Liancheng Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographical Location
Liancheng Town (莲城镇) is the political, economic, and cultural center of Guangnan County (广南县), located in the northwest of Guangnan County. It borders Yangliu Jing Township (杨柳井乡) to the east, Dongbao Township (董堡乡) to the south, Jiumo Township (旧莫乡) and Zhetu Township (者兔乡) to the west, and Bamei Town (坝美镇) and Nongwang Township (弄汪乡) in Xilin County, Guangxi (广西), to the north. The town’s government is 167 kilometers from Wenshan Prefecture (文山州府) and 458 kilometers from Kunming (昆明), with an administrative area of 643 square kilometers.
Cultural History
Liancheng Town (莲城镇) has a long history. As early as the 12th year of the Yuan Dynasty (1275), it served as the headquarters of the Guangnan West Road (广南西路) military and civil administration. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was the seat of Guangnan Prefecture (广南府) and Baoning County (宝宁县). In the Republic of China era, Liancheng Town (莲城镇) was the administrative center of Guangnan County (广南县). In 1940, it was renamed Qiming Town (启明镇), and in 1949, it became Lianhua District (莲花区). In 1988, Lianfeng District (莲峰区) and Liancheng Town (莲城镇) merged to form the current Liancheng Town (莲城镇).
Folk Customs
Liancheng Town (莲城镇) is a multi-ethnic area, home to seven ethnic groups: Zhuang (壮族), Han (汉), Miao (苗族), Yi (彝族), Yao (瑶族), Hui (回族), and Mongol (蒙古族). Zhuang culture is particularly prominent, with events like the “Huanggu Festival” in Taipingzhai Village (太平寨村), a Zhuang folk ritual to commemorate Princess Anhua, the sister of the Ming Emperor Zhu Youlang (朱由榔). Additionally, there are various traditional dances such as the Zhuang Handkerchief Dance (手巾舞) and Flower Lantern Dance (花灯舞).
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Liancheng Town (莲城镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with mild weather throughout the year—no severe cold in winter and no extreme heat in summer. The average annual temperature is 17.4°C, with 357.7 frost-free days per year. The best time to visit is in the spring (March to May), when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.
Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices
Ancient City South Street (古城南街)
Description: Located in Liancheng Town (莲城镇), this provincial-level historical and cultural street features ancient architecture, with historical sites like the Guangnan Confucian Temple (广南文庙) and the Loyalty Temple (忠烈祠) under preservation.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free
Lianhu Park (莲湖公园)
Description: One of the signature scenic spots in Liancheng Town (莲城镇), this park features beautiful lake and mountain views.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free
Wenbi Pagoda (文笔塔)
Description: Located in Liancheng Town (莲城镇), this is an important historical and cultural landmark of the town.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free
Transportation
Liancheng Town (莲城镇) is easily accessible via transportation routes including Yan-Guang Highway (砚广公路), Guang-Bao Highway (广宝公路), and Xixi Highway (西西公路). From Guangnan County (广南县), you can take public transportation or drive. Within the town, taxis or buses are available for travel.
Cuisine
Liancheng Town (莲城镇) offers several local specialties, including:
- Black Zongzi (黑粽子): A local snack with a soft and sticky texture.
- Dalianba (褡裢粑): A traditional Zhuang snack with a unique taste.
Shopping
Visitors can purchase local agricultural products such as tobacco (烤烟) and pesticide-free vegetables (无公害蔬菜). Additionally, you can buy Zhuang embroidery (壮族刺绣) and Handkerchief Dance props (手巾舞道具) as souvenirs.
Accommodation
Liancheng Town (莲城镇) offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels and homestays. For example, the Guangnan Huifeng Hotel (广南汇丰大酒店) is located on Nanxiu West Road (南秀西路) in Liancheng Town (莲城镇), about a 15-minute drive from Lianhu Park (莲湖公园) and other scenic spots.
Travel Tips
- Respect the customs and traditions of the local ethnic minorities, especially when participating in folk activities.
- Protect the environment by not littering.
- Pay attention to safety, especially when visiting mountainous areas and lakes.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Guangnan County (广南县), travel to Liancheng Town (莲城镇), visit Ancient City South Street (古城南街) to experience the local history and culture, and stay at a local hotel.
Day 2: Explore Lianhu Park (莲湖公园) and Wenbi Pagoda (文笔塔), enjoying the blend of nature and history. In the afternoon, return to Guangnan County (广南县) to conclude the trip.
Liancheng Town (莲城镇) is a charming destination with a rich history and unique natural beauty. Whether you are interested in folk culture or natural scenery, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Liancheng Town (莲城镇).
