Bazhaijiejiao Village of Bazhai Town in Maguan County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Bajie Streetfoot Village (八寨街脚村) is located in Bazhai Town (八寨镇), Maguan County (马关县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is situated in a mountainous area, approximately 1 kilometer from the Bazhai Town government and 46.7 kilometers from Maguan County seat. The village sits at an altitude of 1,750 meters, with an average annual temperature of about 20°C and an annual rainfall of approximately 1,700 millimeters.

History and Culture

Bajie Streetfoot Village (八寨街脚村) has a long history. Its residents are mostly descendants of people who migrated from Jiangxi and Hunan provinces during the Ming Dynasty under the frontier settlement policy. The village was established in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, with a history of more than 600 years. It is one of the best-preserved traditional residential clusters in Maguan County. In 2013, Bajie Streetfoot Village was included in the second batch of the Traditional Chinese Villages (中国传统村落) list.

Folk Customs

Bajie Streetfoot Village (八寨街脚村) retains a rich folk culture, including traditional performances such as Dian Opera (滇剧), Flower Lantern (花灯), Shehuo (社火), Dragon Dance (舞龙), and Lion Dance (舞狮). Among them, A’ya Ancient Music (阿雅古乐) is a court music tradition brought back from the Central Plains by the A’ya Tusi (阿雅土司) during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, with a history of over 600 years. This music is a unique local intangible cultural heritage. The village’s cultural activity center also houses an ancient stage, serving as an important venue for traditional Dian Opera performances.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Bajie Streetfoot Village (八寨街脚村) enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct altitudinal zonality. The average annual temperature is about 20°C, offering mild weather suitable for visits all year round. However, spring and autumn are considered the best seasons to visit, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful natural scenery, perfect for experiencing the charm of a traditional village.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Times, and Ticket Prices

  • Traditional Village of Bajie Streetfoot (八寨街脚村传统村落): Visit the well-preserved courtyard buildings from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period to experience the unique architectural style and historical culture. Suggested visit time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.
  • Site of the First Party Branch in Maguan County (马关县第一个党支部旧址): Located in the original Bajie Central School’s Sansheng Palace (三圣宫) within Bajie Village Committee, this is an important revolutionary cultural site. Admission: Free.
  • Surrounding Natural Scenery: Attractions such as Laojun Mountain Nature Reserve (老君山自然保护区) and Dajichang Sea of Clouds (大吉厂云海) are great for hiking and photography. Suggested visit time: 1–2 hours.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a bus from Maguan County seat to Bazhai Town, about a 1-hour journey. After reaching Bazhai Town, walk or transfer to a rural bus to reach Bajie Streetfoot Village.
  • Self-Drive: Depart from Maguan County seat and drive along the county road for about 46.7 kilometers, taking around 1 hour.

Local Cuisine

The area around Bajie Streetfoot Village offers many local delicacies, such as Bazhai Greens (八寨青菜), Buckwheat Cakes (苦荞饼), Maguan Walnuts (马关核桃), and Tangfang Oranges (塘房桔). Visitors can also enjoy the traditional Shehuo Banquet (社火宴) associated with Dian Opera performances, providing a unique cultural experience.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local specialties such as Maguan Tea (马关茶叶), Star Anise (八角), and Sanqi (三七). Traditional handicrafts such as Wenshan Miao Embroidery (文山苗绣) are also popular souvenirs.

Accommodation

There are several farm stays and guesthouses in and around Bajie Streetfoot Village, offering affordable options typically ranging from 50 to 100 RMB per person per night. For a more comfortable stay, hotels in Maguan County seat are recommended.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages and participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment by not littering.
  • If planning hiking or outdoor activities, check the weather in advance and ensure proper safety precautions.

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from Maguan County to Bajie Streetfoot Village, Bazhai Town. Visit the traditional village and the site of the first Party branch in Maguan County to experience local folk culture. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
  • Day 2: Visit nearby natural attractions such as Laojun Mountain Nature Reserve, enjoy the natural beauty, and return to Maguan County seat in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Bajie Streetfoot Village (八寨街脚村) is a charming traditional village rich in natural beauty and historical culture. Whether strolling through the ancient village streets or enjoying traditional Dian Opera performances, visitors will experience a strong ethnic atmosphere. We hope you have a memorable journey here.