Chinese Name: 昭通鲁甸县马厂新石器

English Name: Machang Neolithic Site in Ludian County, Zhaotong

Location: Machang Neolithic Site is located in Hulukou Village, Ciyuan Township, 5 kilometers east of Ludian County town, Zhaotong.

Site Description: The Machang Neolithic Site covers an area of over 100,000 square meters. It is situated near mountains and water, with the cultural layers primarily located on the eastern, southern, and western edges of a hill, close to the water.

The cultural layers at the site are up to 1.3 meters thick in the western section, and are divided into two layers: the upper layer is reddish-brown, while the lower layer is dark gray. Both layers contain red burnt clay fragments, charcoal, and pottery shards. Over 500 pottery pieces have been unearthed, with the majority being gray pottery, while the rest are sand-tempered gray pottery and black pottery. Identifiable vessel types include bowls, single-handled jars, flat-bottomed bottles, spouted bottles, single-handled bottles, closed-mouthed jars, long-necked small-mouth small-bottomed pots, and barrel-shaped, flat-bellied round-bottomed vessels. Some artifacts are covered with black pottery glaze, which is unique among Neolithic artifacts found in Yunnan.

Stone tools found at the site include knives and axes, made from hard stone with finely polished surfaces and advanced perforation techniques.

How to Get There

To visit the Machang Neolithic Site in Ludian County, Zhaotong:

1. By Air: The nearest airport is Zhaotong Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange private transportation to Ludian County.
2. By Train: You can take a train to Zhaotong Railway Station. From there, you can take a taxi or local bus to Ludian County.
3. By Bus: Regular bus services run from major cities in Yunnan to Ludian County. Upon arriving at the Ludian County bus station, you can take a taxi or local transportation to Hulukou Village.
4. By Car: If driving, follow the G5611 expressway to Ludian County. Once in Ludian, follow local signs to Ciyuan Township and then to Hulukou Village.

Chinese Name: 昭通鲁甸县野石新石器
English Name: Yeshi Village Neolithic Site in Ludian County, Zhaotong

Overview of the Yeshi Village Neolithic Site

The Yeshi Village Neolithic Site is located about 5 kilometers east of Ludian County in the Taoyuan Township, Puzhilu Village, Yeshi Community. The site covers an area of approximately 1 square kilometer, with artifacts concentrated along both sides of a small river at the entrance of the present-day Yeshi Village. The cultural layer at the site is about 1.3 meters thick and includes finds such as red sandy pottery, polished black pottery, and gray pottery. The site also features ancient burial sites and semi-subterranean house foundations.

Approximately 200 square meters of the site exhibits grayish-white soil interspersed with a large number of pottery fragments. The Yeshi Village site is one of the larger and better-preserved Neolithic sites discovered in Yunnan, making it of significant research value. It was designated as a provincial key cultural relic protection unit in December 1987.

How to Get There

• Location: Yeshi Village Neolithic Site is located in Puzhilu Village, Taoyuan Township, about 5 kilometers east of Ludian County.
• Transportation: From Ludian County, you can take a taxi or drive to Taoyuan Township. Follow local signage to Puzhilu Village and continue to Yeshi Community. Using GPS or a map will help ensure accurate navigation.

Chinese Name: 昭通市野猪洞新石器
English Name: Yezhudong Cave Neolithic Site in Zhaotong City

Overview of the Yezhudong Cave Neolithic Site

The Yezhudong Cave Neolithic Site is situated approximately 300 meters north of the Xunlongwan Village Office in Sayu Township, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, China. The cave measures between 3 to 4 meters in width, with varying heights ranging from 1.5 to 3 meters, and extends more than 10 meters in depth. The cave also features side chambers that are about 4 to 5 meters deep. Archaeological excavations at Yezhudong Cave have uncovered various artifacts, including stone adzes, stone axes, net weights, and pottery such as red sandy pottery and gray clay pottery. Additionally, human jawbones and animal remains, including those of wild cattle and dogs, have been found.

When comparing these findings with artifacts from the Guoshandong Cave Neolithic site, the tools from Yezhudong Cave appear to be more roughly made, suggesting that the cultural timeline of Yezhudong Cave may predate that of the Guoshandong Cave site.

