Shanggaoqiao Hui, Yi and Miao Ethnic Town in Daguan County, Zhaotong
Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Town In Yiliang County, Kunming
Geographic Location
Ala Yi Ethnic Town is located in the eastern suburbs of Kunming, Yunnan Province, 8 kilometers away from the city center. It is bordered by Dabanqiao Town to the east, Luoyang Town in Chenggong County to the south, Jinma Subdistrict Office to the northwest, and Xiaobanqiao Subdistrict Office and Kunming Economic and Technological Development Zone to the southwest.
Historical Background
Ala Yi Ethnic Town has a long history and is the only ethnic minority town in Guandu District. It is named after the Yi ethnic group (Sani branch) residing in Ala Forest. During the Qing Dynasty, it belonged to Kunming County. In 1950, it was under the jurisdiction of Kunming County’s Third District. In 1953, it was incorporated into Kunming City’s Sixth District. In 1956, it became part of Guandu District. In 1958, it was established as Ala Commune. In 1984, it was renamed Ala Office, and in 1987, it was officially designated as Ala Yi Ethnic Town.
Cultural Features
The Sani people, a sub-branch of the Yi ethnic group, have their own language, but their written script has largely been lost. They have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals such as the Torch Festival and the Insect King Festival. Sani women’s traditional attire is distinctive, featuring elements like the “rooster comb hat,” which symbolizes good fortune and happiness. Traditional dances include the Flat Drum Dance and Bamboo Stick Dance, and they are known for their folk songs and handicrafts.
Economic Development
Ala Yi Ethnic Town has a diverse economy, with agriculture and industry as the mainstays. The agricultural sector focuses on crops like vegetables and corn, while the industrial sector has developed rapidly in recent years. The town is home to several industrial parks and enterprises, contributing significantly to the local economy. In recent years, the town has also seen growth in the service industry, particularly in tourism and cultural industries.
Transportation
Ala Yi Ethnic Town has a well-developed transportation network, with convenient access to major highways and railways. The town is connected to Kunming’s main urban areas by multiple bus routes, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.
Tourism Resources
Ala Yi Ethnic Town is rich in tourism resources, featuring unique Yi ethnic culture and natural scenery. Attractions include the Sani Folklore Exhibition Hall, where visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Sani people. The town also hosts vibrant ethnic festivals such as the Torch Festival and the Insect King Festival, which attract numerous visitors each year. Additionally, the town’s natural landscapes and rural experiences offer visitors a chance to connect with nature and local culture.
Geographic Location
Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town is located in the southwest of Jinning County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, about 65 kilometers away from Kunming’s main urban area. It is bordered by Yuxi Hongta District to the east, Eshan County to the south, Yimen County to the west, and Jinning County to the north.
Historical Background
Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town has a long history and is one of the two ethnic minority towns in Jinning County. It is named after the Yi ethnic group residing in the area. During the Qing Dynasty, it belonged to Kunming County. In 1950, it was under the jurisdiction of Kunming County’s Third District. In 1953, it was incorporated into Kunming City’s Sixth District. In 1956, it became part of Jinning District. In 1958, it was established as Xiyang Commune. In 1984, it was renamed Xiyang Office, and in 1987, it was officially designated as Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town.
Cultural Features
The Yi people in Xiyang have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals such as the Torch Festival and the Insect King Festival. Yi women’s traditional attire is distinctive, featuring elements like the “rooster comb hat,” which symbolizes good fortune and happiness. Traditional dances include the Flat Drum Dance and Bamboo Stick Dance, and they are known for their folk songs and handicrafts.
Economic Development
Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town has a diverse economy, with agriculture and industry as the mainstays. The agricultural sector focuses on crops like rice, corn, and chili peppers, while the industrial sector has developed rapidly in recent years. The town is home to several industrial parks and enterprises, contributing significantly to the local economy. In recent years, the town has also seen growth in the service industry, particularly in tourism and cultural industries.
Transportation
Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town has a well-developed transportation network, with convenient access to major highways and railways. The town is connected to Kunming’s main urban areas by multiple bus routes, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.
Tourism Resources
Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town is rich in tourism resources, featuring unique Yi ethnic culture and natural scenery. Attractions include the Yi Folklore Exhibition Hall, where visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Yi people. The town also hosts vibrant ethnic festivals such as the Torch Festival and the Insect King Festival, which attract numerous visitors each year. Additionally, the town’s natural landscapes and rural experiences offer visitors a chance to connect with nature and local culture.
Natural Environment
Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town features a complex terrain with significant altitude differences, ranging from the highest point at Leida Mountain (2,563 meters) to the lowest at Xiaoshiban River (1,340 meters). This creates a unique microclimate, with fertile soil in the river valleys due to the lower altitude, longer sunshine, and shorter frost periods. The area is known for its high-quality agricultural products such as glutinous rice, sunflower seeds, and red chili peppers.
Traditional Villages
Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town is home to several traditional villages that have been listed in the Chinese Traditional Villages Directory. These villages, such as Muzha Village, Yizige Village, and Duhe Village, preserve traditional Yi ethnic architecture and cultural heritage. The villages are characterized by their well-preserved traditional houses, stone walls, and cultural decorations, reflecting the rich Yi ethnic traditions.
Infrastructure and Protection
In recent years, the town has made significant efforts to protect and restore its traditional villages. Infrastructure improvements, public environmental enhancements, and the preservation of ancient buildings have been implemented. These efforts have helped maintain the historical environment and traditional style of the town, ensuring its sustainable development.
Luomian Yi and Miao Ethic Town in Fumin County, Kunming
The news was updated on May 16, 2019.
In April, glossy ganoderma(Linzhi mushroom) start sprouting. At this booming season, we visited The Wild Glossy Ganoderma Artificial Cultivation Demonstration Base in Jingping Township nearby the Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve, southwest Yunnan’s Jingdong Yi Autonomous County.
Wu Jianshao is from Zhejiang University and now serves as temporary vice mayor of Jingdong County. He told us the university is helping Jingdong fight poverty by taking advantage of local wild mushroom resources to develop an ecological industry.
In the green houses, we saw fleshy shoots of glossy ganoderma growing well. “These are improved varieties and they can release more ganoderma spores,” said Ye Dafu, a local villager and also a manager of the demonstration base.
“Ganoderma spores powder has good effect for health care,” said Ye. Accoring to him, glossy ganoderma begin to release spores in June, which are their seeds. But in the past, it was impossible to effectively collect the spores of wild glossy ganoderma. In artificial cultivation, glossy ganoderma are planted in green houses and each of them is bagged in order to collect the spores.
On the basis of wild glossy ganoderma domestication, Jingdong now is exploring a new model of poverty alleviation by developing a whole-industry chain which includes domestication, ecological planting, ganoderma spores powder process and brand sale. Currently, the county has set up four glossy ganoderma ecological planting bases. With planting area of 6.67 hectares and an output value of 15 million yuan, the project now covers 200 local households.
Shalang Bai Ethnic Town in Xishan District, Kunming昆明市西山区沙朗白族乡
Gulv Yi and Bai Ethnic Town in Xishan District, Kunming昆明市西山区谷律彝族白族乡
Why is Lower Yubeng Village So Special?
Yubeng Village is known for the beautiful valley it lies in and beautiful day treks which depart from it. It’s divided into two parts: the Upper Yubeng Village and Lower Yubeng Village, about 1 km between the two parts. From Lower Yubeng, you can find the paths to the Sacred Waterfall, and if you are a hardcore hiker, Holy Lake, which from a higher vantage point, has an unobstructed view of the Kawa Karpo Peak (6,740 meters), and most of the rest of the mountain range. Lower Yubeng village is in a vast valley, full of wheat fields, a bit more of a farm village feel.
Where is Lower Yubeng Village – Location
Yubeng is a Village in Northwestern Yunnan, situated at the foot of the Wuzi Mountain Peak of Niancimu Mountain Peak on Meili Snow Mountain, Yunling Country, Deqin County. Walking from Xidang and climbing through a pass you will arrive first in Upper Yubeng Village. Continue hiking about 1 km(40 minutes) and you will arrive at Lower Yubeng Village.
How to Get There
Due to no highway to access Yubeng village, one can only get there by trekking or mule-riding for 18 kilometers from Xidang Village, and crossing over a pass for 3700 meters. After arriving at Upper Yubeng Village, continue hiking about 1 km(40 minutes) and you will arrive at Lower Yubeng Village. Tourists can take buses running from Shangri-la to Deqin or rent a car to.
What to See?
Sacred Waterfall
Apparently best seen in the morning to catch rainbows. 4-5 hour hike. The path starts by crossing lower Yubeng, and turning right near the stupa. There are green trash cans along the path. There is a tea shop about 2/3 of the way to the waterfall. In the summer, the tea shops also provide basic lodgings and bedding if you want to stay overnight in the mountains.
Holy Lake
A high mountain lake south of Yubeng. 10 hour hike. Begin in Lower Yubeng, crossing the bridge to the left of the stupa and then taking an immediate right up a steep trail through a wooded mountainside. This part of the hike is slippery in parts and could be difficult in wet weather. After around 3 hours the trail contours round a slope into a meadow at 4300 m which has a partial shelter. This is followed by a relatively shallow ascent over rocky (and snowy) ground to the lake. Once at the lake it’s possible to go a little further towards the peak.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Yubeng Village is from May to July in late spring and early summer; from September to October in autumn. Flowers bloom from may to July. From September to October, the scenery is charming. Large temperature difference between these two seasons and you’d better bring enough warm clothes when you travel.
Accommodate at Lower Yubeng Village
There are more than a few guesthouses at Lower Yubeng Village. If you want to hike to the sacred waterfall, stay at Lower Yubeng village is a better choice. If it’s not the beginning of October (1–3) you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place and try to bargain your rate down or get a private room for cheap!
Recommended Visiting Route
The two must-see attractions of Yubeng are sacred waterfall and holy lake. Few people know about Holy lake and it requires a day’s hiking. Sacred waterfall is the place most people choose to go, which needs half day’s walking. Tourists can hire horses to the sacred waterfall.
Route 1. Lower Yubeng Village – Scared Waterfall – Lower Yubeng Village(3.5 hours)
Route 2: Lower Yubeng Village – Holy Lake – Lower Yubeng Village(7.5 hours)
Useful Travel Tips
► The most practical local delicacies are buttered tea and instant noodles. Yak butter tea is the best food to supply physical strength and prevent altitude sickness on the plateau.
► Before entering the village, be sure to leave your big luggage at the inn and pack light with your necessities.
►Due to the inconvenience of transportation, the supplies here are more expensive than the outside, so bring some food that can supply physical strength such as dried meat, chocolate and so on.
► It takes a certain amount of physical strength and perseverance, and remember to bring waterproof and warm clothes and waterproof hiking shoes. An alpenstock is very useful.
► Respect the local custom. The sacred lake is so sacred to local Tibetans that they can only drink and cannot be used for washing anything.
► The mobile phone may be out of signal on the way.
In 2019, Anning City in Yunnan hosted an engaging team-building event for the Yunnan Exploration Team. The event was designed to foster teamwork, enhance collaboration, and provide participants with a deeper appreciation of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Key Highlights of the Team Building Event:
- Exploration Activities:
- Participants engaged in various exploration activities around Anning City, including visits to local attractions and scenic spots. The activities were designed to promote teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Cultural Immersion:
- The event included cultural immersion activities, allowing participants to experience Yunnan’s rich traditions and local customs. This included interacting with local communities and learning about their way of life.
- Outdoor Challenges:
- The team-building exercises featured outdoor challenges that tested participants’ physical endurance, strategic thinking, and ability to work together. These challenges helped build camaraderie and strengthen team bonds.
- Workshops and Seminars:
- Workshops and seminars were conducted to focus on team dynamics, leadership skills, and effective communication. These sessions aimed to enhance participants’ professional skills and foster a collaborative work environment.
- Local Cuisine:
- Participants had the opportunity to savor Anning’s local cuisine, which provided a taste of the region’s unique culinary traditions.
- Feedback and Reflection:
- The event concluded with a feedback and reflection session where participants shared their experiences, insights, and takeaways from the team-building activities.
The 2019 Yunnan Exploration Team Building in Anning City was a successful event that not only strengthened team cohesion but also offered participants a memorable experience of Yunnan’s cultural and natural beauty.
The news was updated on April 11, 2019.
As April comes, people in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand begin to celebrate their New Year festival. In southwest China’s Yunnan, the international students from above-mentioned countries also gather to enjoy the festive activities.
On April 6, the celebration of Laotian New Year kicked off at Ziyun Bluebird-Yunnan Cultural and Creative Exposition in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province. Besides singing and dancing, international students from Laos made Lao delicacies on the scene. A Laotian girl even brought ingredients from her hometown by air, offering authentic tastes to participants.
Also in Kunming, the New Year celebration of Cambodia started in Kunming University of Science and Technology on April 7. To welcome the “fairy”, a goddess in Cambodian myth, the international students from Cambodia prepared flowers, fruits and foods in a bid to pray for health and fortune in the coming year. Students from China and other countries also joined the celebration.
Yunnan is one of the Chinese provinces which boast locational advantages, such as the proximity to Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand and other South and Southeast Asian countries.
Xishuangbanna Mengyuan Fairyland Cave in Mengla County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Mengyuan Fairyland Cave in Xishuangbanna(勐远仙境). This mysterious cave was formed due to the evolution of the earth. This cave is not just famous among tourists but also the expedition base for geologists.
● Chinese Name: 勐远仙境(Meng yuan xian jing)
● Keywords: Cave, Theravada Buddhism, Longevity culture, Dai & Yao culture,
● Location: Mengyuan Village, Mengla Town, Xishuangbanna,Yunnan, China
● Scenic Area: 30 square kilometers
● Admission Fee: Adult:120rmb; Children: 60rmb (below 1.2m)
● Opening Hours: 8:30am -17.30pm
‣ About Fairyland Cave
This Fairyland Cave is located in Xishuangbanna Mengyuan, Mengla Town. It is awarded with the 5A accredition under the tourism board standard. The combination of the Theravada Buddhism, the Longevity culture, the mountains, water, monsoon, limestone forest, the cave community, Dai culture and other ethnic customs spots make it a perfect therapeutic resort.
‣ About Legend
There is a legend related to this cave. During the Three Kingdom period, Zhugeliang, the escapist of the army was amazed by the wonders of the cave and named it the “Fairyland”. There is a “Sheng – Shaped Door” which is named the No. 1 entrance in China, which signifies wealth and good fortune. This entrance door was built by a patriotic overseas Chinese to promote the Chinese culture.
‣ About Rainforest
Besides being a tourist spot, it’s also a reserved area for protected tropical rainforest and the base for the Chinese Science Education. It’s the best preserved tropical rainforest ecosystem as it is rich in biological diversity. The country’s most protected plants such as Dracaena Angustifolia, Tetrameles etc are found here. Other significant plant is the giant tree which is of the size of more than 10 men figure. Ravine rainforests also exist aplenty here.
‣ About Caves
There are more than 100 caverns in the Fairyland Cave. The longest is about 10km. The paths to the caverns are wavy and winding. It has an underground galaxy atmosphere. Stone forest, stalagmites, stone shoot, underground rivers and other natural landscapes are found here. It’s also a natural dwelling for bats, birds, fish, crabs and other animals. With the combination of the unique lime shoot forest, the rainforest and outstanding landscapes, it is said to be a perfect natural wonderland.
Wanfu Cave
The “Bayeux Scripture” and the “Banna History” recorded that there was a cave called “Baojiaoniutong” or “Tanhuaihaoxiang” by Dai, and now is named “Wanfudong” is about 3360m long and 88m in height. This cave has a strange structure. It’s very narrow with only one man passing passage. It has magical legend; it says that Mengyuan was a cattle fighter kingdom. There was once a fighting tribe entered the cave with a large number of treasures and until today, it has not been found, and chances are you might stumble upon these treasures when you visit this place. A Laoguo Buddhist monk had placed a Buddha’s statue and it has attracted many tourists here for blessings by drinking, wearing, dwelling all the blessed and holy Buddhist objects.
An adventurous expedition into this colourful and rugged cave will unveil this mysterious cave which is very unique and sacred.
