Nanping Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographical Location

Nanping Town (南屏镇) is located in the southeastern part of Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), between 105°11′ east longitude and 23°50′ north latitude. The town covers an area of 380 square kilometers. It borders Funing County’s Mulun Township (富宁县睦伦乡) and Baobao Town (八宝镇) to the east, Heizhiguo Township (黑支果乡) to the south, Shuguang Township (曙光乡) to the west, and Dongbao Township (董堡乡) to the north, with Yangliu Jing Township (杨柳井乡) across the river. The town’s government is located in Majie Village (马街村委会), about 100 kilometers from Guangnan County (广南县) town. The town is easily accessible, with National Highway 323 (323国道) and the Guangkun Expressway (广昆高速公路) passing through it.

Cultural History

Nanping Town (南屏镇) has a long history, dating back to the Han Dynasty (汉朝), when it was part of the ancient Jutang Kingdom (句町国). In the 5th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (道光五年, 1825), the area was divided into Amu Camp (阿幕营) and Zhewang Camp (者王营). During the Republic of China period, it was known as the Dannan District (大南区) and the Third District (三区). In 1940, the area was reorganized into Majie Township (马街乡) and Nanping Township (南屏乡). In 1958, it became the Lighthouse Commune (灯塔公社), and in 1984, it was renamed the District Office (区公所). In 1988, it was officially designated as a town. The name “Nanping” (南屏) comes from the mountain range in the southern part of the town, which forms a barrier like a screen.

Folk Customs

Nanping Town (南屏镇) is home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including Han (汉), Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), Yi (彝族), and others, with a rich and varied cultural heritage. Among the most notable cultural traditions are the Zhuang (壮族) Bronze Drum Dance (铜鼓舞) and Handkerchief Dance (手巾舞), as well as the Miao (苗族) Flower Mountain Festival (花山节) and Yi (彝族) Torch Festival (火把节). Additionally, Nanping Town (南屏镇) is known for its unique karst village culture, such as the famous “World’s First Wonder Village” (天下第一奇村) Fengyan Cave (峰岩洞), which is the world’s only well-preserved cave dwelling village.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Nanping Town (南屏镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with mild weather throughout the year. Winters are not cold, and summers are not excessively hot, with an average annual temperature of 16.7°C and annual precipitation of 1,273 millimeters. The best time to visit is in the spring (March to May), when the climate is pleasant, and the natural scenery is at its peak.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Fengyan Cave (峰岩洞)
Description: Located in the northern mountainous area of Nanping Town (南屏镇), 16 kilometers from the town government, Fengyan Cave (峰岩洞) is known as the “World’s First Wonder Village” (天下第一奇村) and is the only well-preserved cave dwelling village in the world.
Recommended visit time: 3 hours
Ticket price: Free

Jiuli Shisan Bay (九里十三湾)
Description: Located in the southwestern part of Nanping Town (南屏镇), 25 kilometers from the town government, Jiuli Shisan Bay (九里十三湾) covers an area of over 15,000 acres. The area is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich production of star anise (八角), grass fruit (草果), walnuts (核桃), and other economic forest fruits.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From Guangnan County (广南县), take National Highway 323 (323国道) to Nanping Town (南屏镇), a distance of approximately 100 kilometers, with a travel time of about 2 hours. The internal transportation within the town mainly consists of motorcycles and small vans, making it easy for visitors to reach various scenic spots.

Cuisine

Nanping Town (南屏镇) offers several local specialties, including:

  • Baini Tian Pear (白泥田梨): A unique fruit from Nanping Town (南屏镇), known for its sweet and fragrant taste.
  • Sanqi Stewed Chicken (三七炖鸡): A nutritious dish made with local Sanqi herb (三七) and free-range chicken.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local agricultural products such as Sanqi (三七), star anise (八角), and peanuts (花生). There are also handicrafts such as Zhuang (壮族) embroidery and Handkerchief Dance (手巾舞) props available for sale.

Accommodation

Nanping Town (南屏镇) offers several homestays and rural guesthouses at affordable prices with comfortable environments. If you prefer more luxurious accommodations, it is recommended to return to Guangnan County (广南县) for lodging.

Travel Tips

  • Respect the customs and traditions 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 caves.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Guangnan County (广南县), travel to Nanping Town (南屏镇), visit Fengyan Cave (峰岩洞), experience the unique karst village culture, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit Jiuli Shisan Bay (九里十三湾) to enjoy the natural scenery and local customs. Return to Guangnan County (广南县) in the afternoon to end the trip.

Nanping Town (南屏镇) is a charming destination that combines rich history and culture with unique natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in folk customs or natural beauty, you will find something to enjoy here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Nanping Town (南屏镇).