Xiakemu Village of Ameng Town in Yanshan County, Wenshan

Geographical Location

Xiakemu Village (下科目村) is administratively part of Xiaogeduo Village Committee (小各大村民委员会) in Ameng Town (阿猛镇), Yanshan County (砚山县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Located in mountainous terrain, it is 5 km from the village committee and 17 km from Ameng Town (阿猛镇) government seat. Ameng Town (阿猛镇) sits in northeastern Yanshan County (砚山县), bordering Wuzhu Township (伍珠乡), Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) and Nasa Township (那洒乡) of Guangnan County (广南县) to the east; Bange Township (蚌峨乡) to the south; Zhela Township (者腊乡), Ganhe Township (干河乡) and Weimo Township (维摩乡) to the west; and Tianxing Township (天星乡) of Qiubei County (丘北县) to the north.

Cultural History

Ameng Town (阿猛镇) boasts a long history, belonging to Baoning County (宝宁县) of Guangnan (广南) during the Qianlong period of Qing Dynasty. During the Republic of China period, it was established as Haiyan Town (海晏镇), later reorganized as district and commune, before officially becoming Ameng Town (阿猛镇) in 1988. As part of Ameng Town (阿猛镇), Xiakemu Village (下科目村) preserves rich ethnic cultures and traditional lifestyles.

Folk Customs

Ameng Town (阿猛镇) and Xiakemu Village (下科目村) are home to multiple ethnic groups including Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yi, Hui and Yao, with diverse folk cultures. Traditional activities include dragon worship (祭龙) and thunder god worship (祭雷神), along with ethnic festivals like the Yi Torch Festival (火把节) and Zhuang “March 3rd” Festival (三月三).

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Ameng Town (阿猛镇) features a subtropical monsoon climate with indistinct seasons but clear dry/wet periods and notable vertical climate variations. Annual average temperature is 16.3°C with 1,093 mm precipitation and 303 frost-free days. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather and beautiful scenery for visiting.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time & Tickets

Xiakemu Traditional Village (下科目村传统村落): Features well-preserved traditional architecture and unique ethnic culture. Recommended visit: 2-3 hours. Free admission.
Ameng Conference Site (阿猛会议遗址): Located in Ameng Central Primary School (阿猛镇中心小学), this important historical site holds significant cultural value. Recommended visit: 1-2 hours. Free admission.
Kazi Rock Paintings (卡子岩画): Dating back to Neolithic Age, these are listed as third batch cultural relics protection units in Wenshan Prefecture (文山州). Recommended visit: 1 hour. Free admission.

Transportation

Public Transport: Take a bus from Yanshan County (砚山县) to Ameng Town (阿猛镇) (~40 minutes), then transfer to rural transport or hire a vehicle to Xiakemu Village (下科目村).
Self-Driving: Drive ~37 km (~40 minutes) from Yanshan County (砚山县) via county roads.

Food

Local specialties include glutinous rice cakes (糯米粑), colorful rice (花米饭), roasted meat shreds (烤肉丝) and cold chicken (凉鸡), along with local vegetables and fruits.

Shopping

Purchase agricultural products like pseudoginseng (三七), flue-cured tobacco (烤烟), chili peppers (辣椒) and peanuts (花生), or ethnic handicrafts like Zhuang embroidery (壮族刺绣) and Yi silver ornaments (彝族银饰).

Accommodation

Homestays in Xiakemu Village (下科目村) cost ~50-100 RMB/night. For more comfort, hotels in Yanshan County (砚山县) are available.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially in traditional villages and during cultural activities
  • Protect the environment and avoid littering
  • Check weather and safety precautions for outdoor activities

Itinerary Suggestions

Day 1: Travel from Yanshan County (砚山县) to Xiakemu Village (下科目村); explore traditional village and ethnic culture. Overnight at homestay.
Day 2: Visit Ameng Conference Site (阿猛会议遗址) and Kazi Rock Paintings (卡子岩画). Return to Yanshan County (砚山县) in afternoon.

Xiakemu Village (下科目村) is a charming traditional settlement offering both unique natural landscapes and rich ethnic culture. Whether wandering through ancient villages or exploring historical sites, visitors will experience authentic ethnic charm. May you have an unforgettable journey.