Talong Village of Yisa Town in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture

Talong Village (他竜村) Cultural Panorama 🌲

Talong Village (他竜村) is located on the slopes along the Menglong River in Yisa Town (迤萨镇), Honghe County (红河县), Yunnan Province. Shaped like a horseshoe around the mountain, this ancient village is primarily Han Chinese but retains a Yi-language name, meaning “land surrounded by green pines.” With a history of over 400 years, it was recognized in 2020 as part of China’s Traditional Villages. The village preserves 37 intricately carved ancient houses, 1.2 kilometers of bluestone alleyways, and remnants of city gates, reflecting a unique history of caravan culture and Han-Yi cultural integration.

Historical Background 📜

Village Origins

Talong Village (他竜村) was settled in the late Ming Dynasty due to the abundant water and grazing land. The Yi name “Jiduhai” hints at early nature worship practices. Another legend suggests that the presence of livestock made this area suitable for settlement, giving rise to the name “Talong,” symbolizing community gathering.

Caravan Legacy

Once a stop along ancient trade routes, the village still bears hoof-print trails (up to 3 cm deep) and streets named with moral reminders, such as “Chongren Street” and “Huiguo Street.” In 1914, Zhu De’s army passed through on the anti-opium campaign, staying at the Qian Family Compound (钱家大院) and presenting a commemorative plaque.

Architecture & Heritage 🏯

Spatial Layout

The village follows a horseshoe-shaped layout along the mountainside. Existing remains include five gate structures (with only the “Overstreet Gate” preserved) and 37 Ming and Qing dynasty houses, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles.

Core Heritage Sites

• Qian Family Compound (钱家大院): Houses Zhu De’s horse-tethering stone and Republican-era couplets; a protected cultural unit of Honghe County.

• Confucian Temple Site (文庙遗址): The earliest educational institution in Honghe County, preserving Qing dynasty steles.

• Bluestone Ancient Path (青石板古道): Extending 1.2 kilometers, includes historical alleys like Zhengyi Street and Huiguo Street.

Customs & Culture 👥

Festivals

The traditional Torch Festival celebrates nature worship. Recently, villagers have revived oral histories of caravan culture.

Cultural Values

Street names such as “Baoxiao Street” reflect Confucian moral principles, influencing generations of villagers.

Preservation Status 🛡️

Restoration Efforts

Twenty-one ancient houses have been reinforced, 160 meters of ancient paths and three sections of city wall have been restored, and each household is equipped with fire extinguishers.

Cultural & Tourism Integration

Talong Village (他竜村) promotes “Ancient Post Town Pearl” tourism, opening sites like the Qian Family Compound and integrating ecological tea gardens for immersive experiences.

Travel Guide 🏞️

Transportation

Self-driving from Honghe County town takes about 30 minutes on winding mountain roads. Use navigation to “Talong Village (他竜村).”

Core Experiences

• Explore the Qian Family Compound (钱家大院) and trace Zhu De’s footsteps.

• Walk along ancient bluestone paths and discover historic hoof prints.

• Climb the Overstreet Gate to overlook the Menglong River Valley.

• Participate in tea harvesting in spring or enjoy cloud seas over terraced fields in autumn.

Tips

The village has no commercial accommodations. It is recommended to stay in Yisa Ancient Town (迤萨古镇) homestays and sample local specialties like Honghe-style grilled tofu and wild vegetable soup.

Amidst green pines, Talong Village (他竜村) preserves the legacy of caravan trails, commemorates patriotism on plaques, and awaits travelers to experience the quiet yet rich history under the eaves where Han and Yi cultures meet. 🌄