Shede Yi Ethnic Town in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Geographical Location

Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡) is located in the northwestern part of Qiubei County (丘北县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies at the junction of two provinces and three counties. To the east, it borders Guanzhai Township (官寨乡), to the south it adjoins Yue Zhe Town (曰者镇), to the west it faces Mile County (弥勒县) and Luoxi County (泸西县) in Honghe Prefecture (红河州) across the Nanpan River (南盘江), and to the north it connects with Guanzhai Township (官寨乡). The township government is located 56 kilometers from Qiubei County (丘北县), and the township governs 7 administrative villages and 94 natural villages.

Cultural History

Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡) has a long history. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was part of the Wucao (五槽) region of the Guangxi Province (广西府). From the late Qing Dynasty to the 20th year of the Republic of China (1931), it was a village in the Wucao District (官寨区) of Luoxi County (泸西县). In 1957, it was incorporated into Qiubei County (丘北县), and in 1958, it was established as the “Rocket (大众)” commune. In 1961, it was adjusted to belong to the Rizer District (日者区), and in 1984 it was renamed Shede District (舍得区). In 1988, it was officially established as Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡).Shede Yi Ethnic Town of Qiubei County in Wenshan Prefecture-04 Shede Yi Ethnic Town of Qiubei County in Wenshan Prefecture-03 Shede Yi Ethnic Town of Qiubei County in Wenshan Prefecture-02 Shede Yi Ethnic Town of Qiubei County in Wenshan Prefecture

Folk Customs

Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡) is a multi-ethnic settlement, home to the Yi (彝族), Miao (苗族), Zhuang (壮族), and Han (汉族) peoples, with Yi culture being the most prominent. One of the most important traditional festivals is the Yi Torch Festival (彝族火把节), which features various activities such as the Long Street Feast (长街宴), bonfire celebrations (篝火狂欢), Yi Xianzi Dance competitions (彝族弦子舞比赛), and ethnic costume contests (民族赛装). Yi clothing, music, and dance are also distinctive, including the Yi Xianzi Dance (彝族弦子舞) and the Flower Face Festival (花脸节).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡) has a subtropical monsoon climate with higher altitudes, providing a cool climate. The average annual temperature ranges from 12.4°C to 15.2°C, and the frost-free period is relatively long. The best time to visit is in the summer (June to August), when the climate is pleasant, making it an ideal place to escape the heat and to experience the Yi Torch Festival (彝族火把节) and other traditional festivals.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Shede Grassland (舍得草场)
Description: Located within Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡), this is a popular summer retreat on the Yunnan Plateau. The grassland is vast, with herds of cattle and sheep, and the scenery is stunning.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Yangxiong Mountain (羊雄山)
Description: Situated in the northwest of Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡), Yangxiong Mountain (羊雄山) is an important local mountain. With an elevation of 2,501.8 meters, it offers excellent views for watching the sunrise and sea of clouds.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Yibai Village (矣白村)
Description: Yibai Village (矣白村) is home to the historical site of the Tusi Ang Shancang’s (土司昂尚才) family, an important cultural relic in the area.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From Qiubei County (丘北县), take the road to Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡), which is about 56 kilometers away, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours. Local transportation primarily consists of motorcycles and small vans, making it convenient for visitors to reach various scenic spots.

Cuisine

Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡) is known for its local specialty foods, including:

  • Yi Roast Meat (彝族烤肉): Made from locally raised goats or pork, it has a unique flavor.
  • Buckwheat Cake (荞麦粑粑): Made from buckwheat flour, it has a soft and sticky texture and is often eaten with honey.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase Yi embroidery (彝族刺绣), handicrafts, and local agricultural products such as buckwheat (荞麦) and honey (蜂蜜).

Accommodation

Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡) offers a variety of affordable and comfortable homestays. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors are advised to return to Qiubei County (丘北县) for hotel options.

Travel Tips

  • Respect the customs and traditions of the local ethnic groups, especially when participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment by not littering.
  • Exercise caution for safety, particularly when visiting mountainous areas and grasslands.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Qiubei County (丘北县), travel to Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡), visit Shede Grassland (舍得草场) to experience the vast plateau grassland, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit Yangxiong Mountain (羊雄山) to enjoy the sunrise and sea of clouds, followed by a visit to Yibai Village (矣白村) to learn about local history and culture. Return to Qiubei County (丘北县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡) is a captivating destination with rich historical culture and unique natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in folk culture or enjoy beautiful natural scenery, you will find something to enjoy here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Shede Yi Ethnic Township (舍得彝族乡).