Zhaotong Ancient Town-scenic-Zhaotong Ancient Town

Located in the northeast of Yunnan Province, bordering Sichuan and Guizhou provinces, Zhaotong stands at a strategic point along the Southern Silk Road. Known as the first stop where Central Plain culture entered Yunnan, it has been referred to as the "Lock of Southern Yunnan" and the "Throat of Western Shu." Emperor Wu of Han established Zhushí County here in 135 BCE, which lasted until 625 CE during the Tang Dynasty, spanning 760 years. From the Tang to the early Qing Dynasty, it was known as Wumeng for about 1100 years. In the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Zhaotong, a name that has persisted to this day.

Establishment: The ancient city of Zhaotong was built in 1732 during the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty. It was expanded in the early years of the Republic of China, gradually forming its current layout.
City Dimensions: The total area of the ancient city is 2.3 square kilometers, with a core area of 0.54 square kilometers. The city plan resembles a turtle shape, fortified with brick walls and featuring four city gates and four watchtowers.

Fuzhen Gate (抚镇门): Named for its eastern connection to Zhenxiong.
Ningmen Gate (宁门): Facing south towards Weining.
Jichuan Gate (济川门): Connecting west to Dongchuan and northwest to Sichuan.
Qumamen Gate (趣马门): Leading north to Malake. Moats were constructed around the southeast and west gates, but not the north gate.

Yuanmenkou (辕门口): The central administrative district of the ancient city.
Major Streets: Steep Street, Yunxing Street, Beizheng Street, and Qiwén Street connect the four city gates. Fuzhen Gate, Qumamen Gate, and Jichuan Gate were rebuilt in 2008.

Economic Boom: Since the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong period, the transportation of copper from Yunnan to Beijing ("Dian Tong Jing Yun") significantly boosted Zhaotong's development. Merchants flocked to the city, leading to a thriving commerce sector. This period saw significant investment from merchants across the country, contributing profoundly to Zhaotong's social and economic landscape.
Local Proverb: The saying "Endless goods flow out of Zhaotong, never filling Xufu" reflects the prosperity of Zhaotong's industry and commerce during the Qianlong and Jiaqing eras.

Republican Era Development: Under the leadership of prominent figures like Long Yun and Lu Han, Zhaotong experienced further industrial and commercial growth. Urban construction also advanced, particularly in the 1930s with the completion of Yunxing Street and Guojie Lou, alongside the widening of Steep Street and West Street. French-style arcades replaced traditional storefronts on both sides of these streets, creating a unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. This era earned Zhaotong the nickname "Little Kunming."