Hebian Village of Yuezhe Town in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Hebian Village (河边村) is located in the southern part of Yuezhizhe Town (曰者镇), Qiubei County (丘北县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is approximately 0.8 kilometers from both the Yuezhizhe Village Committee (曰者村委会) and the Yuezhizhe Town government. The village is situated in a flat basin area with extensive farmland and convenient transportation, about 15 kilometers from the county seat of Qiubei.

History and Culture

Hebian Village (河边村) is a traditional village rich in historical and cultural heritage. It was included in the Traditional Chinese Villages (中国传统村落) list in 2013. The village preserves 18 intact ancient courtyard houses, including the former residence and ancestral home of Ma Jiwu (马继武), a famous anti-Japanese general. These ancient buildings bear witness to the village’s historical changes and embody rich revolutionary and ethnic spirit. A village history museum has also been established to commemorate history and pass down culture.

Folk Customs

Hebian Village (河边村) is a Hui ethnic community with a vibrant and diverse folk culture. The ancient courtyard houses are architecturally unique, with well-preserved wooden carvings and stone sculptures. Each house tells its own story. The village maintains many traditional Hui customs, including the celebration of Eid al-Fitr (开斋节) and Eid al-Adha (古尔邦节). These lively festivals attract many visitors who come to experience the local culture.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Hebian Village enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct seasons and a mild temperature. The average annual temperature is about 16°C, and the annual rainfall is approximately 1,200 millimeters. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, offering pleasant weather and beautiful natural scenery, perfect for experiencing folk culture and the charm of traditional villages.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Times, and Ticket Prices

• Traditional Village of Hebian (河边村传统村落): Visit well-preserved ancient courtyard houses to experience unique architectural styles and historical culture. Suggested visit time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.
• Former Residence of Ma Jiwu (马继武故居): This site, also functioning as the village history museum, showcases the life and historical contributions of General Ma Jiwu, providing valuable insights into revolutionary culture. Suggested visit time: 1 hour. Admission: Free.
• Surrounding Natural Scenery (周边自然风光): The area around Hebian Village offers beautiful landscapes, ideal for hiking and photography. Suggested visit time: 1–2 hours. Admission: Free.

Transportation

• Public Transport: Take a bus from Qiubei County seat to Yuezhizhe Town, with a travel time of about 20 minutes. After arriving in Yuezhizhe, transfer to a rural bus or hire a car to reach Hebian Village.
• Self-Drive: Depart from Qiubei County seat and drive along the county road for about 15 kilometers, taking approximately 20 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Hebian Village and the surrounding areas offer many local delicacies, such as Qiubei Sour Soup Chicken (丘北酸汤鸡), Qiubei Pink Kidney Beans (丘北粉红腰豆), and Qiubei Miao Dog Soup Pot (丘北苗家狗汤锅). Traditional Hui dishes such as Hand-Pulled Rice (手抓饭) and Youxiang (油香) are also must-tries.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local specialties like Qiubei Lotus Roots (丘北莲藕), Star Anise (八角), and Natural Lotus Root Powder (纯天然藕粉). Hui handicrafts, including embroidery and ceramics, are also popular souvenirs.

Accommodation

There are several farm stays and guesthouses available in and around Hebian Village, offering affordable options typically ranging from 50 to 100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodations, hotels in Qiubei County seat are recommended.

Travel Tips

• Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages and participating in folk activities.
• Protect the environment by not littering.
• If planning hiking or outdoor activities, check the weather in advance and ensure proper safety measures.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart from Qiubei County to Hebian Village, Yuezhizhe Town. Visit the traditional village and the former residence of Ma Jiwu to experience Hui culture. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
• Day 2: Continue exploring the village, enjoying its natural scenery and rich folk culture. Return to Qiubei County seat in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Hebian Village is a charming traditional village, rich not only in natural beauty but also in historical and cultural significance. Whether wandering through its ancient courtyards or enjoying traditional Hui dances, visitors will deeply experience the ethnic atmosphere. We hope you enjoy an unforgettable journey here.