Longshujiao Village of Donggan Town in Malipo County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村) is under the Mabo Village Committee (马波村委会) in Donggan Town (董干镇), Malipo County (麻栗坡县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is located in a mountainous area. Donggan Town (董干镇) lies in the northeastern part of Malipo County (麻栗坡县). To the east, it faces Mu’ang Town (木央镇) in Funing County (富宁县) across the river; to the south, it borders Tongwen County (同文县) in Vietnam (越南); to the west, it adjoins Tiejing Township (铁厂乡) in Malipo County (麻栗坡县); and to the north, it connects to Heizhiguo Township (黑支果乡) in Guangnan County (广南县). Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村) is about 38 kilometers from Donggan Town (董干镇).

History and Culture

Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村) is a multi-ethnic settlement primarily inhabited by Zhuang (壮族) and Miao (苗族) ethnic groups. It was once one of the important cultural heritage sites in Malipo County (麻栗坡县). Mr. Yang Xianlai (杨献才), a local resident, contributed to the compilation of several local chronicles, including the “Malipo County Chronicle” (《麻栗坡县志》) and “Donggan Town Chronicle” (《董干镇志》). Additionally, Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村) is home to a “Nostalgia Book House” (乡愁书屋) founded by Yang Xianlai and his son, which has a rich collection of books and provides spiritual nourishment for the villagers.

Folk Customs

Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村) preserves many unique ethnic customs. Traditional festivals of the Zhuang (壮族) and Miao (苗族) people, such as the Torch Festival (火把节) and the Miao New Year (苗年), are celebrated with rituals, song and dance performances. In addition, the Zhuang (壮族) embroidery craft is a key cultural feature of the area, known for its exquisite artistry.

Weather and Best Visiting Time

Donggan Town (董干镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate with a distinct topographic climate. The annual average temperature is 14.7°C, with an average frost-free period of 340 days per year. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is cool and suitable for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entrance Fees

  • Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村): Experience the folk culture and traditional handicrafts of the Zhuang (壮族) and Miao (苗族) peoples.
    Suggested visiting time: Half a day.
    Entrance fee: Free.
  • Nostalgia Book House (乡愁书屋): Visit the village-run rural library to learn about the cultural heritage of the area.
    Suggested visiting time: 1 hour.
    Entrance fee: Free.
  • Nearby Attractions: The Donggan Martyrs’ Cemetery (董干烈士墓) and Donggan Winter Pear Orchard (董干冬梨园) are ideal places for further exploring local history and natural landscapes.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a bus from Malipo County (麻栗坡县城) to Donggan Town (董干镇), about 2 hours, and then transfer to local transport or walk to Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村).
  • Self-Driving: Drive from Malipo County (麻栗坡县城) via the Mafugang Highway (麻富公路) to Donggan Town (董干镇), and continue to Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村), approximately 54 kilometers in total.

Food

  • Local Specialties: Taste traditional Zhuang (壮族) dishes, such as Tuo Meat (坨肉), Rice Flowers (米花), and Sand Cake (沙糕).
  • Farmhouse Meals: Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村) offers fresh vegetables and poultry, making it an excellent place to enjoy rural cuisine.

Shopping

  • Ethnic Handicrafts: Purchase Zhuang (壮族) embroidery, Miao (苗族) silver jewelry, and other distinctive handicrafts.
  • Local Specialties: Such as Donggan Winter Pears (董干冬梨) and Small-Seed Coffee (小粒咖啡).

Accommodation

  • Homestays: Stay at local farmhouse inns to experience authentic rural life.
  • Hotels: Several hotels are available in Malipo County (麻栗坡县城).

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: When visiting and participating in cultural activities, please respect the customs of the ethnic minorities.
  • Protect the Environment: While visiting natural scenic areas, please protect the environment and avoid littering.

Itinerary from Small to Large Destinations

  • Day 1: Arrive at Malipo County (麻栗坡县城), check into your hotel, head to Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村) in Donggan Town (董干镇), visit the Nostalgia Book House (乡愁书屋), and experience the folk culture.
  • Day 2: Visit the Donggan Martyrs’ Cemetery (董干烈士墓) or Donggan Winter Pear Orchard (董干冬梨园) to learn about local history and natural landscapes.

Longshujiao Village (龙树脚村) is a place full of ethnic charm and cultural depth. Here, you can experience the hospitality of the Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), and other ethnic groups, enjoy unique natural scenery, and immerse yourself in rich cultural traditions. May your journey be filled with joy and unforgettable memories.