Xiaobazi Town of Maguan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographical Location

Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇) is located on the southern edge of Qiubei County (马关县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Jiahanqing Town (夹寒箐镇) to the east, connects to Jinchang Town (金厂镇) to the southeast, and faces Vietnam’s Xinmajie (新马街) and Mengkang (猛康) counties across the river to the southwest. To the north, it is adjacent to Renhe Town (仁和镇) and Hekou County (河口县) in Honghe Prefecture (红河州). The town government is located 38 kilometers from the county seat, covering a total area of approximately 127.5 square kilometers.

Cultural History

Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇) has a long history, being established as a town in 1949. In 1952, it was changed to the Sixth Administrative Village, then in 1955 to a district, and in 1959 it was incorporated into Qiubei County (马关县) as a special district. In 1969, it was transformed into a commune, then in 1984, the commune became a district, and in 1988 it was officially established as a town. The town is named after a small flatland south of the village, where the town government is located.

Folk Customs

Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇) is home to nine ethnic groups, including Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yi, Yao, and others, with ethnic minorities comprising 87% of the population. The town retains rich ethnic culture, such as the Miao “Naodouyang” (闹兜阳) culture, one of the best-preserved cultural areas for this tradition. It also features traditional arts such as the Zhuang paper horse dance (纸马舞) and handkerchief dance (手巾舞).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with hot conditions in the low valley, warm temperatures in the mid-hills, and cooler weather in the higher mountains. The average annual temperature is about 17°C, with a frost-free period lasting up to 350 days. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August), when the weather is cool, making it ideal for a summer retreat.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Laodongzhai Doyang Cultural Tourism Village (老懂寨兜阳文化旅游村)
Description: Located in the southeastern part of Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇), this is a typical Miao ethnic village, rich in Miao culture and traditional customs.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Liangshui Well Border Characteristic Village (凉水井边境特色村)
Description: Located in the southern part of Tianwan Village (田湾村), this village is surrounded by lush greenery, offering a beautiful ecological environment.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Luojia Ping Mountain (罗家坪大山)
Description: Located in Jinchang Town (金厂镇), it borders Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇). This is an important landmark on the China-Vietnam border, with its main peak at an elevation of 2002 meters.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From Qiubei County (马关县), travel along the highway to Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇), which is about 38 kilometers away and takes approximately 45 minutes by car. The town’s transportation mainly consists of motorcycles and small vans, making it convenient for tourists to visit various scenic spots.

Cuisine

Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇) offers a variety of local specialties, including:

• Miao Roast Meat (苗族烤肉): Goat or pork roasted using local methods, with a unique flavor.
• Little Millet Chili (小米辣椒): A local agricultural product known for its strong spiciness.

Shopping

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

Accommodation

Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇) offers several homestays at affordable prices with comfortable environments. For more luxurious accommodations, it is recommended to return to Qiubei County (马关县) for your stay.

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 visiting mountainous areas and border regions.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Qiubei County (马关县), head to Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇), visit Laodongzhai Doyang Cultural Tourism Village (老懂寨兜阳文化旅游村) to experience Miao culture, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit Liangshui Well Border Characteristic Village (凉水井边境特色村) for a feel of the border atmosphere, then head to Luojia Ping Mountain (罗家坪大山) to enjoy the natural scenery. Return to Qiubei County (马关县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇) is a charming destination, offering both rich historical culture and unique natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in folk culture or natural beauty, you will find something enjoyable here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇).