Gula Town of Funing County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographic Location
Gula Township (谷拉乡) is located in the eastern part of Funing County (富宁县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Panshui Township (泮水乡) of Baise City (百色市), Kuiwei Township (魁圩乡) of Jingxi City (靖西市), and Longhe Township (龙合乡) of Napo County (那坡县) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区) to the southeast. It neighbors Guichao Town (归朝镇) and Zhesang Township (者桑乡) of Funing County (富宁县) to the northwest. The township government is located 80 kilometers from the county seat, covering an administrative area of 386 square kilometers.
Cultural History
Gula Township (谷拉乡) has a long and rich history. During the Yuan Dynasty, it was part of Luozuo Prefecture (罗佐州). In the early Ming Dynasty, it was incorporated into Fuzhou (富州). After the “Gaitu Guiliu” (改土归流) reforms in the 27th year of the Guangxu reign (1901) during the Qing Dynasty, it belonged to the Second District of Guichao (皈朝第二区). During the Republic of China period, Dehua Township (德化乡) and Liangui Township (连桂乡) were established. After the abolition of districts in 1940, Aijing Township (爱敬乡) was set up with its seat at Gula (谷拉). In 1950, Gula Township (谷拉乡) was formally established, which was changed to Gula Commune (谷拉公社) in 1958, and restored as a township in 1988.
Folk Customs
Gula Township (谷拉乡) is home to various ethnic groups, including the Zhuang, Han, and Yao, with ethnic minorities making up 92.77% of the total population. The township has preserved many unique folk traditions, such as the “Longduan Festival” (陇端节) celebrated by the Zhuang, which has been listed as part of Yunnan Province’s (云南省) intangible cultural heritage. In addition, Gula Township (谷拉乡) boasts rich red culture 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
Gula Township (谷拉乡) has a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by mild winters without severe cold. The average annual temperature is 25°C, and the average annual precipitation is 1,200.6 millimeters. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its peak.
Recommended Attractions, Visit Duration, and Tickets
- Gantun Red Army Cave (甘屯红军洞): Located in Gantun Village Group (甘屯村小组) of Longdeng Village Committee (龙灯村委会), this is an important site of red cultural heritage. 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): Situated within Gula Township (谷拉乡), it is an integral part of the revolutionary base area of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi (滇黔桂革命根据地). Recommended visit duration is 1 hour, with free admission.
- Guliu Fortress (谷留碉堡): A modern historical site located in Gula Township (谷拉乡). Recommended visit duration is 1 hour, and admission is free.
Transportation
- Public Transportation: Take a bus from Funing County (富宁县城) to Gula Township (谷拉乡), with a journey time of about 1 hour.
- Self-Driving: Depart from Funing County (富宁县城) and drive along the county road for about 80 kilometers, taking approximately 1 hour.
Local Cuisine
Gula Township (谷拉乡) and its surrounding areas offer a variety of specialty foods, including sticky rice cakes, flower rice, grilled shredded meat, and cold chicken.
Shopping
Local specialty agricultural products such as star anise, oil tea, and sugarcane are popular purchases.
Accommodation
There are several farm stays and guesthouses available in Gula Township (谷拉乡) and its surrounding areas, offering affordable options typically priced between 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable lodging, 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 refraining from littering.
- If planning to engage in hiking or outdoor activities, check the weather in advance and ensure appropriate safety measures are taken.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart from Funing County (富宁县城) and head to Gula Township (谷拉乡). Visit Gantun Red Army Cave (甘屯红军洞) to experience red culture. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
- Day 2: Visit Longsuo Red Army Cave (龙所红军洞) and Guliu Fortress (谷留碉堡) to appreciate the historical atmosphere. Return to Funing County (富宁县城) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.
Gula Township (谷拉乡) is a charming old revolutionary area, offering not only unique natural scenery but also a wealth of red culture and ethnic traditions. Whether wandering through ancient villages or visiting revolutionary heritage sites, you will be immersed in a rich historical atmosphere. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here.
