Overview

 

Heqing County (鹤庆县) is located in the northeast of Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Known as the “Gateway to Northwest Yunnan”, it serves as an important connection between Dali, Lijiang, and Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. With its rich history, flourishing traditional crafts, and picturesque natural environment, Heqing is often called “the hometown of silverware in China”.

 

Geography and Location

 

Coordinates: Between 26°10′–26°42′ N latitude and 100°01′–100°41′ E longitude.

 

Area: About 2,395 km².

 

Elevation: The county lies on the Heqing Basin, averaging around 2,190 meters above sea level, with surrounding mountains exceeding 3,000 meters.

 

Neighboring Regions: Borders Jianchuan County to the west, Lijiang to the north, and Eryuan County to the south.

 

The county is well-situated on the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), which greatly influenced its cultural and economic development.

 

Population and Ethnic Groups

 

Population: Around 250,000 people.

 

Ethnic Composition: Predominantly Han and Bai, with smaller groups of Yi, Hui, and others.

 

Cultural Heritage: The Bai people’s traditions, including architecture, festivals, and handicrafts, play a significant role in local identity.

 

History

 

Heqing has a history stretching back to the Han Dynasty, and its name has been preserved since the Tang Dynasty. It was an important stop on the Tea Horse Road, which made it a center for trade and cultural exchange.

 

Historically, Heqing became famous for its metalwork and silverware craftsmanship, which has been passed down for over 600 years and remains a key feature of local culture.

 

Economy

 

Agriculture: Grain, vegetables, tobacco, walnuts, and medicinal herbs are major agricultural products. The Heqing plateau climate provides favorable conditions for crops.

 

Handicrafts: The county is most renowned for Heqing Silverware (鹤庆银器), regarded as one of China’s finest traditional metal crafts. Handmade silver jewelry, teapots, and ornaments are prized both domestically and internationally.

 

Tourism: With cultural heritage and natural beauty, tourism is a growing sector.

 

Industry: Mining and small-scale industries also contribute to the economy.

 

Culture and Traditions

 

Silverware Culture: Heqing is officially recognized as “China’s Hometown of Silverware”, and its craftsmanship was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

 

Folk Festivals: Traditional Bai festivals such as the Third Month Fair (三月街) and Torch Festival (火把节) are celebrated.

 

Architecture: Traditional Bai residences with white walls, black tiles, and intricately carved gates can be seen in rural villages.

 

Tourist Attractions

 

Heqing Ancient Town (鹤庆古城) – Preserves Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, markets, and old streets.

 

Heqing Silverware Workshops (鹤庆银器作坊) – Visitors can observe and participate in traditional silver-making.

 

Jinliang River (金梁河) – Known for its scenic valley and crystal-clear waters.

 

Mountains and Basins: The Heqing Basin is surrounded by verdant mountains, offering hiking and photography opportunities.

 

Cultural Experience Villages: Villages like Xinhua Village (新华村) are renowned for silver-making and cultural tourism.

 

Transportation

 

Road: National Highway G214 passes through Heqing, linking it to Dali (160 km) and Lijiang (40 km).

 

Railway: The Dali–Lijiang Railway improves access to major cities.

 

Air: The nearest airport is Lijiang Sanyi Airport, about 50 km away.

 

Notable Features

 

Heqing Silverware is often called “the living fossil of Chinese metal crafts”, representing exquisite manual techniques.

 

Strategic Location: Serves as a cultural and commercial hub connecting Dali and Lijiang.

 

Blend of Nature and Culture: Offers both scenic landscapes and vibrant ethnic traditions.

 

Summary:

Heqing County, with its unique blend of ancient trade history, Bai culture, exquisite silver craftsmanship, and natural beauty, is an important cultural and economic center in northern Dali Prefecture. It is a place where tradition and modernity meet, making it a fascinating destination for history lovers, craft enthusiasts, and travelers seeking authentic Yunnan culture.