Zhulin Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographical Location
Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) is located in the western 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), about 53 kilometers from the county seat. It is situated at the junction of Guangnan (广南), Yanshan (砚山), and Qiubei (丘北) counties. To the east, it borders Jiumo Township (旧莫乡), to the south, it is adjacent to Wuzhu Township (五珠乡) and Amen Town (阿猛镇) in Yanshan County (砚山县), to the west, it borders Aji Township (阿基乡) in Yanshan County (砚山县) and Tianxing Township (天星乡) in Qiubei County (丘北县), and to the north, it connects with Zhetu Township (者兔乡). The town covers an area of 497 square kilometers, with an average elevation of 1,400 meters, an annual average temperature of 16.4°C, and an annual rainfall of 1,038 millimeters.
Cultural History
The territory of Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) was once part of the ancient state of Jucheng (句町古国). In the 5th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (道光五年, 1825), the area established the Moyulong Camp (莫雨龙营) with its administrative center in the present-day Zhongzhai Village (中寨村). In the 2nd year of the Republic of China (民国二年, 1913), it became the Xiaoxi District (小西区), with the administrative center in Zhulin Street (珠琳街). In November 1949, it was renamed Zhulin District (珠琳区), and in November 1958, it was transformed into the Youyi Commune (友谊公社). In 1988, it was officially renamed Zhulin Town (珠琳镇). The original name, Aji De (阿基得), was changed to Zhulin (珠琳) by Guangnan County (广南县) Magistrate Yang Zhu (杨杼) in 1931, due to the presence of the Zhuling Cave (朱灵洞) to the east of the town and the symbolic meaning of “precious stones” (琳琅) that the name implies.
Folk Customs
Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) is home to multiple ethnic groups, including the Han (汉), Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), Yi (彝族), Hui (回族), and Yao (瑶族). The local folk culture is rich and diverse, with traditional dances such as the Zhuang Handkerchief Dance (手巾舞) and Bronze Drum Dance (铜鼓舞), as well as the Yi Torch Festival (火把节) and other unique activities. Additionally, the traditional ethnic costumes and embroidery crafts of Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) are highly distinctive.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with distinct seasons and a simultaneous rainy and hot season. The average annual temperature is 16.4°C, and the annual rainfall is 1,038 millimeters. The best time to visit is in spring (from March to May), when the weather is pleasant, and the natural landscapes are at their most beautiful.
Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices
Zhulin Village (珠琳村)
Description: Zhulin Village (珠琳村) is the central area of Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) and retains a wealth of historical relics and ethnic customs. To the east of the village is the Zhuling Cave (朱灵洞), where stalactites and stalagmites are abundant in a variety of shapes.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free
Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon (西洋江大峡谷)
Description: Located within Zhulin Town (珠琳镇), the Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon (西洋江大峡谷) features stunning natural scenery, combining both natural and cultural landscapes.
Recommended visit time: 3 hours
Ticket price: Free
Transportation
From Guangnan County (广南县), you can take a long-distance bus to Zhulin Town (珠琳镇), which is approximately 53 kilometers away, with a travel time of about 1 hour. The town’s internal transportation relies mainly on motorcycles and small vans, making it easy for visitors to access various scenic spots.
Cuisine
Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) offers several local specialties, including:
- Smoked Pork (烤烟腊肉): Made with local smoking techniques, this dish has a unique flavor.
- Zhuang Sticky Rice (壮族糯米饭): Soft, sticky rice that pairs beautifully with local dishes, offering a special taste.
Shopping
Visitors can purchase local agricultural products such as smoked tobacco (烤烟), corn (玉米), rice (水稻), and peanuts (花生). Additionally, Zhuang embroidery (壮族刺绣), clothing (服饰), and other handicrafts are available for purchase.
Accommodation
Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) offers several homestays and rural guesthouses, which are affordable and provide a comfortable environment. If you prefer more comfortable 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 visiting the canyons and mountainous areas.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Guangnan County (广南县), travel to Zhulin Town (珠琳镇), visit Zhulin Village (珠琳村), experience the ethnic culture, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit the Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon (西洋江大峡谷), enjoy the natural scenery, experience the ethnic culture, and return to Guangnan County (广南县) in the afternoon to end the trip.
Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) is a charming destination, with rich historical culture and unique natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in folk culture or enjoy the beauty of nature, you will find something to enjoy here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Zhulin Town (珠琳镇).
