Chahe Town of Eshan County, Yuxi

Chahe Township (岔河乡) is located in the central part of Eshan Yi Autonomous County (峨山彝族自治县), Yuxi City (玉溪市). It is bordered by Shuangjiang Street (双江街道) to the southeast, Huanian Town (化念镇) to the southwest, Tadian Town (塔甸镇) and Fuliangpeng Township (富良棚乡) to the west, and Dianzhong Town (甸中镇) to the north. It is adjacent to Luohexiang Yi Autonomous Township (落合乡彝族乡) of Hongta District (红塔区) to the northeast。

History and Culture

Chahe Township (岔河乡) has a long history. It was established as a township in 1931 during the Republic of China period。The township is named after its location at the confluence of three small rivers: Pingxi (平溪), Wanshang (碗厂), and Guanzhuang (关庄)。

Ethnic Customs

Chahe Township (岔河乡) is predominantly inhabited by the Yi ethnic group, which makes up 98.49% of the population。The township is known for its rich Yi culture, including traditional festivals such as the “Opening New Street” (开新街) and the “Flower Street Festival” (花街节)。The “Opening New Street” is a significant event where the Yi people celebrate the new year with traditional dances, music, and rituals。

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Chahe Township (岔河乡) has a subtropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 19℃。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

  • Chahe Village (岔河村): The center of the township, known for its Yi ethnic culture and traditional festivals. Suggested visiting time: 2 hours.
  • Wengshang Village (翁厂村): A picturesque village with rich Yi ethnic traditions and beautiful natural scenery. Suggested visiting time: 2 hours.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a local bus or minibus from the county seat of Eshan to Chahe Township (岔河乡). The journey takes about 1.5 hours。
  • Self-Drive: Navigate to the Chahe Township People’s Government (岔河乡人民政府) on Chahe Street (岔河街). The drive takes about 1 hour。

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: Chahe Township (岔河乡) 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 Chahe Township (岔河乡) 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 Chahe Township (岔河乡) and visit Chahe Village (岔河村) to experience the local Yi culture and traditional festivals。
  • Day 2: Explore Wengshang Village (翁厂村) to enjoy the natural scenery and traditional Yi architecture。
  • Day 3: Shop and enjoy local cuisine in Chahe Township (岔河乡) before concluding your trip。
Chahe Township (岔河乡) 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 Chahe Township (岔河乡).