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

Qujing City (曲靖市) governs Qilin District (麒麟区), Zhanyi District (沾益区), and Malong District (马龙区), along with Fuyuan County (富源县), Luoping County (罗平县), Shizong County (师宗县), Luliang County (陆良县), and Huize County (会泽县). Additionally, it manages Xuanwei City (宣威市) and the Qujing Economic and Technological Development Zone (曲靖经济技术开发区). The city has 137 towns and districts, including 51 towns, 40 townships (8 ethnic townships), and 46 sub-districts.

This region is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including the Yi, Zhuang, Miao, and Bai peoples, making the local markets even more fascinating with a diverse array of goods and activities reflecting local traditions and cultures.

Overview of Qujing’s Ethnic Diversity

Qujing is home to a variety of ethnic groups, with the following as the primary indigenous minorities:

• Yi (彝族)

• Hui (回族)

• Miao (苗族)

• Zhuang (壮族)

• Bouyei (布依族)

• Sui (水族)

• Yao (瑶族)

Together, these groups represent a significant portion of the population, with nearly 581,200 ethnic minority people (2024 data), making up 8.62% of Qujing’s total population.

In addition to the primary ethnic groups, there are 44 other minority groups, including Mongolian, Tibetan, Manchu, Bai, and Naxi. These diverse communities contribute to the cultural richness and variety of goods available at local markets.

Key Ethnic Townships and Villages

Qujing is home to 8 ethnic townships and over 160 ethnic villages. Some of the most prominent are:

• Fuyuan County’s Gugan Shui Ethnic Township (富源县古敢水族乡) – The only Shui ethnic township in Yunnan.

• Shizong County’s Wulong Zhuang Ethnic Township (师宗县五龙壮族乡) and Gaoliang Zhuang and Miao-Yao Ethnic Township (高良壮族苗族瑶族乡).

• Luoping County’s Jiuwuji Yi Ethnic Township (罗平县旧屋基彝族乡) and Changdi Bu Yi Ethnic Township (长底布依族乡).

These townships and villages host lively markets where visitors can experience authentic ethnic products, local foods, and vibrant cultural activities.

The Qilin District (麒麟区) of Qujing (曲靖), located in Yunnan Province, is a vibrant area with a rich cultural heritage and diverse local markets. These markets offer everything from fresh produce and unique local specialties to handicrafts and traditional foods. If you’re visiting this part of Yunnan, understanding the market schedule is essential to fully experiencing the local culture. This guide provides detailed information on market days across various towns and districts in Qilin and the surrounding areas.

Market Days in Qilin District and Surrounding Towns

Qilin District and its surrounding towns host a variety of markets throughout the week. These markets are essential for both locals and tourists, providing opportunities to buy fresh produce, regional delicacies, and handmade goods. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the market days in the area.

Weekly Market Days in Qilin District

Market Days in Key Towns of Qilin District

Special Market Days and Events

In addition to the regular market days, there are several cultural events and special markets in Qilin District. These events provide visitors with a deeper understanding of local customs and traditions, showcasing not only food and crafts but also performing arts and festivals.

Market Days in Zhenyi District and Surrounding Towns

Zhenyi District and its surrounding towns have specific days for local markets, with each town featuring unique schedules based on the Chinese lunar calendar, especially the zodiac signs. These markets serve as vital centers for trade and community activities. Here’s a detailed schedule of market days for each town and township.

Market Days in Zhenyi District

Special Market Days by Zodiac Sign

Some towns in Zhenyi District follow the Chinese Zodiac (属相日), holding markets based on specific zodiac signs. These markets are unique and feature goods and cultural elements related to the assigned zodiac animal. Here’s a breakdown of the zodiac market days:

Market Days in Malong District and Surrounding Towns

The market days in Malong District vary by town, with some towns following specific cultural schedules, including special market days based on the Chinese zodiac signs. In addition, some ethnic groups have their own traditional market days that are closely linked to local festivals and customs.

Township Market Days in Malong District

Special Market Days Based on Zodiac Signs

Some townships in Malong District observe market days based on the Chinese zodiac. These markets are aligned with specific zodiac animals, and visitors may find unique cultural offerings tied to those animals.

Market Days in Luliang County and Surrounding Townships

The market days in Luliang County differ across towns and ethnic groups. Some towns follow a regular schedule, while others hold markets based on specific cultural practices or the Chinese zodiac. Visitors can experience unique local products and traditional activities during these markets.

Township Market Days in Luliang County

Market Days in Shizong County and Its Ethnic Townships

The following is a breakdown of market days in Shizong County (师宗县), including both urban areas and ethnic townships. These market days offer a great opportunity to experience local cultures, food, and crafts.

Market Days in Shizong County

Weekly Market Schedule

Market Days in Huie County

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.

Market Days Schedule in Xuanwei City

Xuanwei’s market days are spread across various towns and villages, each with its own distinct lunar calendar schedule. These markets are essential for the local economy, offering agricultural products, local crafts, and ethnic goods.

Table of Market Days