Bamei Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographical Location
Bamei Town (坝美镇) is located in the northern 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 29 kilometers from the county seat of Guangnan (广南县). To the east and north, it borders Xilin County (西林县) in Guangxi, to the south, it connects with Liancheng Town (莲城镇), and to the west, it adjoins Dixi (底圩). The total area of the town is 888 square kilometers, with an average elevation of 1,000 meters.
Cultural History
Bamei Town (坝美镇) has a long history and has served as an administrative center during various historical periods. In the 5th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (道光五年, 1825), the area established the Ako Camp (阿科营). In 2006, Ako Township (阿科乡) and Bada Township (八达乡) were merged to form Bamei Town (坝美镇). The town is home to various ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), and Yao (瑶族), with Zhuang culture being particularly prominent.
Folk Customs
Bamei Town (坝美镇) is rich in folk customs, especially in Bamei Village (坝美村), where many ancient Zhuang customs are preserved. For example, every spring, the Zhuang people hold the Dragon Festival (祭龙节) to pray for favorable weather and good harvests. The village also features traditional dances such as the Paper Horse Dance (纸马舞), Bronze Drum Dance (铜鼓舞), and Handkerchief Dance (手巾舞).
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Bamei Town (坝美镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 18°C and annual rainfall of 1,224 millimeters. The best time to visit is in early spring (from March to May), when peach blossoms and rapeseed flowers bloom in the river valley, creating picturesque rural landscapes.
Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices
Bamei Village (坝美村)
Description: Bamei Village (坝美村) is the central attraction of Bamei Town (坝美镇) and is often called a “Shangri-La” (世外桃源). The village is surrounded by mountains, and visitors must pass through a natural limestone cave to enter the village. The village retains many ancient tools used for production and daily life, such as wooden waterwheels and stone mills.
Recommended visit time: 3 hours
Ticket price: 50 RMB
Shangri-La Scenic Area (世外桃源景区)
Description: Located in the northeastern part of Bamei Town (坝美镇), 43 kilometers from the county seat, this area includes one river, two caves, and three villages, covering a planned area of 20 square kilometers. The scenic area features unique karst topography and rich ethnic cultural experiences.
Recommended visit time: 4 hours
Ticket price: 60 RMB
Transportation
From Guangnan County (广南县), you can take a long-distance bus to Bamei Town (坝美镇), which is about 29 kilometers away, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour. The road from Xichou (西畴) to Xilin County (西林县) in Guangxi passes through the town, making transportation convenient.
Cuisine
Bamei Town (坝美镇) is known for its local specialties, including:
- Zhuang Sticky Rice (壮族糯米饭): Soft and sticky rice, often served with local dishes, offering a unique taste.
- Smoked Pork (烤烟腊肉): Made using local smoking techniques, it has a distinct flavor.
Shopping
Visitors can purchase Zhuang embroidery (壮族刺绣), clothing (服饰), and other handicrafts in Bamei Town (坝美镇). Local agricultural products such as honey (蜂蜜) and smoked pig feet (腊猪脚) are also available for purchase.
Accommodation
Bamei Town (坝美镇) offers several homestays and rural guesthouses, providing affordable prices and comfortable environments. For more comfortable accommodation, it is recommended to stay in Guangnan County (广南县).
Travel Tips
- Respect the customs and traditions of the local ethnic minorities, particularly when participating in folk activities.
- Protect the environment by not littering.
- Pay attention to safety, especially when entering limestone caves, and consider traveling with a guide or a local villager.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Guangnan County (广南县), travel to Bamei Town (坝美镇), visit Bamei Village (坝美村), experience Zhuang folk culture, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit the Shangri-La Scenic Area (世外桃源景区), enjoy the natural beauty and ethnic culture, and return to Guangnan County (广南县) in the afternoon to end the trip.
Bamei Town (坝美镇) is a charming destination with both rich historical culture and unique natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in folk culture or enjoy natural scenery, you will find something enjoyable here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Bamei Town (坝美镇).
