The Emerald of Southern Yunnan: Discovering the Legend of Noodles and the Spirit of Scholars at Mengzi Nanhu Park

The "Pearl of the Plateau" in Southern Yunnan

1.Located in the heart of Mengzi: City, the capital of the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, Nanhu Park (South Lake Park) is a shimmering jewel known as the "Pearl of the Plateau." Covering a total area of approximately 410,000 square meters, with a water surface of nearly 300,000 square meters, this park is not merely a scenic spot but the historical and cultural soul of the city. With a history spanning over 1,200 years, Nanhu was originally a marshland where wild grasses flourished. It was excavated into a lake during the Ming Dynasty and has since evolved into a classical Chinese garden that rivals the beauty of the West Lake in Hangzhou, earning it the nickname "Small West Lake of Southern Yunnan." The park is renowned for its tranquil waters, weeping willows, and ancient pavilions, offering a serene escape where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony.

The Cradle of "Crossing the Bridge Noodles"

Nanhu Park is famously celebrated as the birthplace of Yunnan's most iconic dish: Crossing the Bridge Noodles (Guoqiao Mixian). According to local legend, during the Qing Dynasty, a scholar isolated himself on a mid-lake island in Nanhu to study for the imperial examinations. His devoted wife would bring him meals daily, crossing a long wooden bridge to reach him. To keep the soup hot during the journey, she ingeniously covered it with a layer of chicken oil and kept the ingredients separate until serving. This heartwarming story of love and ingenuity not only gave the dish its name but also imbues the park with a romantic cultural legacy. Today, visitors can walk the bridges of Nanhu and imagine the scene of the scholar and his wife, adding a flavorful layer of folklore to the scenic beauty.

A Sanctuary for Scholars and Patriots

Beyond its culinary fame, Nanhu Park holds a profound place in China's modern intellectual history. In 1938, during the Anti-Japanese War, the prestigious National Southwest Associated University (Lianda)—formed by Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nankai University—established a branch in Mengzi. The faculty of Arts and Law, including renowned literary figures like Zhu Ziqing and Wen Yiduo, lived and worked by the shores of Nanhu. The park became their sanctuary for reading, discussion, and contemplation amidst the turmoil of war. Today, traces of this intellectual golden age remain. Visitors can explore the Southwest Associated University Mengzi Campus Memorial Hall, located in the former site of the French Consulate and local gentry homes nearby, and see the Wen Yiduo Pavilion, standing as a tribute to the unyielding spirit of Chinese scholars.

Classical Gardens and Exotic History

2.The architecture within Nanhu: Park is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese garden design. The iconic Yingzhou Pavilion (Yingzhou Ting) stands tall on the central island, a three-story hexagonal structure with flying eaves that offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The islands are connected by graceful dykes and bridges, reminiscent of the Su Causeway in Hangzhou. In summer, the lake is filled with blooming lotus flowers, creating a breathtaking "ink wash painting" effect. Surrounding the park, the city of Mengzi also bears the marks of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway era. In the early 20th century, Mengzi became a bustling customs port, and many foreign consulates and western-style buildings were erected near the lake, blending French architectural flair with the traditional Chinese landscape. This unique mix of "Red Memory" from the university, "Exotic Customs" from the railway era, and ancient garden aesthetics makes Nanhu Park a living museum of Southern Yunnan's rich past.