Ameng Town of Yanshan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Ameng Town (阿猛镇) is located in the northeastern part of Yanshan County (砚山县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Wuzhu Township (伍珠乡), Zhulin Town (珠琳镇), and Nasa Township (那洒乡) of Guangnan County (广南县) to the east, Bang’e Township (蚌峨乡) to the south, Zhela Township (者腊乡), Ganhe Township (干河乡), and Weimo Township (维摩乡) to the west, and Tianxing Township (天星乡) of Qiubei County (丘北县) to the north. The town government is located in Ameng Village (阿猛村), about 37 kilometers from the Yanshan county seat, covering a total area of 529.4 square kilometers.

History and Culture

The name “Ameng (阿猛)” originates from the Yi people’s Amu Clan (阿母部), whose name later evolved through transliteration. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, the area belonged to Baoning County (宝宁县) of Guangnan (广南). In the Republic of China era, Ameng’s administrative status changed several times. In 1944, Ameng Town (阿猛镇) was formally established. In 1950, it belonged to District 1 of Yanshan County. In 1958, it was merged into Wenshan County. After Yanshan County was restored in 1961, Ameng District (阿猛区) was re-established. In 1988, it was officially renamed Ameng Town (阿猛镇).

Local Customs

Ameng Town (阿猛镇) is home to many ethnic groups, including Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yi, Hui, and Yao. The Yi people have a rich cultural heritage, and the traditional “Torch Festival (火把节)” is celebrated on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. It is a major festival for celebrating harvest and offering blessings.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Ameng Town (阿猛镇) features a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, and a noticeable vertical climate variation. The average annual temperature is 16.3°C, with a frost-free period of about 303 days and an average annual rainfall of 1,093 mm. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is most pleasant.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entry Fees

Ameng Conference Site

  • Visiting Time: 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: Located within Ameng Central Primary School (阿猛镇中心小学校), this was the site of the expanded meeting of the CPC Guangxi-Yunnan-Guizhou Border Work Committee in 1949.

Heiba Grassland

  • Visiting Time: 2 hours
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: Situated at Guangtouping (光头坡) in Zuna (租那), at an elevation of 1,941 meters, this is the highest point in Ameng Town (阿猛镇) and offers panoramic views of the entire town.

Ameng Village

  • Visiting Time: 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: The central area of Ameng Town (阿猛镇), where visitors can experience local folk culture and rural life.

Transportation

External Transportation

From Yanshan County (砚山县城), travelers can take a bus to Ameng Town (阿猛镇), with a travel time of about 1 hour. For those driving, take National Highway 323 (323国道) for approximately 37 kilometers on well-maintained roads.

Internal Transportation

Within the town, rural roads connect various attractions. Motorcycles or local vehicles can be rented for travel.

Local Cuisine

Specialty foods in Ameng Town (阿猛镇) include:

  • Sanqi Steamed Chicken in a Pot (三七汽锅鸡): A nutritious dish made with the local medicinal herb sanqi (三七).
  • Yi-style Roast Suckling Pig (彝族烤乳猪): Known for its crispy skin and rich aroma.

Shopping

Visitors can buy local specialty products and handicrafts, such as sanqi (三七), chili peppers, and traditional Yi embroidery (彝族刺绣).

Accommodation

Several farmhouse inns and homestays are available in Ameng Town (阿猛镇), offering affordable prices and comfortable settings where visitors can experience local customs.

Travel Tips

  • Some attractions are in mountainous areas; it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and take sun protection and insect repellent.
  • Respect local customs, especially in ethnic minority villages.
  • Protect the environment by not littering and preserving the natural surroundings.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Yanshan County (砚山县), then take public transport or drive to Ameng Town (阿猛镇). Visit Ameng Village (阿猛村) to experience local customs and rural life.

Day 2:
In the morning, visit the Ameng Conference Site (阿猛会议遗址) to learn about local revolutionary history. In the afternoon, go to Heiba Grassland (黑巴草场) for natural scenery.

Day 3:
Enjoy local cuisine at a farmhouse inn, shop for souvenirs and specialties, and end the journey on a satisfying note.

Ameng Town (阿猛镇) is a place filled with natural beauty and cultural charm. Whether you’re here to enjoy breathtaking landscapes or immerse yourself in folk traditions, you’ll find it a rewarding experience. We hope you have a memorable stay.