Yunnan Eighteen Oddities

Yunnan Province, located in southwest China, is known for its unique cultural and environmental characteristics. The Eighteen Oddities of Yunnan (云南十八怪) highlight the region’s distinct traits, customs, and practices that make it a fascinating and unconventional destination. These oddities reflect the region’s diverse ethnic cultures, local traditions, and geographical diversity, making it a place of endless curiosity for travelers. Here’s a detailed look at these quirks:

1. Eggs Are Tied Up and Sold in Rope-Like Clusters

In Yunnan, eggs are often sold in bunches tied together with straw or rope, which serves as a practical and unique method for transporting and selling them.

2. Bamboo Hats Are Used as Wok Lids

Large bamboo hats, commonly worn by locals, are ingeniously repurposed as covers for woks, showcasing the practicality of traditional tools.

3. Three Mosquitoes Make Up a Dish

This saying humorously refers to the large size of mosquitoes in Yunnan, suggesting that just three mosquitoes could be large enough to make a meal.

4. Bamboo is Used to Make Water Pipes for Smoking

Bamboo, which is abundant in the region, is crafted into water pipes used for smoking, highlighting the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the local people.

5. Erkuai (耳块) – A Local Culinary Specialty

Erkuai, a type of rice cake, is a local Yunnan delicacy known for its versatility in cooking. The name “Erkuai” translates to “ear piece,” and it is a staple in the region’s cuisine.

6. The Same Dress Is Worn for All Four Seasons

Yunnan’s diverse climate, which varies with altitude, often sees locals wearing the same type of clothing throughout the year, adapting to the changing temperatures with minimal wardrobe adjustments.

7. Young Girls Are Called “Old Lady”

A unique linguistic custom in Yunnan, young girls are affectionately referred to as “old lady” (老太), a term that reflects the region’s endearing and sometimes humorous expressions.

8. Automobiles Move Faster Than Trains

Due to the mountainous terrain and the layout of Yunnan’s transportation infrastructure, automobiles are often able to travel faster than trains, which is an oddity in many parts of the world.

9. Toes Are Exposed All Year Round

Locals in Yunnan often wear open-toed footwear regardless of the season, reflecting the region’s generally mild climate and laid-back lifestyle.

10. Rain Here but Sunshine There

The weather in Yunnan can change rapidly, with rain falling in one area while another region just a few kilometers away enjoys sunshine. This variation in microclimates is a unique feature of the province.

11. Girls Wear Flowers in All Four Seasons

It is a common tradition in Yunnan for women to wear fresh flowers in their hair, no matter the season, adding to the region’s colorful and vibrant culture.

12. Girls Carry Tobacco Bags

Many women in Yunnan carry small bags of tobacco, a practice deeply rooted in the local customs and social habits, reflecting the agricultural and rural lifestyle of the area.

13. Green Vegetables Are Called “Bitter Vegetables”

Many leafy greens in Yunnan are known as “bitter vegetables” due to their distinctive bitter taste, which is highly appreciated in local cuisine.

14. Grannies Climb Mountains Faster Than Monkeys

Elderly women in Yunnan are known for their surprising agility and stamina, often seen climbing mountains with incredible speed, even faster than monkeys, a playful yet proud local saying.

15. Trains Go Abroad but Not Inland

Yunnan’s railways are designed more for international connections to neighboring countries than for extensive domestic routes, which is why trains often travel abroad rather than inland.

16. Monks Can Have Love Affairs

Unlike in many other regions, some monks in Yunnan do not strictly adhere to celibacy, which reflects the region’s more relaxed religious practices and cultural diversity.

17. Children Are Raised by Men

Due to the hard-working nature of women in Yunnan, it is common for men to take on significant roles in child-rearing and household management.

18. Automobiles Move in the Clouds

Many of Yunnan’s roads are located at high altitudes, giving the impression that vehicles are driving through the clouds, adding a mystical and picturesque element to travel in the region.

Additional Oddities in Yunnan

These are other quirky elements that appear in various versions of the Yunnan Oddities list:

19. Stone Grows in the Clouds

Referring to the Stone Forest (Shilin), where towering limestone formations look as if they’re emerging from the clouds.

20. Locusts or Grasshoppers Are Eaten as a Delicacy

Insects, especially locusts and grasshoppers, are considered a delicacy in Yunnan, often served as snacks or in dishes.

21. Fresh Flowers Are Served as a Vegetable

Some flowers are commonly incorporated into local cuisine, used in salads or cooked dishes, adding a unique and floral touch to meals.

22. Water and Fire Are Worshipped as Gods

Water and fire hold spiritual significance in many of Yunnan’s ethnic traditions, often worshipped in local rituals.

23. People Sing Rather Than Speak

In some of Yunnan’s ethnic communities, singing is a preferred method of communication, blending the art of music and dialogue.

24. Tea Leaves Are Sold in Piles

Yunnan is famous for its tea, which is often sold in large quantities at local markets, allowing buyers to purchase in bulk.

25. Non-Slanting Walls Are Built with Cobblestones

Unique to Yunnan’s architecture, cobblestone walls are often constructed without slanting, combining both aesthetic appeal and stability.

26. Keys Are Hung on Waist Belts

Locals often carry keys attached to their waist belts for convenience, a practical and common practice in the region.

27. Small, Lean Horses Are Hard-Working

Despite their small size, the horses in Yunnan are known for their endurance and strength, making them highly capable and valued animals.

28. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Are Available in All Four Seasons

Thanks to Yunnan’s favorable climate, the region enjoys the availability of fresh produce year-round, making it a food lover’s paradise.

Chinese Version: