The Village of Culture and Books: Discovering the Scholarly Charm of Qiluo Ancient Town

A Hidden Gem of Culture and Tranquility

Located approximately 4 kilometers southeast of Tengchong City in Yunnan Province, Qiluo Ancient Town is a serene and historically rich village often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Heshun. Unlike the bustling tourist spots, Qiluo retains a quiet, authentic atmosphere where history lives in the daily lives of its residents. The town is renowned as a "Village of Culture" and a "Village of Overseas Chinese," famous for its deep-rooted scholarly traditions and the impressive number of talents it has produced throughout history. Walking through Qiluo is like stepping back in time; the narrow, winding streets are paved with original stone slabs that have been polished smooth by centuries of footsteps. Flanking these paths are traditional farmhouses interspersed with the declining yet majestic courtyards of former wealthy families. These structures, characterized by green tiles, blue bricks, and heavy eaves, reveal the town's glorious past. The exquisite wood carvings, intricate calligraphy, and paintings collected within these homes reflect the enduring legacy of a community that values education and art above all else,.

The Legend of "One Village, Two Masters"

Qiluo is not just a collection of old houses; it is a testament to the Confucian tradition of prioritizing literature and education. The town is famously known for the saying "One Village, Two Masters" (referring to a martial master and a literary master), highlighting its historical importance in cultivating both military and scholarly talents. The heart of this cultural heritage is the Qiluo Library (Qiluo Tushuguan). Founded by local gentry and Overseas Chinese, this library is a spiritual sanctuary for the villagers. It houses a collection of over 70,000 books, including nearly 10,000 rare ancient books and scripts. The library boasts inscriptions from renowned historical figures such as Hu Shi, Xiong Xiling, and Liao Chengzhi, marking it as a significant cultural landmark in rural China. Next to the library stands the Wenchang Palace (Wenchang Gong), a temple dedicated to the deity of culture and literature. This architectural complex serves as the "cradle of education" for the village, where generations of students have prayed for academic success and wisdom. The preservation of these institutions demonstrates the villagers' unwavering respect for knowledge and their commitment to passing down their heritage.

A Living Museum of Ming and Qing Architecture

1.The architectural landscape of: Qiluo offers a visual feast for history and architecture enthusiasts. As you wander deeper into the village, you will encounter a sudden expanse of open space revealing a cluster of magnificent buildings. The town preserves a large number of Ming and Qing dynasty structures that are noted for their sophisticated design and craftsmanship. The houses often feature "Three Bays and One Screen Wall" or "Four Joins and Five Patios" layouts, typical of the classic styles found in the Tengchong region but with a distinct scholarly elegance. The intricate carvings on doors and windows, along with the calligraphy adorning the walls, tell stories of the families who lived there. Despite the passage of time, the "legacy of ancient styles" remains palpable. Whether it is the moss-covered stone bridges or the quiet courtyards filled with flowers, Qiluo presents a harmonious blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity. It is a place where one can escape the noise of the modern world and find peace in the whispers of history,.