[2025 Tengchong Attraction] Travel Guide for Qiluo Wenchang Palace (Updated Apr)

| Ancient Town Wenchang Palace. On the third day in Heshun Ancient Town, I finally visited Wenchang Palace. It is connected to the Heshun Library. Admission is free. The entire Wenchang Palace is not big. It enshrines Emperor Wenchang, who is in charge of studies. The overall architecture is well preserved. There are almost no tourists during the off-season. Slowly visit the ancient buildings here. With the sunny weather in Heshun Ancient Town, sitting here in a daze is another kind of life.

🌈Highlights: Qiluo Ancient Town, a hidden gem nestled in the border region of Tengchong, Yunnan, preserves an authentic and unspoiled way of life. Compared to the renowned Heshun Ancient Town, Qiluo offers a more pristine and tranquil experience. Once a favorite destination of the renowned traveler Xu Xiake, every corner of Qiluo exudes a rich historical charm. The town's architectural style blends traditional Bai ethnic features with the essence of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, creating a rustic yet grand atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. 🚗Getting There: Qiluo Ancient Town is easily accessible by car or public transport. From downtown Tengchong, it's about a half-hour drive through picturesque scenery. Alternatively, take a bus from the Tengchong Passenger Transport Station, which takes approximately one hour. Whichever way you choose, reaching this timeless town is a breeze. 👍️Must-See Attractions: 1. Wenchang Palace: An iconic landmark of Qiluo, Wenchang Palace dates back to the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty and is considered a masterpiece of traditional Tengchong architecture. Although currently under renovation and closed to the public, its majestic exterior and intricate details are still a sight to behold. 2. Qiluo Library: Established in the fourth year of the Republic of China (around 1915), Qiluo Library predates Heshun Library by about 10 years, making it a true "century-old library." Its extensive collection makes it an ideal place to delve into local history and culture. 3. Caravan Courtyard: A historical microcosm of the Tea Horse Road, the Caravan Courtyard houses a museum dedicated to caravan culture. It showcases the customs and arduous journeys of the caravans, immersing visitors in this glorious chapter of history. 4. Market: Every morning from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm, Qiluo Ancient Town comes alive with a bustling market. Here, you'll find a wide array of goods, from fresh produce to traditional handicrafts. If you want to experience the vibrant local life, a visit to the market is a must. 🚩Tips for Avoiding Queues: Qiluo Ancient Town generally sees fewer tourists, so queues are rarely a concern. However, to protect the town's cultural relics, visitors should adhere to regulations and refrain from touching or damaging any artifacts. 👍️Why Visit: Qiluo Ancient Town's unique architectural style, rich history, and tranquil rural atmosphere make it a unique travel destination. Escape the urban hustle and embrace the serenity and beauty of this ancient town. It's also a photographer's paradise, offering endless opportunities to capture stunning architectural and cultural shots. 📅Suggested Itinerary: Plan to spend at least one day in Qiluo Ancient Town to fully immerse yourself in its history, culture, and local customs. In the morning, visit Wenchang Palace, Qiluo Library, and the Caravan Courtyard to learn about the town's historical background and cultural heritage. In the afternoon, explore the market, savor local delicacies, and browse for unique handicrafts. In the evening, stay at a local guesthouse to experience rural life. 🍜Food Recommendations: Qiluo Ancient Town's cuisine features local specialties such as Tengchong pickled cabbage fish, beef hot pot, and pickled pig's feet. These dishes are renowned for their unique flavors and traditional preparation methods. You can also find small food stalls and tea houses offering traditional snacks and beverages. 🏨Accommodation: Accommodation options in Qiluo Ancient Town are relatively basic but affordable and offer a unique atmosphere. Choose from local guesthouses or inns to experience the tranquility of rural life. These establishments typically provide basic amenities such as beds, toiletries, and hot water. Their unique decor and layout often reflect the town's historical and cultural heritage. 💗Other Tips: 1. Clothing: Qiluo Ancient Town is located in a mountainous area with a cool climate, so dress warmly and comfortably. Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent to protect yourself from the sun and insects. 2. Photography: The town's architecture and cultural landscapes offer excellent photo opportunities. Bring your camera or phone with ample storage and battery life. Shoot during daylight hours for optimal lighting. 3. Shopping: When buying handicrafts at the market, compare prices and quality from different vendors. Inquire about materials and craftsmanship to avoid counterfeit or inferior products. 4. Safety: While Qiluo Ancient Town is generally safe, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like the market or popular attractions. Stay vigilant against theft or scams.

Baoshan is not a transit station The original plan was to drive directly from Dali to Tengchong and have lunch in Baoshan. However, the 2-hour mountain road made both the baby and the dad vomit. So we decided to stay in Baoshan for one night and leave the next day. We chose Qinghuahai Guanfang Garden Hotel. There is a private hot spring in the room. It is pure, 60℃ hot spring water. You can soak in it whenever you want. It is really the right choice for bringing children. The children didn’t want to leave after soaking in the hot spring, so we extended the room for another day. . Opposite the hotel is Qinghuahai Wetland Park, where you can take your children to watch ducks or climb up to the Yongziqi Tower to see the entire park. . Taibaoshan Park, drive directly to the top of the mountain, there are many fitness equipment that have not been seen elsewhere, you should start from Yiluo Pond at the bottom of the mountain and go up, we couldn’t find a place to park. . Qinglong Street is actually not very interesting. People drink papaya juice there and eat egg cakes there. It is just a newly built antique-style street. . I went to Jinji Ancient Town just to eat pocket tofu. It is a very short street, but it is really old and it is an ancient street where people actually live. There is also a revolutionary memorial site inside the Wenchang Palace. In terms of food, Yongchang Huopiao is just so-so, a bit salty, and they charge random fees. I suggest that people who go there should check the menu before settling the bill, and don't be charged for everything. Golden Chicken Pocket Tofu is highly recommended. The stew is very unique. The other dishes are also very delicious and the portions are large.

✅ In Tengchong, many visitors who come for Heshun Ancient Town often turn back due to the high ticket prices and the overly commercialized atmosphere. However, besides Heshun, there is another equally beautiful hometown of overseas Chinese—Qiluo. Qiluo Ancient Town got its name because the river in front of the village is ribbon-like, resembling fine silk. Xu Xiake, a traveler from the Ming Dynasty, once praised this place as 'bamboo trees leaning on the stream, fields and ravines winding, also a secluded mirror in the clouds'. 1⃣ Qiluo Wenchang Palace (National Level IV): Built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, it has undergone several renovations and expansions in the Qing Dynasty, integrating the regulations of Confucian temples and Taoist temples. The architecture mostly uses catalpa wood, and its stone and woodwork, as well as the painted beams and frames, fully demonstrate the local high level of craftsmanship. ps. Wenchang Palace has not been open for more than ten years, but you can still take beautiful photos from the outside. 2⃣ Li Family Mansion: It was the former residence of Li Xianhe, a wealthy merchant from Qiluo at the end of the Qing Dynasty. Li Xianhe started his business in Qiluo, made a fortune in the jade business in Myanmar, and married a niece of the Burmese king. His business covered various places in China and Myanmar. Later, he was awarded the title of Tongzhi Prefect. The mansion largely retains the layout of the late Qing Dynasty, with particularly exquisite wood carvings. ps. Li Family Mansion is privately operated, with an admission fee of 20 yuan, and free guided tours are provided. 3⃣ Shuiying Temple (City Protected): Located at the foot of Shuiwei Mountain in lower Qiluo. It has always been known as 'Shuiying Temple, the temple reflects the water, the water flows in the temple,' and is praised as one of the eight great ancient temples of Tengchong. Founded in the third year of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, Xu Xiake once stayed here. Most of the existing buildings in the temple are from the late Qing Dynasty. ps. Shuiying Temple has a very scenic view, and the Jade Emperor Pavilion on the mountain top is the best spot to overlook Qiluo Ancient Town. 4⃣ Li Zhen Guo's Former Residence: The former residence of Li Zhen Guo, an important participant in the Margary Affair, is a traditional Tengchong residence from the late Qing Dynasty. 5⃣ Nan Liu's Former Residence: The former residence of Liu Can, a wealthy merchant from Qiluo, was one of the five famous family businesses in Tengchong during the Republic of China period. The various houses are connected by corridors, forming a quadrangle courtyard with turning horse-head walls. During the war against Japan, it was the command post of the 5th Regiment of the 2nd Reserve Division of the 6th Army of the 11th Group Army of the Expeditionary Force. ps. Now it operates a private restaurant, serving freshly cooked dishes instead of pre-made meals, and the taste is fantastic! 6⃣ Horse Caravan Courtyard: The unique horse caravan culture of Qiluo was created by the horse caravans that traveled on the Yunchang Road of the ancient Southwest Silk Road. The Horse Caravan Courtyard used to be an inn for the caravans to rest, and now it has become a store for experiencing horse caravan culture, with a small exhibition about the culture inside. 7⃣ Qiluo Library: Known as 'China's No. 1 Village Library,' it once held more than 20,000 books. Unfortunately, the Qiluo Library was looted when Tengchong fell in 1942, and it was not until the 1980s that it was restored. ps. The library closes at four in the afternoon, so remember to come early. 8⃣ Guanyin Temple: According to the stone inscriptions in the temple, there was already a temple during the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty. It was rebuilt during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty and was renovated again during the Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Guangxu periods. The temple complex is complete, with most of the buildings from the late Qing Dynasty. The most precious are the historical steles and plaques preserved in the temple. Recommended tour route: Wenchang Palace - Li Family Mansion - Shuiying Temple - Li Zhen Guo's Former Residence - Library - Guanyin Temple - Horse Caravan Courtyard - Nan Liu's Former Residence.