Longquan Town of Yimen County, Yuxi

Longquan Town (龙泉镇) is located in the central part of Yimen County (易门县) and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the county. The total area of the town is 262.1 square kilometers. It borders Anning City (安宁市) and Jinning County (晋宁县) to the east, Pubei Township (浦贝乡) to the south, Tongchang Township (铜厂乡) to the west, and Liujie Town (六街镇) to the north. The town is well connected by roads and is 96 kilometers away from Kunming (昆明). The Yi’an Expressway (易安高速公路) passes through the town, making transportation highly convenient.

History and Culture

Longquan Town (龙泉镇) has a long history. In the first year of the Longqing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1567), the area was designated as Shihui (十会). During the Republic of China period, it was known as the East District (东区), District (区), and Qianyuan Town (乾元镇). In January 1984, it was officially established as Longquan Town. In January 2011, the town was restructured into Longquan Subdistrict. The town is named after the “Great Longquan” (大龙泉), located west of the county seat.

Local Customs

Longquan Town (龙泉镇) is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Yi (彝族), Hui (回族), Hani (哈尼族), and Miao (苗族) peoples. The Yi people’s “Left Foot Dance” (左脚舞) and the traditional Tongchang Shadow Puppetry (铜厂皮影) are unique and vibrant forms of local folk art.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

With an average altitude of 1,600 meters, Longquan Town (龙泉镇) experiences a mid-subtropical climate. The annual average temperature is 15.9°C, with abundant sunshine and rainfall. The best time to visit is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the climate is pleasant and the natural scenery is most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Duration

Tianbao Temple (天宝寺): Built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the temple has a historical stele dated to the seventh year of the Qianlong reign. Recommended visit duration: 2 hours.
Site of the First CPC Branch in Central Yunnan (滇中第一个中共党支部成立地): Located in Yangjialongtan Village (杨家龙潭村), Zhongtun Community (中屯社区), established in 1928. Recommended visit duration: 1 hour.
Dagu Factory Reservoir Scenic Area (大谷厂水库风景区): Known as the “Little Three Gorges” (小三峡), ideal for leisure, tourism, and vacation. Recommended visit duration: half a day.
Meiying Pearl Hot Spring (梅营珍珠温泉): A well-known local hot spring resort. Recommended visit duration: half a day.

Transportation

The town is well connected by highways and is only 96 kilometers from Kunming (昆明), taking about 90 minutes via the Yi’an Expressway (易安高速公路). From Yimen County (易门县), visitors can take a bus to Longquan Town (龙泉镇), which takes approximately 30 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Local dishes are rich in ethnic flavors. In addition to the Yi people’s “Left Foot Dance” and shadow puppetry, specialties include Yimen fermented black beans (易门豆豉), and various wild mushrooms such as porcini (牛肝菌), matsutake (松茸), dry bar mushrooms (干巴菌), and termitomyces (鸡枞).

Shopping

Popular local products include Yimen chestnuts (易门板栗), walnuts (核桃), and dried wild mushrooms (野生菌干货), which make great souvenirs.

Accommodation

There are a few local guesthouses and farm stays available in Longquan Town (龙泉镇), offering simple accommodations and an authentic experience of local life. For those with higher accommodation standards, staying in Yimen County (易门县) is recommended.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting villages inhabited by ethnic minorities.
  • Protect the natural environment by not littering.
  • Bring appropriate clothing and sun protection based on the weather.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Yimen County (易门县), arrive in Longquan Town (龙泉镇), and visit Tianbao Temple (天宝寺) to explore local history and culture.
Day 2: Visit the site of the First CPC Branch in Central Yunnan (滇中第一个中共党支部成立地) to learn about revolutionary history, then head to Dagu Factory Reservoir Scenic Area (大谷厂水库风景区) in the afternoon to enjoy nature.
Day 3: Visit Meiying Pearl Hot Spring (梅营珍珠温泉) for a relaxing spa experience, enjoy local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and return.

Longquan Town (龙泉镇) is a place full of natural beauty and cultural charm. Whether you’re exploring its scenic spots or experiencing its rich customs, this destination promises a rewarding and memorable journey. We hope you enjoy your time here.