Muyang Town of Funing County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographic Location

Muyang Town (木央镇) is located in the southwestern part of Funing County (富宁县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省), between 105°30′–105°39′ east longitude and 23°23′–23°35′ north latitude. It borders Lida Town (里达镇) to the east, Tianpeng Town (田蓬镇) to the south, Donggan Town (董干镇) and Xinzai Township (新寨乡) of Malipo County (麻栗坡县) to the west, and Heizhiguo Township (黑支果乡) of Guangnan County (广南县) to the north. The town government is located 46 kilometers from the county seat of Funing County (富宁县城), covering an area of 577.8 square kilometers.

Cultural History

Muyang Town (木央镇) has a long and rich history. In 1737 (the second year of the Qianlong reign, Qing Dynasty), it was established as Muyang Camp (木央营) under Baoning County (宝宁县) of Guangnan Prefecture (广南府). In 1915 (fourth year of the Republic of China), it was incorporated into the Tianpeng Special Seventh District (田蓬对汛特别第七区) of the Malipo Defense Special Area (麻栗坡对汛特别区). In 1949, it belonged to Jinhe Township (金禾乡) of Tianpeng District (田蓬区). In 1950, it was known as Muyang Township (木央乡) of Tianpeng District (田蓬区). In 1957, it was placed under Funing County (富宁县) as the Sixth District (Tianpeng) (田蓬) Muyang Township (木央乡). In 1958, it became Muyang Administrative District (木央管理区) of Muyang Commune (木央公社). In 1962, it reverted to Tianpeng District (田蓬区) as Muyang Commune (木央公社). In 1969, it was known as Muyang Brigade (木央大队) of Muyang Commune (木央公社). In 1984, it was renamed Muyang Township (木央乡). In 2006, the township system was abolished, and Mulun Township (睦伦乡) was merged into Muyang Town (木央镇).

Folk Customs

Muyang Town (木央镇) is home to six ethnic groups: Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, and Gelao. Many distinctive folk traditions are preserved here, such as the “Longduan Festival” (陇端节) of the Zhuang people, which has been included in the intangible cultural heritage list of Yunnan Province (云南省). Muyang Town (木央镇) also boasts abundant red cultural resources, including sites like Gantun Red Army Cave (甘屯红军洞) and Longsuo Red Army Cave (龙所红军洞), both recognized as part of the third batch of prefecture-level cultural heritage protection units in Wenshan Prefecture (文山州).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Muyang Town (木央镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by abundant rainfall, warm and humid weather, higher temperatures in spring than in autumn, and distinct dry and wet seasons. The multi-year average temperature is 15.6°C, with an average of 326 frost-free days per year. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its best.

Recommended Attractions, Visit Duration, and Tickets

  • Gantun Red Army Cave (甘屯红军洞): An important red cultural heritage site. Recommended visit duration is 1–2 hours, and it is open to the public free of charge.
  • Longsuo Red Army Cave (龙所红军洞): A vital part of the Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi Revolutionary Base Area (滇黔桂革命根据地). Recommended visit duration is 1 hour, with free admission.
  • Traditional Villages of Muyang Town (木央镇传统村落): Explore well-preserved traditional architecture and experience unique ethnic culture and natural landscapes. Recommended visit duration is 2–3 hours, free of charge.

Transportation

  • Public Transportation: Take a bus from Funing County (富宁县城) to Muyang Town (木央镇), with a journey time of about 1 hour.
  • Self-Driving: Depart from Funing County (富宁县城) and drive along county roads for about 46 kilometers, taking approximately 1 hour.

Local Cuisine

Muyang Town (木央镇) and its surrounding areas offer a variety of local delicacies such as sticky rice cakes, flower rice, grilled shredded meat, and cold chicken.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local specialty agricultural products such as star anise, oil tea, and sugarcane. Additionally, ethnic crafts such as Yao embroidery and silver jewelry are popular souvenirs.

Accommodation

There are several farm stays and guesthouses available in Muyang Town (木央镇) and the surrounding areas, offering affordable prices typically ranging from 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodation options, hotels in Funing County (富宁县城) are recommended.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting red cultural heritage sites and participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment by properly disposing of waste.
  • If planning hiking or outdoor activities, check the weather forecast in advance and take necessary safety precautions.

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from Funing County (富宁县城) to Muyang Town (木央镇). Visit Gantun Red Army Cave (甘屯红军洞) and explore the traditional villages, experiencing ethnic culture and natural beauty. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
  • Day 2: Visit Longsuo Red Army Cave (龙所红军洞) to appreciate the historical atmosphere. Return to Funing County (富宁县城) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Muyang Town (木央镇) is a captivating settlement predominantly inhabited by ethnic minorities, offering not only unique natural landscapes but also rich red cultural and ethnic heritage. Whether strolling through ancient villages or visiting revolutionary sites, you will experience a profound sense of history. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here.