Huajia Town of Funing County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographic Location
Huajia Township (花甲乡) is located in the northwest of Funing County (富宁县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Dongbo Township (洞波乡) to the east, Xinhua Town (新华镇) to the south, Babao (八宝) and Banbang (板蚌) Townships of Guangnan County (广南县) to the west, and Ayong Township (阿用乡) to the north. Huajia Township (花甲乡) is 60 kilometers away from the county seat of Funing (富宁县城), with convenient transportation.
Cultural History
Huajia Township (花甲乡) is an important part of Funing County’s (富宁县) revolutionary base areas and has a rich history of red culture. The township administers eight villagers’ committees and 105 village groups, inhabited by various ethnic groups including Zhuang, Han, Miao, Yao, and Yi.
Folk Customs
Huajia Township (花甲乡) boasts rich and colorful folk customs, featuring:
- Da Bei Festival (打背节): Popular in parts of Funing County (富宁县), this festival is celebrated by Miao youth from the 3rd to the 15th day of the first lunar month.
- Zhuang Ethnic “Longduan Street” (陇端街): Also known as “Flower Street” (花街), it is the most grandiose annual traditional festival for the Zhuang people, held between January and March during the agricultural off-season.
- Naye Terraced Fields Culture (那耶梯田文化): Naye Village (那耶村) in Huajia Township (花甲乡) is famous for its expansive ten-thousand-mu terraced fields, making it an excellent destination for photography and experiencing farming culture.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Huajia Township (花甲乡) enjoys a South Asian tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot, rainy summers and cold, dry winters, with four distinct seasons. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is most beautiful.
Recommended Attractions, Visit Duration, and Tickets
- Naye Terraced Fields Ecotourism Area (那耶梯田生态旅游区): Covering about 10,000 mu, these contiguous terraced fields resemble steps ascending to the sky and showcase ancient farming civilization. Recommended visit duration is 2–3 hours, with free admission.
- Traditional Villages of Huajia Township (花甲乡传统村落): Visitors can explore well-preserved traditional buildings and experience unique ethnic culture and natural landscapes. Recommended visit duration is 1–2 hours, and entry is free.
Transportation
- Public Transportation: Take a bus from Funing County (富宁县城) to Huajia Township (花甲乡), with a travel time of about 1 hour.
- Self-Driving: Depart from Funing County (富宁县城) and drive along the county road for approximately 60 kilometers, with a journey time of around 1 hour.
Local Cuisine
Huajia Township (花甲乡) and its surrounding areas offer a variety of specialty foods, such as sticky rice cakes, flower rice, grilled shredded meat, and cold chicken.
Shopping
Visitors can buy local specialty agricultural products such as blueberries, chili peppers, and flue-cured tobacco. Traditional handicrafts like Zhuang embroidery and silver jewelry are also popular.
Accommodation
There are several farm stays and guesthouses in and around Huajia Township (花甲乡), offering affordable options priced at 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodations, hotels in Funing County (富宁县城) are available.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages and participating in folk activities.
- Protect the environment and avoid littering.
- If engaging in 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 Huajia Township (花甲乡). Visit the Naye Terraced Fields Ecotourism Area (那耶梯田生态旅游区) to experience ethnic culture and natural landscapes. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
- Day 2: Continue exploring Huajia Township (花甲乡), experiencing the folk culture of the traditional villages. Return to Funing County (富宁县城) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.
Huajia Township (花甲乡) is a charming settlement of ethnic minorities, offering not only unique natural landscapes but also rich ethnic culture. Whether strolling through ancient villages or marveling at the magnificent terraced fields, you will feel the vibrant ethnic atmosphere. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here.