Exploring Tonghai County: The secret code of niche travel

Tonghai County: A journey through history and nature In the central part of Yunnan, there is a small town kissed by time - Tonghai County, which belongs to Yuxi City. It does not have the hustle and bustle of a big city, but its unique charm attracts countless travelers to explore. Taking advantage of the holiday, I set foot on this charming land and started an unforgettable journey to Tonghai. Tonghai Ancient City: Touching the Veins of Time When I first arrived in Tonghai, I walked straight into Tonghai Ancient City. This ancient city with a history of more than 1,270 years was awarded the title of National Historical and Cultural City in March 2021. Strolling through the historical and cultural districts of Jiuxian and Yucheng, you will be overwhelmed by the ancient and charming atmosphere. There are many shops on the street, and more than 100 ancient houses and historical buildings have been cleverly transformed into homestays, restaurants, and tea bars, full of literary and artistic atmosphere. Walking along the 1.3-kilometer-long bonsai art theme block, you feel like you are in the world of bonsai. Each bonsai is unique and makes people stop to appreciate it. Wenxing Street is filled with a leisurely and comfortable atmosphere. I walked into a specialty snack shop, tasted the local food, and felt the bustling atmosphere of the small town. East Street and West Street are the world of gold and silver jewelry. The exquisite jewelry sparkles in the sun, fully displaying Tonghai's traditional craftsmanship. Xiushan Historical and Cultural Park: Exploring the fusion of nature and culture After leaving the ancient city, I headed to Xiushan Historical and Cultural Park. Xiushan was first built in the Han Dynasty and was expanded and renovated during the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, forming seven ancient building complexes with different styles. As soon as you enter the park, you will see towering ancient trees and lush greenery, as if you have stepped into a green world. Walking slowly along the mountain road, we visited the Yuchengwang Temple, Sanyuan Palace, Puguang Temple, etc. in turn. Each temple has a unique architectural style and profound cultural heritage. The Buddha statues in the temple are solemn and majestic, and the murals are colorful, telling stories of the years. At the Qingliang Terrace, I quietly listened to the ancient music of Tonghai Cave Sutra. The melodious melody traveled through time and space, bringing me into a peaceful and harmonious state. Climbing up to the observation deck, you can have a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Tonghai County, which is refreshing and pleasant. Qilu Lake National Wetland Park: Encounter the beauty of nature After leaving Xiushan, I came to Qilu Lake National Wetland Park. The scenery here is pleasant, with lakes and mountains, and it is an ideal place for bird watching and walking. Strolling along the ecological trail around the lake, the breeze brings the fresh scent of the lake water to your face. The lake surface is sparkling, and seagulls fly by from time to time, adding vitality to the tranquil lake. The bonsai sightseeing garden in the wetland park has bonsai with unique shapes that are dazzling to the eyes. I rented a bicycle and rode along the lake, enjoying the beauty of nature. On the way, local residents enthusiastically told me the story of Qilu Lake, which gave me a deeper understanding of this land. Xingmeng Township: Experience the Mongolian Customs The last stop of my trip to Tonghai was Xingmeng Township, which is the place with the largest number of Mongolian people in Yunnan. As soon as you step into Xingmeng Township, the rich Mongolian style hits you in the face, with white yurts scattered around and the melodious sound of horse-head fiddle floating in the air. I visited the national traditional villages and the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty History and Culture Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Mongolian people. In Baihua Lane, you can admire the traditional Mongolian architecture and exquisite handicrafts, and feel their wisdom and creativity. At noon, we tasted Tai Chi eel, roast duck, barbecue and other special foods. The unique flavors were unforgettable. This trip to Tonghai made me fall deeply in love with this small town. Its history and culture, natural scenery and food customs all left a deep impression on me. Tonghai is like a pearl hidden in central Yunnan, waiting for more people to discover its beauty. If you also long for a trip away from the hustle and bustle and back to nature, Tonghai County is definitely the best choice.