How to Get There

• Location: Yezhudong Cave Neolithic Site is located about 300 meters north of the Xunlongwan Village Office in Sayu Township, Zhaotong City.
• Transportation: Visitors can reach the site by taking a taxi or driving from Zhaotong City to Sayu Township. Follow the directions to Xunlongwan Village. It’s advisable to use a GPS for accurate navigation and consult local maps or signs along the way.

Chinese Name: 昭通市过山洞旧时器遗址
English Name: Guoshandong Cave Paleolithic Site in Zhaotong City

Overview of the Guoshandong Cave Paleolithic Site

The Guoshandong Cave Paleolithic Site is located in the village of Guoshandong, approximately 15 kilometers north of Zhaotong City in Yunnan Province, China, near the town of Beizha. The cave consists of two main sections: the front cave, which faces slightly northeast and has a width of over 10 meters and a maximum height of about 5 meters, and the rear cave, which faces southeast and is somewhat smaller.

In November 1982, a municipal cultural relics survey team discovered mammalian fossils and a human tooth fossil about 20 meters inside the rear cave. Experts identified the mammalian fossils as belonging to species such as the Asian saber-toothed cat, Chinese rhinoceros, and monkeys, dating them to the Late Pleistocene or early Late Pleistocene epoch. The human tooth fossil, named the “Zhaotong Man,” marks the first discovery of an early Homo sapiens fossil in Yunnan Province.

Additional Archaeological Discoveries

Following the initial discovery of Paleolithic remains in the rear cave of Guoshandong, another site was found on the left side of the front cave, indicating the presence of a Neolithic-era settlement. This shows the continuity of human habitation in the region, bridging different prehistoric periods.

Related Archaeological Sites

Wild Boar Cave Neolithic Site:
Located 300 meters north of the Xunlongwan Village Office in Sayu Township, Zhaotong City, this cave measures 3 to 4 meters wide and 1.5 to 3 meters high, extending more than 10 meters in depth. It features side caves that are 4 to 5 meters deep. Artifacts excavated from the site include stone axes, adzes, net weights, and pottery (red sandy and gray clay pottery), as well as human jawbones and animal remains like wild cattle and dogs. The tools found at Wild Boar Cave are generally cruder than those from Guoshandong, suggesting the Wild Boar Cave site may predate Guoshandong Cave.

Significance of the Discovery

The initial exploration of Guoshandong Cave in April 1981, followed by subsequent excavations, highlighted Zhaotong’s significance as one of the three major cultural origins in Yunnan Province. The discovery of the “Zhaotong Man” fills a crucial gap in Yunnan’s prehistoric timeline, bridging the evolutionary stages from ape-man to late Homo sapiens. The Guoshandong Cave findings have shed light on the early human activities and environmental conditions in the region, emphasizing its importance in understanding the broader narrative of human evolution in China.

How to Get There

• Location: The Guoshandong Cave Paleolithic Site is situated approximately 15 kilometers north of Zhaotong City, near the town of Beizha.
• Transportation: Visitors can take a taxi or drive from Zhaotong City, following the directions to Beizha Town and then to Guoshandong Village. It is recommended to use a GPS or consult local maps for accurate navigation.

Travel Tips

1. Plan Ahead: Research and verify the site’s opening hours, entrance fees, and any permits required for visiting the cave. Information can be obtained from local tourism offices or online resources.
2. Choose the Right Time: To avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful visit, consider traveling during non-peak seasons or weekdays.
3. Respect the Artifacts: Follow guidelines and avoid touching, marking, or damaging any artifacts. Maintain a quiet environment to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
4. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and dress according to the weather conditions. Sun protection items like hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are advisable.
5. Bring Essentials: As there may be limited food and drink options near the site, bring enough water and snacks for your visit.
6. Safety First: Pay attention to safety signs and be cautious when exploring the cave and its surroundings, especially in areas with steep or unstable terrain.
7. Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local traditions and customs. Show respect to the residents and their way of life.
8. Plan Your Itinerary: Given the wide distribution of archaeological sites in Zhaotong, it is advisable to plan your visit in advance to ensure enough time to explore key locations.
9. Environmental Responsibility: Help preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the site by not littering and avoiding any damage to the vegetation or surrounding areas.

Chinese Name:鲁甸县野石山遗址
English Name:  The Relics of Yeshishan Mountain in Ludian County, Zhaotong

Yeshishan Site, Ludian County

The Yeshishan Site is located in Yeshicun, Taoyuan Township, Ludian County, Yunnan Province, and dates back to between 1300 BC and 900 BC. This site, situated in Puzhilu Village of Taoyuan Township, was discovered during a cultural relics survey in 1982. The site covers an area of 52,500 square meters and is bordered by Caohai Lake to the east. Artifacts unearthed from the Yeshishan Site include pottery items such as single-handle pots, jars, long-necked spouted fragments, and large earthen jar pieces. The pottery materials include polished black pottery, gray pottery, sand-tempered gray pottery, and red pottery. The name of the site, “Puzhilu,” means “place where ancestors or ‘Pu’ people lived” in the Yi language, making it a valuable location for research into Yi ethnic history. It has been designated as a provincial-level key cultural relic protection site.

Overview of the Site

The Yeshishan Site is located in Yeshicun, Taoyuan Township, Ludian County, Yunnan Province, covering an area of about 1 square kilometer. Archaeological excavations were conducted from April to June 2002, covering an excavation area of 425 square meters.

Archaeological Findings

The excavation uncovered one pottery kiln, two ash pits, along with traces of fire pits, shallow trenches, and a few post holes. Over 300 relatively complete pottery artifacts and a large number of pottery fragments were unearthed, along with several stone and a few bronze artifacts. The pottery items include jars, basins, bowls, pots, bottles, cups, ewers, lids, spindle whorls, and long-necked spouted vessels. Stone tools found include adzes, axes, arrowheads, spindle whorls, and double-hole knives, while bronze items include awls and adzes. The site dates back to between 1300 BC and 900 BC.

Significance and Value

The Yeshishan Site represents a relatively independent stage in the development of Bronze Age culture in northeastern Yunnan and northwestern Guizhou.

Exploration

Overview of the Exploration Process

On March 1, 2010, Longteng Exploration Company from Shaanxi Province dispatched a team of nine archaeologists to Ludian to conduct a detailed archaeological survey of the Yeshishan Site. Based on the natural topography of Yeshishan, the stratigraphic deposits were roughly divided into three areas: west, central, and east. The exploration began on March 1, 2010, and fieldwork concluded on March 28. By April 1, the team transitioned to compiling indoor reports and producing drawings. The exploration covered an area of 54,000 square meters, revealing 84 different types of relics, including 35 house foundations, 21 ash pits, 11 areas of ash deposits, 3 ash ditches, 1 dried-up well, 1 tomb, and 12 living pits.

Exploration Results

The results of the exploration revealed that Yeshishan is home to a large area of ancient cultural relics. The cultural deposits are relatively thick, rich in content, clearly structured, and well-preserved. The extensive distribution of ash deposits is concentrated, thick, and rich in relics, containing a large amount of plant ash and pottery fragments. The discovered house foundations are all semi-subterranean structures, densely distributed with distinct patterns. The various types of relics identified during the exploration provide important materials and evidence for cultural research in this region. Additionally, these findings are of great significance for studying the historical development, evolution, and cultural trends of northeastern Yunnan and northwestern Guizhou.

Chinese Name: 丘北县小新寨古驿道
English Name: Xiaoxinzhai Ancient Road in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Overview

The Xiaoxinzhai Ancient Road is located approximately 3 kilometers west of Xiaoxinzhai Village in Daluo Bian Village Committee, Xindian Township, Qiubei County, Wenshan. This historic road segment was a crucial transportation route during the Ming and Qing dynasties, connecting Kunming in Yunnan to Baise in Guangxi, and continued to be significant until the late Republic of China era.

Features

• Preserved Section: A stone-paved section of the road, about 1 kilometer long, remains intact. The road surface is approximately 1.5 meters wide.
• Historical Structures: Alongside the ancient road, several historical structures can be found:
  • Half Side Temple (半边寺): An old post station.
  • Stone Cask: A traditional water storage vessel.
  • Qing Dynasty Bridge Inscription: A monument commemorating the construction of a bridge during the Qing Dynasty.
  • Stone Arch Bridge: A traditional stone arch bridge that spans a nearby stream.

Significance

The Xiaoxinzhai Ancient Road is a valuable physical testament to historical transportation routes and trade connections between Yunnan and Guangxi. It offers important insights into the region’s historical and cultural development, and serves as a reference for research in history, science, and art.

Chinese Name: 丘北县小尖山洞穴文化遗址
English Name: The Relics of Xiaojianshan Cave Culture in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Overview

The Xiaojianshan Cave Cultural Site is located in Miele Village, Xinzai Village Committee, Yuezhai Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan, about one li (approximately 500 meters) east of Xiaojianshan Mountain.

Site Description

• Cave Dimensions: The cave entrance is approximately 12 meters high and 20 meters wide. Due to the collapse of the cave roof, the entrance is now blocked and the cave lacks depth, but it still provides shelter from wind and rain with ample natural light.
• Cultural Layers: The cultural layer at the cave entrance is over 40 centimeters thick and has hardened over time, forming a layer of limestone. The smoke layer on the rock walls combines with the increasing rock formations, with a thickness of about 0.4 centimeters.
• Artifacts: The cultural layer contains a variety of artifacts including:
  • Animal Fossils: Remains of pigs, cattle, and sheep.
  • Stone Tools: Stone cores and unburnt charcoal.
  • Shells and Pottery Shards: Black pottery fragments, indicating the development of pottery and agriculture around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.
  • Bone Ornaments: Decorative items made from bone.
  • Pebble Tools: Used for striking and other purposes.

Significance

The discovery of black pottery shards at this site marks the beginning of pottery and agriculture in the Neolithic era, highlighting significant advancements in human technology and culture. The Xiaojianshan Cave Cultural Site provides crucial physical evidence for studying Neolithic human activities and has considerable archaeological value.

Chinese Name: 丘北县象鼻岭龙泉渠桥背水古水利工程
English Name: Xiangbiling Longquanqu Ancient Water Project in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Overview

The Xiangbiling Water Project is one of the largest ancient water conservancy projects still existing in Yunnan. It is located in Alubai Village, Yishao Township, Qiubei County, Wenshan. The project was initially constructed during the Qing Dynasty, specifically in the Qianlong period (1736-1796), and features a combination of tunnels, stone bridges, and aqueducts.

Structure and Features

• Aqueduct: The aqueduct spans a total length of 310 meters and is constructed from stone. It includes a three-arch stone bridge that crosses the river, with each arch measuring 4.5 meters in span and standing 13.5 meters above the river surface. This ancient water project integrates both water diversion and transportation functions.
• Location: Situated south of Alubai Village, Qiubei County, the project crosses the Qingshui River.
• Construction Details:
  • Bridge Type: The project features a bridge consisting of three semi-circular stone arches, constructed from blue stone.
  • Dimensions: The entire bridge is 340 meters long, 13.5 meters high, with a width of 2.1 meters. The arch height is 10.8 meters, the clear span of each arch is 5.6 meters, and the thickness of the arch is 1.7 meters.
  • Additional Features: The bridge has 1-meter high solid parapets on either side for water diversion. The waterway width is 1.5 meters, and the flow rate is 0.75 cubic centimeters per second.
  • Materials Used: Approximately 22,000 cubic meters of stone were used in the construction.

Xiangbiling Longquanqu Ancient Water Project in Qiubei County, Yunnan Province, is a significant historical water conservancy system. This project, which dates back several centuries, continues to play a crucial role in drought resistance, agricultural production, irrigation, tourism, and the study of hydraulic engineering.

Bridge Backflow Water

In his article “On Ancient Chinese Bridges,” the renowned bridge expert Mao Yisheng stated: “The role of a bridge is to cross rivers and valleys to connect roads.” The phenomenon of water flowing over a bridge, known as “bridge backflow water,” represents an extension of the bridge’s function and demonstrates human ingenuity. Among ancient bridges featuring this “backflow water” function in Yunnan, the Longquanqu Bridge in northwest Qiubei County is the most famous.

Project Details

• Structure: The Longquanqu Bridge backflow water project includes a 310-meter-long, 2-meter-wide, and 0.7-meter-high stone aqueduct, with part of it running over a 13.5-meter-long, three-arch stone bridge, creating the distinctive “bridge backflow water” effect.
• Historical Development: Originally, 120 households from villages such as Xincheng, Jiucheng, Shanbei, and Matoushan funded and constructed a stone dam 1 meter high and over 100 meters long. This dam intercepted waters from the Daqinglong, Xiaobailong, and Duyanjiong pools, creating east and west ditches for irrigation. In 1776, local households set up wooden sluices to channel surplus water into the Beimen River for further irrigation. When the wooden sluices deteriorated, villagers raised over 3,000 taels of silver to build more than 300 meters of stone aqueduct. This project, completed in 1794, has served the community for over 200 years.

Location and Scenic Value

• Proximity: The Longquanqu Bridge backflow water project is situated 2 kilometers from Qiubei County and 3 kilometers from the Puzhehei scenic area, a National AAAA-level tourist attraction. It serves as a crucial link between the scenic area and the county and is one of Puzhehei’s significant ancient relics.
• Scenery: Adjacent to the Longquanqu Bridge is the picturesque Xiangbiling area, spanning the beautiful Qingshui River. The bridge’s elegant stone construction is described as a “dragon,” and the area features scenic attractions such as the Longtan pool, known for its water jetting like a column.

Historical Construction

• Timeline: The project began in the 50th year of the Qianlong reign (1785) and was completed in the 59th year (1794). The construction included both the bridge and the canal, with the Xiangbiling Tunnel, a 180-meter-long, 2.53-meter-wide, and 2-meter-high stone canal, being a key component. The project extended water from the Longquan Dam 24 kilometers east, irrigating over 120,000 acres.

Significance

• Engineering and Historical Value: The Longquanqu Bridge backflow water project is a masterpiece of ancient water conservancy in Qiubei and is the largest ancient water conservancy project in Yunnan. It represents advanced hydraulic engineering of its time, with a rational layout, grand scale, and harmonious integration with the natural environment. The project has been preserved and protected over centuries, including repairs by the Yunnan Provincial Government in the 20th century.
• Cultural Impact: The project has long been a local attraction and is featured prominently in the Puzhehei scenic area. The bridge and its backflow water system have inspired scholars and poets throughout history, reflecting the foresight and ingenuity of its builders. It remains a significant cultural and historical landmark, showcasing ancient hydraulic technology while contributing to the local community’s prosperity.

Chinese Name: 丘北县弥勒勒营盘山遗址
English Name: The Relics of Yingpanshan Mountain in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Overview

The Relics of Yingpanshan Mountain are located atop Yingpanshan Mountain, east of Milele Village in Xinzhaicun Village Committee, Yuezhe Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The site is an ancient military fortification that dates back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, attributed to the Ang family, who were local Tusi (tribal leaders) at the time.

Description of the Site

Yingpanshan Mountain is a steep and isolated peak, strategically advantageous due to its challenging terrain, making it a natural fortress. The relics consist of a stone wall constructed from rough stones along the mountain’s summit. The wall is approximately 111 meters in circumference, 3 meters high, and 2 meters wide, forming a nearly rectangular shape. A narrow stone gate, about 1 meter wide, is located on the northern side of the fortification.

The site has yielded fragments of black-glazed pottery, which are believed to have been used by soldiers stationed there for holding water and other purposes. These remnants provide valuable insights into the daily life and military practices of the time.

Historical Significance

The Relics of Yingpanshan Mountain serve as physical evidence of the military strategies and the Tusi system in place during the late Ming and early Qing periods. The fortification was likely constructed by the Ang family as a defensive measure against potential threats. This site is of significant historical value, offering researchers and historians tangible insights into the military architecture and governance systems of that era.

Chinese Name:西畴县牛羊太平桥
English Name:Niuyang Taiping Bridge in Xichou County, Wenshan
Niu Yang Taiping Bridge, located in Xingjie Village, Laojie Village, Xichou County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, spans the Chouyang River. It was built in the 13th year of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1748) and has been continuously maintained and repaired since then. The bridge features a sophisticated wooden beam covered gallery structure, showcasing unique craftsmanship. It is renowned as one of the finest examples of Zhuang-style covered bridges over the Chouyang River and stands as an important ancient bridge in Yunnan Province.

Location:

The Niuyang Taiping Bridge is located on the eastern side of Laojie Village in Xingjie Town, Xichou County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, spanning the Chouyang River.

History:

The bridge was originally constructed in the 13th year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign during the Qing Dynasty (1748). Over the years, it has undergone several repairs and reinforcements, but it remains in use to this day. The bridge is a wooden beam-covered corridor bridge, known for its intricate design and craftsmanship, making it the most significant wind and rain bridge along the Chouyang River and one of the most important ancient bridges in Yunnan.

Design:

• Dimensions: The bridge is 34.2 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 6 meters high. It is a flat bridge with four stone piers supporting the structure.
• Architecture: The bridge features a tiled roof wooden corridor with nine compartments and ten rows, supported by a cross-beam frame. Both ends of the bridge have fortress-like entrances. Inside the eastern entrance, five stone tablets document the history of the bridge’s construction, including its original build, renovations during the Xianfeng era, and additional repairs in the third year of the Xuantong Emperor’s reign. One inscription highlights the bridge’s strategic importance, stating that it was a vital route connecting the north and south, as well as a thoroughfare to the northeast.

Cultural Significance:

The Niuyang Taiping Bridge is a prime example of Zhuang ethnic architecture, renowned for its grand scale and sophisticated design. It serves as a vibrant community hub where people gather during the day to rest, embroider, or fish, and in the evening, it becomes a place where elders recount stories and young people engage in singing contests.

Legend:

The bridge’s name is tied to a local legend involving a bee king that terrorized the area by devouring livestock and children. The villagers sought help from the deity Zhou Meng, who burned the bee king alive with a mix of dry chili powder and hay at its cave entrance. The river was named Niuyang River after the livestock, and the bridge was named Niuyang Taiping Bridge in honor of the river. The river was later renamed Chouyang River in the late Qing Dynasty.

Scenic Beauty:

The bridge is likened to a rainbow on earth, embodying historical changes and cultural richness. Standing on the ancient bridge offers breathtaking views of lush peaks, vast rice fields, and sparkling waters below, evoking a sense of tranquility and exhilaration that leaves visitors deeply enchanted.

Chinese Name:西畴县仙人洞旧石器时代遗址
English Name: The Site of Paleolithic Period of Xianrendong in Xichou County, Wenshan

Location:

The Xianrendong Paleolithic site is located near Xiaoxinzhai Village in Xisa Town, Xichou County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, approximately 1 kilometer from the county seat.

Geography:

Xianrendong is a karst cave formed by ancient river channels along limestone fissures, nestled in a scenic, tranquil setting by the mountains and water. The cave entrance is small, slightly taller than a person, about 1.5 meters wide, with a total cave length of 40 meters, a width of 6 meters, and a height of 3 meters. The flat cave roof and spacious interior could accommodate hundreds of people, making it a suitable dwelling for ancient humans. Although there is a local legend that immortals once inhabited the cave, what is certain is that the ancestors of the Xichou people, around 10,000 years ago, indeed lived here.

Archaeological Significance:

The Xianrendong site is a significant Paleolithic cave site from the late Old Stone Age. Between 1972 and 1973, two excavations were carried out by the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the Yunnan Provincial Museum. These excavations uncovered five human teeth fossils and 32 species of ancient vertebrate fossils, including six extinct species. The human teeth fossils were identified as belonging to late Homo sapiens and were named “Xichou Man” (西畴人).

Xichou Man:

The remains of Xichou Man, discovered at the site, provide crucial insights into the lives of early humans in this region during the late Paleolithic period. These findings contribute significantly to the understanding of human evolution and the prehistoric environment in southern China. The fossils indicate that Xichou Man was part of the late Homo sapiens population that inhabited the area approximately 10,000 years ago.

The Xianrendong site stands as a testament to the ancient human history of Xichou County, offering a glimpse into the life and environment of early humans in Yunnan during the late Paleolithic era.

Chinese Name: 砚山县阿猛会议
English Name: The Site of Ameng Meeting in Yanshan County, Wenshan

Location

• Coordinates: Northeast of Yanshan County, 37 kilometers from the county seat
• Address: Located in the center of Ameng Town, within the local primary school
• Nearby Landmark: 323 National Road

Historical Significance

• Background: The Ameng Meeting site is housed in a building originally constructed in 1875 as a “Wenwu Temple” (文武庙).
• Recognition: In November 1993, it was designated a provincial-level cultural heritage site by the Yunnan Provincial Government. In April 1997, it was also recognized as a patriotic education base in Yunnan Province.

Historical Event

• Context: In preparation for the People’s Liberation Army’s advance south of the Yangtze River and to coordinate the liberation of Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou, the central government decided to merge the border committees of Guangxi and Yunnan with the Yunnan Provincial Committee to form the Yunnan-Guangxi-Guizhou Border Area Committee. This was to unify leadership and efforts in the border areas.
• Meeting: On July 19, 1949, Lin Limin and key members of the two committees convened the Yunnan-Guangxi-Guizhou Border Area Committee’s expanded meeting in Ameng, Yunnan. The meeting announced the formal establishment of the Border Area Committee, elected its standing committee, executive committee members, and substitute executive members, and reorganized the guerrilla forces under the leadership of the Yunnan committees into the People’s Liberation Army’s Yunnan-Guangxi-Guizhou Border Column.

Current Use

• Educational Role: Since the site’s opening, it has served as a place for patriotic education. Local party organizations, students, and teachers visit annually, especially around the founding day of the Communist Party and the army day. Each July 19, former border column members gather here to commemorate their comrades. The site receives over 4,000 visitors annually.

Ameng Town

• Geography: Situated in the eastern part of Yanshan County, neighboring Ajie and Zhala Townships to the west, Guangnan County to the north, and Wuzhu and Nasai in Guangnan County to the east, and Beng’e Township to the south.
• Administrative Division: Comprises 5 village committees, 72 natural villages, and 91 cooperatives. The population includes Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yi, Hui, and Yao ethnic groups.

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• Zhaoyang District

Guoshandong Cave Paleolithic Site in Zhaotong City

Chinese Name: 昭通市过山洞旧时器遗址 English Name: Guoshandong Cave Paleolithic Site in Zhaotong City Overview of the Guoshandong Cave Paleolithic Site The Guoshandong Cave Paleolithic Site is located in the village...

Attractions    Veiw

• Caves
• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Zhaotong
• Zhaoyang District

The Relics of Yeshishan Mountain in Ludian County, Zhaotong

Chinese Name:鲁甸县野石山遗址 English Name:  The Relics of Yeshishan Mountain in Ludian County, Zhaotong Yeshishan Site, Ludian County The Yeshishan Site is located in Yeshicun, Taoyuan Township, Ludian County, Yunnan...

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• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Ludian County
• Zhaotong

Xiaoxinzhai Ancient Road in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Chinese Name: 丘北县小新寨古驿道 English Name: Xiaoxinzhai Ancient Road in Qiubei County, Wenshan Overview The Xiaoxinzhai Ancient Road is located approximately 3 kilometers west of Xiaoxinzhai Village in Daluo Bian...

Attractions    Veiw

• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Qiubei County
• Wenshan

The Relics of Xiaojianshan Cave Culture in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Chinese Name: 丘北县小尖山洞穴文化遗址 English Name: The Relics of Xiaojianshan Cave Culture in Qiubei County, Wenshan Overview The Xiaojianshan Cave Cultural Site is located in Miele Village, Xinzai Village Committee,...

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• Caves
• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Qiubei County
• Wenshan

Xiangbiling Longquanqu Ancient Water Project in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Chinese Name: 丘北县象鼻岭龙泉渠桥背水古水利工程 English Name: Xiangbiling Longquanqu Ancient Water Project in Qiubei County, Wenshan Overview The Xiangbiling Water Project is one of the largest ancient water conservancy projects still...

Attractions    Veiw

• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Pools and Reservoirs
• Qiubei County
• Wenshan

The Relics of Yingpanshan Mountain in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Chinese Name: 丘北县弥勒勒营盘山遗址 English Name: The Relics of Yingpanshan Mountain in Qiubei County, Wenshan Overview The Relics of Yingpanshan Mountain are located atop Yingpanshan Mountain, east of Milele Village...

Attractions    Veiw

• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Qiubei County
• Wenshan

Taiping Bridge in Xichou County, Wenshan

Chinese Name:西畴县牛羊太平桥 English Name:Niuyang Taiping Bridge in Xichou County, Wenshan Niu Yang Taiping Bridge, located in Xingjie Village, Laojie Village, Xichou County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan...

Attractions    Veiw

• Ancient Architectures
• Bridges
• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Wenshan
• Xichou County

The Site of Paleolithic Period of Xianrendong in Xichou County, Wenshan

Chinese Name:西畴县仙人洞旧石器时代遗址 English Name: The Site of Paleolithic Period of Xianrendong in Xichou County, Wenshan Location: The Xianrendong Paleolithic site is located near Xiaoxinzhai Village in Xisa Town, Xichou County,...

Attractions    Veiw

• Caves
• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Wenshan
• Xichou County

The Site of Ameng Meeting in Yanshan County, Wenshan

Chinese Name: 砚山县阿猛会议 English Name: The Site of Ameng Meeting in Yanshan County, Wenshan Location Coordinates: Northeast of Yanshan County, 37 kilometers from the county seat Address: Located in...

Attractions    Veiw

• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Wenshan
• Yanshan County