Dulong Town of Maguan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Dulong Town (都龙镇) is located in the southeastern part of Qiubei County (马关县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Mengdong Township (猛洞乡) in Malipo County (麻栗坡县) to the east, and to the south, it connects with Huangshuping County (黄树皮县) and Qingmen County (箐门县) in Ha Giang Province (河江省), Vietnam. To the southwest, it is adjacent to Jinchang Town (金厂镇), to the west, it borders Jiahanqing Town (夹寒箐镇), and to the north, it is next to Mabai Town (马白镇). The town government is located 23 kilometers from the county seat, covering a total area of 211.68 square kilometers.

Cultural History

Dulong Town (都龙镇) is named after the town government being located in Dulong Village (都龙村), and the name is derived from the Zhuang language (壮语), meaning “a basin abundant in wild banana plants.” Historically, the jurisdiction of Dulong Town (都龙镇) has changed several times. In 1913, it was part of the southern district of Qiubei (马关南区). In February 1950, it became part of the southern district of Qiubei again and was later incorporated into Malipo County (麻栗坡县) in April of the same year. In September 1958, it was re-incorporated into Qiubei County (马关县), undergoing several administrative adjustments until it was officially established as a town in 1988.

Folk Customs

Dulong Town (都龙镇) is home to multiple ethnic groups, including Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yi, Dai, Yao, and Bouyei, with ethnic minorities accounting for 69.99% of the population. The town is known for its unique folk arts, including the Lion Dance (狮子舞), Zhuang Paper Horse Dance (壮族纸马舞), and Handkerchief Dance (手巾舞). In addition, Dulong Town (都龙镇) celebrates many ethnic festivals, such as the Miao “Flower Mountain Festival” (花山节).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Dulong Town (都龙镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with features such as hot conditions in the low valley areas, warm temperatures in the mid-hills, and cooler conditions in the higher mountains. The average annual temperature is 17°C, and the frost-free period lasts for about 350 days. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August), when the weather is cool and ideal for summer retreats.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Maoping Border Gate (茅坪国门)
Description: Located about 1 kilometer south of Maoping Village (茅坪村) in Dulong Town (都龙镇), this is a historic border gate on the China-Vietnam border in the Yunnan section.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Laojun Mountain Provincial Nature Reserve (老君山省级自然保护区)
Description: Situated within Dulong Town (都龙镇), this nature reserve is home to rich biodiversity and is designated as a provincial-level nature reserve.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Dulong Village (都龙村)
Description: The seat of the town government and the political, economic, and cultural center of the area.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From Qiubei County (马关县), head to Dulong Town (都龙镇) along the highway, which is about 23 kilometers and takes approximately 30 minutes by car. Local transportation within the town primarily consists of motorcycles and small vans, making it convenient for tourists to travel to different scenic spots.

Cuisine

Dulong Town (都龙镇) features local specialties, including:

  • Miao Roast Meat (苗族烤肉): Goat or pork cooked with a distinct local method.
  • Bananas (香蕉): A local agricultural product with a sweet and fragrant taste.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase Zhuang (壮族) embroidery, handicrafts, and local agricultural products such as bananas (香蕉) and little millet chili (小米辣椒).

Accommodation

Dulong Town (都龙镇) offers several affordable and comfortable homestays. For a more luxurious stay, it is recommended to return to Qiubei County (马关县) for accommodation.

Travel Tips

  • Respect the customs of the local ethnic minorities, especially when participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment by not littering.
  • Pay attention to safety, especially when exploring mountainous areas and border regions.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Qiubei County (马关县), head to Dulong Town (都龙镇), visit Dulong Village (都龙村) to experience local cultural activities, and stay at a homestay.
Day 2: Visit Maoping Border Gate (茅坪国门) to experience the border atmosphere, then head to the Laojun Mountain Provincial Nature Reserve (老君山省级自然保护区) to enjoy the natural scenery. Return to Qiubei County (马关县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Dulong Town (都龙镇) is a captivating place with both rich historical culture and unique natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in folk culture or enjoying the beauty of nature, you will find something delightful here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Dulong Town (都龙镇).