Hexi Village of Hexi Town in Tonghai County, Yuxi
Hexi Village (河西村) is located in Hexi Town (河西镇), Tonghai County (通海县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It serves as the administrative village of Hexi Town and is situated within the town’s government seat. Hexi Town lies in the northwest part of Tonghai County, at a latitude of 24°09′ N and a longitude of 102°39′ E. It is 12 kilometers from the county seat and 35 kilometers from the Yuxi municipal government. The town borders Sijie Town (四街镇) and Xingmeng Township (兴蒙乡) to the east, Jiujie Town (九街镇) to the south, Eshan County (峨山县) and Hongta District (红塔区) to the west, and Jiangchuan District (江川区) to the north.
Cultural and Historical Background
Hexi Town has historically served as the administrative center of Tonghai County and is one of the four ancient towns in Yuxi City, formerly known for its Confucian scholarly heritage. Hexi Village has a long history and was once the county seat of the former Hexi County. In January 2019, Hexi Town was included in the seventh batch of China’s Famous Historical and Cultural Towns. The village is home to cultural relics such as the Hexi Confucian Temple (河西文庙), Yuanming Temple (圆明寺), and Dafosi Temple (大佛寺).
Folk Customs
Hexi Village is a multi-ethnic community mainly composed of Hui (回族), Yi (彝族), Hani (哈尼族), and Mongol (蒙古族) people. The village preserves a rich array of ethnic customs, including traditional clothing and song-and-dance performances. It also features ancient architecture, including buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Climate and Best Visiting Seasons
Hexi Town experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with mild weather year-round. The average annual temperature is 15.6°C, with January averaging 9.3°C and July averaging 21.3°C. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the climate is most pleasant and the natural scenery is at its best.
Recommended Attractions and Visiting Times
Hexi Confucian Temple:
Located in the southeast of Hexi Town, it was first built in 1471 during the Ming Dynasty and covers over 9,000 square meters. It is an important site for studying ancient architecture.
Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours
Yuanming Temple:
A historically significant Buddhist temple known for its distinctive architecture and serene environment.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Dafosi Temple:
Another significant religious site within the village, offering insight into local religious history.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Surrounding Natural Scenery:
The village is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, ideal for hiking and photography.
Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours
Transportation
Public Transport:
Take local bus routes within Tonghai County to Hexi Town, then transfer to local transport to reach Hexi Village.
Self-Drive:
Depart from Tonghai County seat and follow road signs to Hexi Village, approximately 12 kilometers in total.
Cuisine
The cuisine in Hexi Village and its surroundings features local specialties such as roasted whole lamb and hand-pulled meat dishes. Visitors can also try local products like Tonghai Bean Paste Candy (通海豆末糖) and Tonghai Pickled Vegetables (通海酱菜).
Shopping
There are many shops in Hexi Village selling local agricultural products and handicrafts, providing visitors with authentic souvenirs.
Accommodation
Local Farm Stays:
Offer lodging and the chance to experience rural life firsthand.
Nearby Hotels:
Hotels in Tonghai County are close to the village and offer convenient access.
Travel Tips
Protect the Environment:
Please take care not to litter and help preserve the village’s natural beauty.
Respect Local Customs:
When participating in traditional events, be mindful of local cultural practices and traditions.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive at Hexi Village and visit the Hexi Confucian Temple to learn about local history and culture.
- Noon: Enjoy a lunch of local specialties.
- Afternoon: Visit Yuanming Temple and Dafosi Temple to experience the religious and architectural heritage.
- Evening: Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
Day 2:
- Morning: Explore the natural scenery around the village, enjoy hiking and photography.
- Noon: Have lunch at the farm stay.
- Afternoon: Return to Tonghai County or Yuxi City to conclude the trip.
Hexi Village attracts many visitors with its unique natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. Whether strolling through ancient village lanes or joining in local traditions, you’ll find yourself immersed in the charm of this historical settlement. We hope you enjoy a memorable journey in Hexi Village.
