Unlike most ancient streets in China, Qiaojie Street in Liping, Guizhou Province is famous for “red tourism”.
The site of the Liping Conference — the first meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China during the Long March — is commemorated at the center of the street. Today, it’s both a spot to learn about Liping’s ethnic culture and to experience the legacy of revolution.
Qiaojie Street in Liping County. [Yang Daifu for Discover China]With a 600-year history and 380,000 ethnic Dong residents, Liping is known as the biggest Dong county in China. The Hui-style ancient buildings that line Qiaojie Street display the unique culture of the area. Stores sell Dong ethnic products including traditional clothing and silver ornaments. Vendors sell local snacks, tea and medicine. Museums display the folk arts and crafts.
Hui-style architecture along Qiaojie Street, Liping County. [Yang Daifu for Discover China]Jiurutang herbal medicine shop on Qiaojie Street, Liping County. [Yang Daifu for Discover China]Guizhou-Hunan-Guangxi Ethnic Indigo Culture Museum in Qiaojie Street, Liping County. [Zhang Yunyun/Discover China]A two-floor building in the middle part of the street was once the site of Jiangxi guildhall. Based on a relic wall of the guildhall, Liping Conference Memorial Hall was established in 2009 to commemorate the Liping Conference of December 18, 1934, when the Red Army arrived in the town – the first stop of the Long March in Guichou. The actual site of the conference stands opposite to the building.
The Site of the Liping Conference in Qiaojie Street, Liping County. [Yang Daifu for Discover China]Liping Conference Memorial Hall in Qiaojie Street, Liping County. [Zhang Yunyun/Discover China]At the Liping Conference the Red Army decided to change their route for the Long March, which saved a significant part of the Red Army military force by escaping the enemy’s siege in neighboring Hunan. At the Liping Conference Memorial Hall and the site of the Liping Conference, visitors can learn more about the Long March. An exhibit of cultural relics also presents some of the hardships of that period.