Panxi Town of Huanimg County, Yuxi
Panxi Town (盘溪镇) is located in the southeastern part of Huaning County (华宁县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Xier Town (西二镇) and Wushan Township (五山乡) of Mile City (弥勒市), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) to the east; Panjiang Township (盘江乡) of Jianshui County (建水县), Honghe Prefecture to the southeast; Huaxi Town (华溪镇) to the south; Ningzhou Subdistrict (宁州街道) to the southwest; and Tonghongdian Yi and Miao Ethnic Township (通红甸彝族苗族乡) to the northwest. The town government is located in Panxi (盘溪), about 47 kilometers from Huaning County’s seat, with a total administrative area of 176.9 square kilometers.
History and Culture
Panxi Town (盘溪镇) has a long history. It was originally named “Boxi (婆兮)” in Yi language, where “Bo” means cogongrass and “Xi” means luxuriant—meaning “a place where cogongrass grows abundantly.” In 1932, it was renamed Panxi (盘溪), after the nearby stream. In January 1950, Panxi District (盘溪区) was established, and after several name changes, Panxi Township and Panxi Town were merged in December 1998 to form the current Panxi Town.
Folk Customs
Panxi Town (盘溪镇) is home to multiple ethnic groups, mainly the Yi (彝族) and Hui (回族) peoples, offering rich and diverse folk culture. Traditional festivals include the Yi people’s Torch Festival (火把节) and the Hui people’s Eid al-Fitr (开斋节). During these festivals, locals hold various cultural activities such as singing, dancing, and religious ceremonies.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Panxi Town experiences a subtropical highland monsoon climate, with a clear distinction between dry and rainy seasons. It features abundant rainfall in summer and autumn, and less precipitation in winter and spring. The average annual temperature is 20.3°C, the frost-free period averages 233 days per year, annual sunshine reaches 2,100 hours, and average annual precipitation is about 950 mm. The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is most attractive.
Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time
Panxi Hot Spring (盘溪温泉):
Hot spring water emerges from rock crevices at 30°C. The water is clean and clear, with pools and swimming facilities, perfect for relaxation. Recommended visit time: half a day.
Dalongtan (大龙潭), also known as Qixitan (七犀潭):
Formed by the Di River (地河), this scenic spot combines natural beauty and cultural history. Average water flow is 5.3 cubic meters per second. Recommended visit time: 2 hours.
Beimen Mosque (北门清真寺):
Built in the 12th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty, it covers an area of 2,200 square meters with unique architectural features. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.
Xiaohongshan Martyrs’ Tower (小红山烈士塔):
A memorial site dedicated to revolutionary heroes, with significant historical value. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.
Mingqishan (明旗山):
Named for its shape resembling a flag rising from flat land, it offers great hiking and panoramic views. Recommended visit time: 2 hours.
Transportation
Panxi Town (盘溪镇) enjoys convenient transportation. The Kunming–Hekou Railway (昆河铁路) runs through the area, as does the Huapan Secondary Highway (华盘二级公路), which connects to China National Highway 213 (213国道) in Mile County. It serves as an important corridor between the Central Yunnan and Southern Yunnan economic zones. You can take a bus from the Huaning County seat to Panxi Town, which takes about 1 hour.
Local Cuisine
Panxi Town’s cuisine features local agricultural products such as Panxi mandarins (盘溪柑桔) and early winter vegetables (冬早蔬菜). Specialty dishes include Yi-style roast whole lamb (烤全羊) and Halal foods (清真食品) from the Hui ethnic group.
Shopping
Local specialties available for purchase include Panxi mandarins (盘溪柑桔), early winter vegetables (冬早蔬菜), and dried wild mushrooms (野生菌干货).
Accommodation
Panxi Town offers a small selection of guesthouses and rural homestays with basic amenities, ideal for experiencing local life. For more comfortable accommodations, visitors may choose to stay in Huaning County’s urban center.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages.
- Protect the natural environment by not littering.
- Bring appropriate clothing and sun protection based on the weather.
Itinerary Suggestion
Day 1: Depart from Huaning County seat and arrive in Panxi Town. Visit Dalongtan (大龙潭) to appreciate the harmony of nature and history.
Day 2: Relax at Panxi Hot Spring (盘溪温泉) in the morning; explore Beimen Mosque (北门清真寺) in the afternoon and learn about the local religious culture.
Day 3: Visit Xiaohongshan Martyrs’ Tower (小红山烈士塔) to honor revolutionary heroes. In the afternoon, hike Mingqishan (明旗山) and enjoy natural views. Savor local cuisine and shop for souvenirs before heading back.
Panxi Town (盘溪镇) is a place full of natural beauty and cultural charm. From stunning landscapes to rich ethnic traditions, it offers a rewarding experience for all travelers. We hope you enjoy an unforgettable journey here.
