Pisa Village of Zhela Town in Yanshan County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Pisha Village (批洒村) is located in Zhela Township (者腊乡), Yanshan County (砚山县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is situated in a mountainous area, 2 kilometers from the village committee and 5 kilometers from the township government seat. Pisha Village covers a total area of 6.89 square kilometers, with an elevation of 1,511 meters. The village has an average annual temperature of 17.4°C and an annual rainfall of 1,048 mm.

History and Culture

Pisha Village has a long history and was included in the second batch of Traditional Chinese Villages (中国传统村落) in August 2013. In the second year of the Xuantong reign (1910) of the Qing Dynasty, Pisha Village was part of the ninth administrative section of Jiangnazheng in the eastern district of Wenshan County (文山县) under Kaihua Prefecture (开化府). At the beginning of 1949, the People's Government of Yanshan County was established in Zhela, and Pisha Village came under its jurisdiction. Pisha Village is one of the Zhuang ethnic villages in Zhela Township, featuring well-preserved ancient architecture with rich ethnic characteristics.

Folk Customs

Pisha Village is a Zhuang-inhabited area with a distinctive regional cultural identity. It retains a wealth of folk traditions, such as the Bangbang Lantern Dance (棒棒灯) — a ritual folk dance passed down in Pisha Village. Originating in the Tang Dynasty, it has a history of over 1,300 years. The dance uses props like wooden sticks, handkerchiefs, and lanterns, performed to the rhythm of drums with singing and dancing combined.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Pisha Village enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with abundant rainfall and sunshine, and a long frost-free period. The annual average temperature is 17.4°C, with an annual rainfall of 1,048 mm. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the climate is pleasant and ideal for experiencing both folk culture and natural beauty.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Times, and Ticket Prices

• Traditional Village of Pisha (批洒村传统村落): Visit well-preserved ancient Zhuang architecture and experience traditional Zhuang culture. Suggested visit time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.
• Site of the Ameng Conference (阿猛会议遗址): A nearby historical red tourism site. Suggested visit time: 1–2 hours. Admission: Free.
• Yuxian Lake Scenic Area (浴仙湖景区): Located about 30 kilometers from Pisha Village, this area combines natural scenery with leisure activities. Suggested visit time: 3–4 hours. Ticket price: approx. 50 RMB.

Transportation

• Public Transport: Take a bus from Yanshan County to Zhela Township (about 30 minutes), then transfer to a rural bus or hire a car to reach Pisha Village.
• Self-Drive: Depart from Yanshan County and drive along the Yanguang Expressway (砚广高速公路). The distance is about 22 kilometers, and the drive takes around 30 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Pisha Village and the surrounding area offer many local delicacies, such as homemade Zhuang-style Flower Glutinous Rice (花糯饭), Cold Rice Noodles (凉米粉), and Fragrant Local Liquor (飘香美酒). You can also sample specialties like Yanshan Small-Peanut (砚山小粒花生), Boletus Mushrooms (牛肝菌), and Yanshan Notoginseng (砚山三七).

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local specialties such as Yanshan Notoginseng (砚山三七) and Yanshan Small Chili (砚山小椒). Handicrafts like Wenshan Miao Embroidery (文山苗绣) are also popular souvenirs.

Accommodation

There are several farm stays (农家乐) and guesthouses (民宿) in and around Pisha Village, with affordable prices generally ranging from 50 to 100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodations, hotels in Yanshan County’s urban center are available.

Travel Tips

• Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages or participating in folk activities.
• Protect the environment and avoid littering.
• If planning hiking or outdoor activities, check weather conditions in advance and take necessary safety precautions.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart from Yanshan County, arrive at Pisha Village, explore the traditional village, and experience Zhuang culture. Overnight stay at a local farm stay.
• Day 2: Visit the Site of the Ameng Conference, then tour Yuxian Lake Scenic Area for natural beauty. Return to Yanshan County in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Pisha Village is a charming traditional village rich in both natural beauty and ethnic culture. Whether strolling through ancient alleyways or enjoying traditional Zhuang dances, you will be immersed in a vivid cultural atmosphere. We hope you have a memorable journey in this enchanting village.