In the main hall of the cave, the stalagmites have formed many shapes. The significant shapes are the “openly water drinking horse”, “flying eagle”, “camel by the god side”, “monkey playing”, “peacock”, “elephant” and etc. The most auspicious and wonderful structure is the Buddha with a sky pointing fingers which is said to bless whoever encounters it. There is a huge Sakyamuni statue with a big dragon on the Buddha’s crown. Legends have it that Sakyamuni Buddha brought along this dragon to protect the cave. Also there is a bell, if it’s hit by a mallet, it will have a clear ringing sound. Another sacred spot is the “Saint Pool” that the Buddha used to cure patients with various diseases. The level of the holy water is always maintained high regardless of seasons and the temperature of the cave is always maintained at 21°.
When you passed through the Wanfu Cave, you will reach an underground river. The reflection of the light to the surface of the water and flowing sound of the river seems like a concert in a galaxy cave.
‣ About Ethnic Villages
Indulge yourself in the beauty of nature in the presence of the pristine rainforest and the wild animals in the cave will bring you to the paradise realm. The 3 Dai ethnic villages and 1 Yao ethnic villages seem to be guardians of this fairyland. Their hospitality will make you feel like you are the princess in the “Snow White Story”.
This holy fairyland cave has all the natural given properties for you to relax, recharge, rejuvenate and unveil for yourself the beauty and mysterious cave with all the wonders of the universe.
‣ Attraction Transportation
- Take every 30 minutes bus from Jinghong Bus Station or Fantaichang Bus Station, 35rmb for one ticket.
- Drive a car along with Xiaomo Highway to Mengla, after 86km, turn left on Chengzi Village, go on 4km with the direction to Jinghong
‣ Best Time to Visit
Belonging to tropical rainforest climate, Xishuangbanna’s dry season is from November to April the next year and rainy season is from May to October. With annual average temperature of 21c, it has long summer and no winter. With cool and pleasant four seasons, the best time for traveling Xishuangbanna is from October to June the next year.
‣ Tips
All the information is for reference only, if there was any change, please follows the information of scenic area.
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Shanggaoqiao Hui, Yi and Miao Ethnic Town in Daguan County, Zhaotong
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Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Town In Yiliang County, Kunming
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Geographic Location Ala Yi Ethnic Town is located in the eastern suburbs of Kunming, Yunnan Province, 8 kilometers away from the city center. It is bordered by Dabanqiao Town...
Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town in Jinning County, Kunming
Geographic Location Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town is located in the southwest of Jinning County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, about 65 kilometers away from Kunming’s main urban area. It is...
Luomian Yi and Miao Ethic Town in Fumin County, Kunming
Luomian Yi and Miao Ethic Town in Fumin County, Kunming...
Linzhi mushroom planting gives impetus to poverty alleviation in Jingdong
The news was updated on May 16, 2019. In April, glossy ganoderma(Linzhi mushroom) start sprouting. At this booming season, we visited The Wild Glossy Ganoderma Artificial Cultivation Demonstration Base...
Shalang Bai Ethnic Town in Xishan District, Kunming
Shalang Bai Ethnic Town in Xishan District, Kunming昆明市西山区沙朗白族乡...
Gulv Yi and Bai Ethnic Town in Xishan District, Kunming
Gulv Yi and Bai Ethnic Town in Xishan District, Kunming昆明市西山区谷律彝族白族乡...
The Lower Yubeng Village in Deqin County, Diqing
Why is Lower Yubeng Village So Special? Yubeng Village is known for the beautiful valley it lies in and beautiful day treks which depart from it. It’s divided into two...
2019 Yunnan Exploration Team Building in Anning City
In 2019, Anning City in Yunnan hosted an engaging team-building event for the Yunnan Exploration Team. The event was designed to foster teamwork, enhance collaboration, and provide participants with...
Expats celebrate New Year in Yunnan
The news was updated on April 11, 2019. As April comes, people in Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand begin to celebrate their New Year festival. In southwest China’s Yunnan,...
Mengyuan Fairyland Cave in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna
Xishuangbanna Mengyuan Fairyland Cave in Mengla County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history,...
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