A Millennium of Lotus and History: The Flower-Filled Lanes of Yao'an Guanglu Ancient Town

The "First Famous Town of Central Yunnan"

1.Located in the northwest of: Yao'an County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Guanglu Ancient Town is a historical gem that has witnessed over a thousand years of prosperity. Historically known as "Nongdong" in the past, it served as the political, economic, and cultural center of the region during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. It was the hereditary fiefdom of the prestigious Gao Clan (famous for the saying "Nine Gaos governed the country, spanning generations of heroes"), making it a pivotal location in the history of Yunnan. Unlike the bustling commercialism of Lijiang or Dali, Guanglu retains a serene, scholarly atmosphere, earning it the reputation of being a "Town of Culture" and the "First Famous Town of Central Yunnan." The town is surrounded by mountains and rivers, offering a perfect blend of pastoral beauty and deep cultural heritage.

A Unique "Hui" Shaped Layout

One of the most distinctive architectural features of Guanglu Ancient Town is its layout. The town was meticulously designed in the shape of the Chinese character "回" (Hui), which means "return" or "revolve." This unique structure is rarely seen in ancient Chinese town planning. The streets and lanes are arranged in a grid that connects north to south and east to west, creating a labyrinthine yet orderly flow. Walking through the town, visitors can admire the well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, characterized by their "concave" roofs, flying eaves, and intricate wood carvings. The slate-paved roads, worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, wind through the ancient residential areas, leading travelers past old shops, ancestral halls, and quiet courtyards that whisper tales of the town's glorious past.

The Sea of Thousand-Mu Lotus Flowers

Guanglu is not just about history; it is also a place of breathtaking natural beauty, most notably its Lotus scenery. The town is famous for its "Thousand-Mu Lotus Pond" (approx. 66 hectares). Every summer, particularly from June to September, the fields surrounding the ancient town transform into a vast ocean of green leaves and pink blossoms. This spectacular view attracts photographers and nature lovers from all over. Walking along the wooden boardwalks that cut through the lotus fields, visitors are enveloped in the fresh scent of flowers and the cool breeze, creating a sharp, poetic contrast with the grey tiles and white walls of the ancient buildings in the background. It is a scene straight out of a traditional Chinese watercolor painting.

A Convergence of Three Religions

2.Guanglu Ancient: Town is a rare sanctuary where Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism have coexisted harmoniously for centuries. The town is home to the majestic Longhua Temple (Longhua Si), which sits on the slopes of Fushan Mountain overlooking the town. Founded during the Tang Dynasty and expanded over the centuries, it is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist temples in the region. The temple complex is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and ancient trees. Additionally, the town hosts the Wenchang Palace, dedicated to the god of culture and literature, reflecting the locals' high regard for education and learning. This spiritual diversity adds a layer of profound tranquility to the town, inviting visitors to reflect and find peace amidst the history.