Market Days in Huize County and Townships, Qujing

Huize County (会泽县) in Qujing (曲靖), Yunnan Province (云南省), is home to a rich diversity of ethnic communities. These communities, which include groups such as the Yi (彝族), Hui (回族), and Han (汉族), hold traditional market days known as Gai Zi (赶集). These markets typically occur on specific days according to the lunar calendar and provide a fascinating glimpse into local life, culture, and customs.

In this guide, we have compiled a detailed schedule of market days in the townships of Huize County, categorized by lunar calendar dates and ethnic festivals, with added information about local customs and activities. This schedule will help visitors to plan their trips to enjoy local markets and cultural events.

Market Days Schedule Overview

The market days in Huize County are not fixed every week; instead, they follow a lunar calendar pattern. These days are specific to each township, with some markets only occurring on certain lunar days of the month, while others are determined by the Chinese zodiac (生肖). Understanding these patterns is key to planning a visit to experience the true spirit of Huize’s markets.

Key Market Days in Major Townships

Other Regional Market Days

In addition to the main townships, several smaller regions in Huize County also have their market days. These markets may have different cycles or ethnic events.

Ethnic Features and Cultural Insights

Huize County is home to several ethnic groups, each contributing unique cultural elements to the markets. These townships often use their market days to celebrate local traditions, host cultural performances, and engage in community building. Here are some notable ethnic features:

Nagu Town (娜姑镇)

• Ethnic Features: The town is a Yi (彝族) cultural hub, with a focus on Yi traditional ceremonies and copper merchant culture. It is also a provincial-level historical and cultural town with a rich history and preserved Yi architecture.

Yiche Town (迤车镇)

• Ethnic Features: Predominantly Yi (彝族), the town focuses on ethnic unity, with markets serving as a platform for cross-cultural exchange.

Zhehai Town (者海镇)

• Ethnic Features: Known for its Yi culture, Zhehai focuses on maintaining traditional values and custom reform. Market days are used to promote social harmony and local traditions.

Dahai Township (大海乡)

• Ethnic Features: The community is a mix of Yi, Hui, and Han people. Their markets feature diverse ethnic cuisines, crafts, and cultural performances.

Xinjie Hui Ethnic Township (新街回族乡)

• Ethnic Features: Dominated by the Hui (回族) ethnic group, Xinjie celebrates Islamic traditions, with the market days hosting Hui foods, religious practices, and ethnic crafts.

Luna Township (鲁纳乡)

• Ethnic Features: Yi, Hui, and Han people live here, with markets promoting ethnic unity and focusing on environmental awareness.

Supplementary Information

• Lunar Calendar Adjustments: Many of the market days are based on the lunar calendar, and the dates may change each year. It’s important to confirm the specific dates based on the lunar calendar for each year.

• Ethnic Celebrations:

  • Nagu Town is famous for preserving the copper merchant culture, an integral part of its historical identity.

  • Yili Sub-District runs bilingual legal education programs, using minority languages to enhance understanding and community law compliance.

  • Zhehai Town uses market days to advocate for changing outdated customs and fostering modern societal values.

This comprehensive guide to market days in Huize County offers visitors a chance to explore the vibrant cultures, traditions, and ethnic diversity of one of Yunnan’s most fascinating regions.