zhongcun (中村), Luoneng (罗能), Maojie (猫街), Huanzhou (环州)

• Thursday: Gengde (更得), Longqingguan (龙庆关), Dongpo (东坡)

• Friday: Jiuchang (九厂), Tuanbei (团碑), Banqiao (板桥), Baimakou (白马口)

• Saturday: Limi (利米), Madeping (马德平)

• Sunday: Jincheng (近城), Kangzhao (康照), Wande (万德), Jiyi (己衣), Bailu (白路)

Lufeng County (禄丰县)

• Monday: Xiaomajie (小马街), Langjing (琅井)

• Tuesday: Bicheng Street (碧城街, Luochuan 罗川: 5, 10)

• Wednesday: Maojie (猫街), Yangjiazhuang (杨家庄), Baoman Street (饱满街)

• Thursday: Majie (马街), Guangtong Old Village (广通旧庄)

• Friday: Xiaoluxi (小路溪), Jiejie (鸡街), Tuo’an Yangmaoling (妥安羊毛岭), Longgu (龙骨), Ana (阿那), Xiaopuzi (小铺子)

• Saturday: Zhongcun (中村), Heping (和平), Yangjie (羊街), Tuo’an (妥安), Gaofeng (高峰), Shezi (舍资)

• Sunday: Jinshan (金山), Dazhujie (大猪街), Tuguan (土官), Chuanjie (川街), Hezi (合资), Guanyin (观音), Guangtong (广通), Heijing (黑井)

Yuanmou County (元谋县)

• Wednesday: Julin (苴林), Huangguayuan (黄瓜园)

• Thursday: Yuanma Town (元马镇), Majie Pig Market (马街生猪市场), Jiangbian (江边)

• Friday: Old Town (老城)

• Saturday: Huangguayuan (黄瓜园), Huatong (花同), Banguo (班果), Gongcha (贡茶), Niujie (牛街)

• Sunday: Yuanma Town (元马镇), Majie Pig Market (马街生猪市场), Yangjie (羊街), Xinhua (新华), Wumao (物贸), Jiangyi (姜驿)

Traditional Festivals and Cultural Highlights

Chuxiong (楚雄) and surrounding areas also host traditional fairs and festivals:

• March Fair (三月街)

• Gegen Festival (葛根会)

• Erhai Lake Opening Festival (洱海开海节)

Markets in Yuanjiang (元阳) and nearby regions have unique schedules, often tied to zodiac signs or lunar dates, reflecting rich local folk customs and traditions.

Key Takeaways

• Weekly markets provide local products and authentic cultural experiences.

• Monthly and special-date markets allow visitors to witness traditional customs.

• Surrounding counties such as Shuangbai (双柏县), Yao’an (姚安县), Dayao (大姚县), Wuding (武定县), Lufeng (禄丰县), and Yuanmou (元谋县) all have distinctive market schedules.

• Traditional fairs like March Fair (三月街) and Erhai Lake Opening Festival (洱海开海节) showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.