Perhaps named for the way its mountains seem joined together, Lianshan is a place rich in history. Today, we are going to explore Lianshan. It is more than just a name on a map.
Lianshan is located in southwest Sichuan Province. It sits within the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. This vast area covers 60423 square kilometers. That is about 23329 square miles.
The prefecture is home to over 4 million people. The population was about 4286000. This includes diverse groups like the Yi, Han, and Tibetan people.
To truly understand Lianshan, we must know a bit about Liangshan. Liangshan was once inhabited by Qiongdu tribes. This was long before the Qin and Han dynasties. The Liangshan Yi Autonomous Region was established in 1952. Later, it became an autonomous prefecture.
Getting to Lianshan is now easier than ever. Xichang Qingshan Airport is nearby. It offers flights to major cities across China. From Chengdu, you can fly in about 50 minutes. Trains take about 10 hours. Buses are also available for travel.
The weather in Lianshan is unique. It has distinct dry and wet seasons. Winters are temperate and dry. Summers are rainy and cloudy. The average temperature ranges from 16 to 17 degrees Celsius. That is about 60.8 to 62.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The area receives plenty of sunlight.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Liangshan is its culture. It is the largest compact community of Yi people in China. The Yi people number over 1.7 million. Some tribes in the mountains still practice open marriage. This is a custom from their matriarchal society.
Liangshan offers unique local products. You can savor Tuo Tuo Rou. These are big pieces of meat. You can also try Guo Tie Ru Bing. These are fried dairy cake pieces. Local fruits include apples, pomegranates, and oranges.
The physical landscape of Liangshan is dramatic. Mountains and highlands make up over 90% of the land. Peaks rise over 4000 meters. That is about 13123 feet above sea level. This creates a striking plateau and savanna landscape.
The Torch Festival is a major event. It is celebrated by the Yi ethnic minority. It takes place in early to mid-August. Dancing flames light up the night.
Interestingly, Liangshan has a sister city in Australia. It is Hervey Bay, Queensland. It also has ties with Gilbert, Arizona, in the United States. These connections show Liangshan’s global reach.
The story of Lianshan is interwoven with the broader history of China. Its unique blend of cultures and stunning landscapes makes it a place of wonder. As we continue our tour, remember the rich heritage of Lianshan.