Tongchang Yi Ethnic Town in Yimen County, Yuxi

Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) is located in the northwest of Yimen County (易门县), Yuxi City (玉溪市). It is bordered by Liujie Street (六街街道) to the east, Dachang Township (大庄乡) of Shuangbai County (双柏县) to the west, across the Lvzhi River (绿汁江), Xiaojie Township (小街乡) to the south, and Longshan Town (恐龙山镇) of Lufeng County (禄丰县) to the north. The township is 24 kilometers away from the county seat of Yimen and 122 kilometers away from Kunming.

History and Culture

Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) has a long history. It was known as “Xi Xiang” during the Ming Dynasty (1567 AD) and “Bao Liang Xiang” during the Qing Dynasty (1764 AD). In 1949, it was renamed “Hui Min District” and later became “Tongchang Commune” in 1958. The name “Tongchang” originates from the large-scale mining and smelting of copper in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Ethnic Customs

The township is predominantly inhabited by the Yi ethnic group, who make up 63% of the population. The Yi people are known for their vibrant cultural traditions, including the “Er Yue Jiu” (二月九) festival, also known as “Yi Minor New Year,” which is celebrated with traditional dances and songs. Other cultural highlights include the “Lu Xun Ge” (芦笙舞) and “Zuo Jiao Wu” (左脚舞), which are performed during various festivals.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) has a subtropical plateau monsoon climate with distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is around 16.1°C. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

  • Bidi Village (碧多村): Known for its traditional Yi culture and the “Tiao Ya Ba” (跳哑巴) dance performed every three years on the fourth day of the first lunar month. Suggested visiting time: 2 hours.
  • Wato Mountain Village (歪头山村): A picturesque village with beautiful natural scenery and traditional Yi architecture. Suggested visiting time: 2 hours.
  • Luoxi River (洛溪河): A beautiful river with scenic views, ideal for a leisurely walk or picnic. Suggested visiting time: 1.5 hours.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a local bus or minibus from the county seat of Yimen to Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡). The journey takes about 1 hour.
  • Self-Drive: Navigate to the Tongchang Yi Nationality Township People’s Government (铜厂彝族乡人民政府) on Tongchang Road (铜厂路). The drive takes about 40 minutes.

Cuisine

  • Yi Ethnic Group’s Traditional Dishes: Such as “ba ba” (粑粑), a traditional snack made from glutinous rice.
  • Local Specialties: Including “bai hua yan” (百花宴), “huang niu tang guo” (黄牛汤锅), and “you zha niu pai” (油炸牛排).

Shopping

  • Local Specialty Products: Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) is known for its agricultural products such as walnuts, citrus fruits, and various types of mushrooms. These can be purchased at local farmers’ markets.
  • Handicrafts: Traditional handicrafts such as bamboo weaving and ethnic embroidery are also available.

Accommodation

  • Hotels: There are several hotels in Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) with basic facilities.
  • Homestays: Experience local ethnic culture by staying in a traditional homestay.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Culture: When visiting historical sites and participating in ethnic activities, be mindful of and respect local cultural customs.
  • Protect the Environment: Do not litter during your visit to preserve the local natural environment.
  • Safety First: Pay attention to personal safety and follow relevant regulations when engaging in outdoor activities.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) and visit Bidi Village (碧多村) to experience traditional Yi culture and the “Tiao Ya Ba” dance.
  • Day 2: Explore Wato Mountain Village (歪头山村) to enjoy the natural scenery and traditional Yi architecture.
  • Day 3: Visit Luoxi River (洛溪河) for a leisurely walk and scenic views. Shop and enjoy local cuisine in Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) before concluding your trip.
Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) is a charming destination with its rich natural landscapes and unique ethnic culture. Whether you are exploring the traditional villages or immersing yourself in the ethnic festivals, you will surely be captivated by the unique charm of this land. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡).