Overview

Shiping County (石屏县), located in the western part of Honghe Prefecture, is a historically rich and culturally vibrant area in southeastern Yunnan. Known across China as the “Hometown of Tofu” and a cradle of ancient southern Yunnan civilization, Shiping is famous for its traditional tofu cuisine, Confucian heritage, ethnic diversity, and scenic plateau lakes.

 

It serves as a bridge between the Han-dominated central Yunnan and the ethnically diverse southern regions, making it a melting pot of Han, Yi, and Dai cultures.

 

Geography and Climate

Location: Western Honghe Prefecture, about 220 km southeast of Kunming

 

Topography: Mountainous terrain interspersed with basins, lakes, and valleys

 

Key Natural Features:

 

Yilong Lake (异龙湖) – one of Yunnan’s famous plateau lakes

 

Stone Forest Karst Formations and red-soiled hills

 

Elevation: ~1,300 meters

 

Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate with mild winters and warm summers

 

Average Annual Temperature: ~18°C

 

Annual Rainfall: ~800–1,200 mm

 

Historical and Cultural Background

Shiping has over 1,000 years of history, with roots as a strategic military and cultural site since the Tang and Song Dynasties

 

Historically known as "Yunnan's Southern Gateway", it played a key role in trade and cultural transmission

 

It was once an important Confucian educational center and remains known for its scholarly traditions and stone-carved inscriptions

 

Key Cultural and Scenic Attractions

Yilong Lake (异龙湖)

A highland freshwater lake surrounded by farmland, villages, and wetlands

 

Important for birdwatching and ecological conservation

 

Site of cultural festivals, lotus viewing, and boating experiences

 

Shiping Confucian Temple (石屏文庙)

One of the best-preserved county-level Confucian temples in Yunnan

 

Reflects traditional southern Chinese architecture with elegant gates, halls, and courtyards

 

Central to Shiping’s identity as a “County of Education and Rites”

 

Ancient Stone Archways and Villages

The county boasts numerous stone pavilions, memorial arches, and historical homes

 

Many villages retain Qing dynasty architecture and rural Confucian elements

 

Longwu Village (龙武村) is a noted historical site with ancestral halls and stone bridges

 

Lü Family Ancestral Hall (吕氏宗祠)

Honors the prestigious Lü family, known for producing scholars and officials

 

Site of ceremonies and traditional performances

 

Yi and Dai Minority Villages

Shiping is home to vibrant Yi and Dai communities

 

Villages feature traditional festivals, costumes, bamboo houses, and dances like the “Axi Tiaoyue” (Axi Moon Dance)

 

Tofu Culture – National Reputation

Shiping is nationally renowned for its tofu, particularly:

 

Shiping Tofu (石屏豆腐) – soft, firm, or dried tofu made using mineral-rich spring water from local mountains

 

Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) – fermented and grilled, a local delicacy

 

Tofu Banquets – dozens of dishes made entirely from tofu: tofu soup, tofu skin rolls, tofu meatballs, etc.

 

Shiping has been designated as the “Hometown of Chinese Tofu Cuisine” by national food associations.

 

Festivals and Intangible Heritage

Shiping Tofu Culture Festival – includes cooking competitions, markets, tofu sculpture exhibitions

 

Yi Torch Festival – bonfire dances, singing, bullfighting

 

Shiping Folk Songs and Opera – traditional local music and Yunnan opera performances

 

Stone Inscriptions – cliffs and temple walls around Shiping preserve ancient Chinese calligraphy, making it a living museum of writing styles

 

Economy and Agriculture

Tofu production and related industries (fermentation, dried tofu, tofu snacks) form a major part of the local economy

 

Agricultural Products:

 

Rice, tobacco, sugarcane, vegetables

 

Yilong Lake fishery products (carp, shrimp, lotus root)

 

Emerging sectors:

 

Eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and green agriculture

 

Development of specialty tofu exports, online tofu brands, and food processing zones

 

Ethnic Diversity

Shiping is a multi-ethnic area with the following groups:

 

Han (majority)

 

Yi (especially Black Yi and White Yi branches)

 

Dai, Miao, and others

 

Each group contributes to the county’s vibrant traditions in dress, language, and festivals.

 

Transportation

Rail: Shiping is a stop on the Yuxi–Mengzi Railway, linking it to Ku