Diwei Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographic Location
Dixiang Township (底圩乡) is located in the northern part of Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Ake Township (阿科乡) to the east, Zhetu Township (者兔乡) and Nalun Township (那伦乡) to the south, Zhetai Township (者太乡) to the west, and Bada Township (八达乡) as well as Xilin County (西林县) of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区) to the north. Positioned at the junction of Yunnan (滇) and Guangxi (桂) provinces, Dixiang Township (底圩乡) is 76 kilometers away from the county seat of Guangnan (广南县) and covers a total area of 397 square kilometers.
History and Culture
Dixiang Township (底圩乡) boasts a long history. In the 5th year of Emperor Daoguang’s reign during the Qing Dynasty (1825), it belonged to the Zhezhong Battalion (者中营). In the 2nd year of the Republic of China (1913), it was under Daxi District (大西区). In the 21st year (1932), it became the Seventh District (七区). In the 29th year (1940), the district system was abolished and expanded into townships, with Dixiang (底圩) reconstructed as Beifan Township (北藩乡). In November 1949, it was renamed Beifan District (北藩区). In 1951, Beifan and Cangcui Districts (苍翠区) merged into Zhetu District (者兔区) and were referred to as the Seventh District Office (第七区公所). In 1957, it was administered by the Zhetu District Office. In November 1958, Dixiang (底圩) separated from Zhetu to establish Wuyi Commune (五一公社). In May 1961, it reverted to a district office. In January 1971, it changed back to a commune. In November 1981, it was renamed the Commune Management Committee. In January 1984, it became a district office again. In 1988, it was restructured as Dixiang Township (底圩乡).
Local Customs
Dixiang Township (底圩乡) is home to six ethnic groups: Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, and Hui, with ethnic minorities accounting for 91% of the total population. The township preserves many unique traditional customs, such as the Zhuang people’s “Third of March” Festival (三月三) and the Miao people’s Huashan Festival (花山节).
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Dixiang Township (底圩乡) enjoys a subtropical continental monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.9°C and an average annual rainfall of 1400 millimeters. The climate is mild year-round, with small daily temperature variations but larger monthly variations. Frost periods are short, and the average relative humidity ranges from 80% to 90%, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is most pleasant and the natural scenery is at its peak.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Admission
Traditional Villages of Dixiang Township (底圩乡传统村落):
Visit well-preserved traditional architecture and experience the unique ethnic culture and natural beauty. Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours. Free admission.
Dixiang Bamboo Tube Tea Experience (底圩竹筒茶制作体验):
Experience the local craftsmanship of bamboo tube tea making and enjoy the unique tea culture. Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours. Free admission.
Transportation
Public Transportation:
Take a bus from the county seat of Guangnan (广南县) to Dixiang Township (底圩乡), with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Self-Driving:
Depart from Guangnan County (广南县) and drive along the county road for about 76 kilometers, with a travel time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Local Cuisine
Dixiang Township (底圩乡) and its surrounding areas offer many local specialties, such as sticky rice cakes (糯米粑), flower rice (花米饭), roasted shredded meat (烤肉丝), and cold chicken (凉鸡).
Shopping
Visitors can purchase local specialty agricultural products such as tea leaves (茶叶), star anise (八角), and sugarcane (甘蔗). Additionally, local handicrafts like Yao embroidery (瑶族刺绣) and silver jewelry (银饰) are also available.
Accommodation
Dixiang Township (底圩乡) and its surrounding areas have several farmhouse inns and guesthouses with affordable prices, generally ranging from 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodation, hotels in Guangnan County (广南县) are a good alternative.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages and participating in folk activities.
- Protect the environment by not littering.
- If planning to hike or engage in outdoor activities, check the weather forecast in advance and take appropriate safety measures.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart from Guangnan County (广南县) to Dixiang Township (底圩乡), visit traditional villages, and experience ethnic culture and natural scenery. Stay overnight at a local farmhouse inn.
Day 2:
Visit the bamboo tube tea experience site (底圩竹筒茶制作体验点) to learn about local tea culture. Return to Guangnan County (广南县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.
Dixiang Township (底圩乡) is a charming ethnic minority settlement offering not only unique natural beauty but also a rich ethnic culture. Whether wandering through ancient villages or experiencing the local tea-making traditions, you will be immersed in an authentic ethnic atmosphere. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here.
