Nanuo Town of Yuanjiang County, Yuxi

Nanuo Township (那诺乡) is located in the southeastern part of Yuanjiang Hani, Yi, and Dai Autonomous County (元江哈尼族彝族傣族自治县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Lijiang Subdistrict (澧江街道) to the east. To the southeast and south, the Nanhen River (南昏河) serves as a natural boundary separating it from Dayangjie Township (大羊街乡) and Chegu Township (车古乡) of Honghe County (红河县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州). To the west, it connects with Chegu Township (车古乡) via Meipu Third Village (梅普三村) in Langshu Village (浪树村). To the north, it borders Yangjie Township (羊街乡) via Nilang River (尼朗河) and Shapoliangzi Ridge (沙坡梁子). The township seat, Nanuo Village (那诺村), is 66 kilometers from the county seat.

History and Culture

Nanuo Township (那诺乡) was officially established in December 1987. Historically, it belonged to the “Fourth District” of Yuanjiang during the Republican era and was under the jurisdiction of Zhujie Town (猪街镇) in 1928. The township is predominantly inhabited by the Hani ethnic group (哈尼族), making up 92.42% of the population. The Hani people here have preserved rich cultural traditions and ethnic customs.

Local Customs

Nanuo Township (那诺乡) celebrates a variety of traditional Hani festivals, including the “Hani October New Year” (哈尼十月年), the “Yellow Rice Festival” (黄饭节), and the “Kuzhazha Festival” (苦扎扎节). The most important among these is the “Hani October New Year” (哈尼十月年), considered the Hani people’s equivalent of the Lunar New Year. It begins on the first Dragon Day of the tenth lunar month and lasts for thirteen days. During these festivals, locals engage in traditional cultural activities such as swinging and singing-dancing performances.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Nanuo Township (那诺乡) enjoys an average annual temperature of 16.5°C and an annual rainfall of about 800 mm, mostly concentrated between June and October. The best time to view the cloud sea over the terraced fields is from November to March, when foggy mornings give way to breathtaking scenery of mist-covered rice terraces.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

Nanuo Terraced Fields (那诺梯田)

A marvel of traditional Hani agricultural engineering, the Nanuo Terraced Fields (那诺梯田) have a history of over 1,300 years. The terraces cascade from the base of the mountains all the way to the peaks, offering different scenery in each season.
Recommended visiting time: 3–4 hours

Langshu Village (浪树村)

Located in the southernmost part of Nanuo Township (那诺乡), bordering Chegu Township (车古乡) in Honghe County (红河县), Langshu Village (浪树村) provides a glimpse into rural Hani life and local customs.
Recommended visiting time: 2 hours

Transportation

Public Transportation

You can take a local bus or minibus from Yuanjiang County (元江县) to Nanuo Township (那诺乡). The ride takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Self-Driving

Use GPS to navigate to Nanuo Township Government (那诺乡政府) in Nanuo Village (那诺村). The drive takes around 1 hour.

Local Cuisine

Nanuo Township (那诺乡) and its surrounding areas offer a variety of local dishes:

  • Hani Long Street Banquet (哈尼族长街宴): A festive communal meal during the Hani October New Year, featuring sticky rice cakes, roast meats, and other local delicacies.
  • Hani Roast Meat (哈尼族烤肉): Authentic roast meat enjoyed during traditional festivals.

Shopping

  • Traditional Handicrafts: Hani embroidery, bamboo weaving, and other ethnic crafts are available at local markets and craft stores.
  • Local Agricultural Products: Fresh mangoes, dragon fruit, and other tropical fruits can be found in local farmers’ markets.

Accommodation

  • Hotels: Numerous hotels are available in Yuanjiang County (元江县), just a short drive from Nanuo Township (那诺乡).
  • Homestays: A few traditional homestays in and around Nanuo Township offer a deeper cultural experience.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Culture: When visiting historical sites or participating in cultural events, be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Protect the Environment: Avoid littering and help preserve the pristine natural beauty of the area.
  • Safety First: When engaging in outdoor activities, always prioritize safety and follow local guidelines.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Yuanjiang County (元江县), travel to Nanuo Township (那诺乡), visit Nanuo Terraced Fields (那诺梯田), and immerse yourself in centuries-old Hani agricultural culture.
Day 2: Explore Langshu Village (浪树村), experience Hani village life and local customs.
Day 3: Return to Yuanjiang County (元江县) for shopping and local food tasting before concluding your trip.

Nanuo Township (那诺乡) captivates visitors with its profound cultural heritage, rich ethnic customs, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you are wandering through the ancient terraced fields or partaking in Hani cultural festivities, you’ll experience the unique charm of this land. May your journey to Nanuo Township be unforgettable.