Still exploring Heshun? Let me guide you through the lesser-known ancient town of Tengchong

✅ 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.