Chinese Name:石屏县宝秀镇
English Name: Baoxiu Town of Shiping County in Honghe Prefecture

Chinese Name:石屏县异龙镇
English Name: Yilong Town of Shiping County in Honghe Prefecture

Chinese Name:泸西县永宁乡
English Name: Yongning Town of Luxi County in Honghe Prefecture

Chinese Name:泸西县三塘乡
English Name: Santang Town of Luxi County in Honghe Prefecture

Chinese Name:泸西县向阳乡
English Name: Xiangyang Town of Luxi County in Honghe Prefecture

Chinese Name:泸西县白水镇
English Name: Baishui Town of Luxi County in Honghe Prefecture

Chinese Name:泸西县午街铺镇
English Name: Wujiepu Town of Luxi County in Honghe Prefecture

Chinese Name:泸西县旧城镇
English Name: Jiucheng Town of Luxi County in Honghe Prefecture

Chinese Name:泸西县金马镇
English Name: Jinma Town of Luxi County in Honghe Prefecture

Chinese Name:泸西县中枢镇
English Name: Zhongshu Town of Luxi County in Honghe Prefecture

Ezhaxiang (俄扎乡) is located in the southwest of Yuanyang County (元阳县), within Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies in the southern section of the Ailao Mountains (哀牢山) on the southern bank of the Red River (红河). It borders Ganiangxiang (嘎娘乡) and Shangxincheng Township (上新城乡) to the east, Huangmaolingxiang (黄茅岭乡) to the south, and is separated from Lvchun County (绿春县) by the Xiaoheijiang River (小黑江) to the west. To the north, it is adjacent to Xinjie Town (新街镇). The terrain is high in the northwest and low in the southeast, primarily mountainous with ridges and valleys. The highest elevation is 2,580 meters and the lowest is 400 meters, resulting in a distinct vertical climate. Thanks to this unique geography, Ezhaxiang is rich in natural resources and diverse ethnic cultures, making it a hidden gem in Yuanyang County.

History and Culture

Ezhaxiang (俄扎乡) has a long history and is home to several ethnic groups, including the Hani (哈尼族) and Yi (彝族) peoples, with the Hani culture particularly prominent. As an ancient agrarian civilization, the Hani have cultivated the land here for thousands of years, creating the world-renowned terraced farming system. Many traditional buildings and customs are well-preserved in the Hani villages of Ezhaxiang, serving as a vital channel for cultural inheritance. The local people live in harmony with the terraced landscapes, reflecting their deep reverence for nature and a lifestyle that blends seamlessly with the environment.

Local Customs

Traditional Festivals

One of the most important festivals in Ezhaxiang is the Hani “Angmatu Festival” (昂玛突节). During this time, villagers dress in traditional clothing and hold grand sacrificial ceremonies to pray for good weather and bountiful harvests. Pigs and cattle are slaughtered, and offerings are placed on the altar. The ceremony is presided over by respected village elders and is solemn and sacred. Afterward, a communal feast known as the “long street banquet” is held. Families line up dishes on long tables, and everyone sits together to share food and toast each other, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.

Traditional Music and Dance

Both the Hani (哈尼族) and Yi (彝族) peoples of Ezhaxiang have vibrant traditions of music and dance. The Hani “Lezuo Dance” (乐作舞) is a highly representative group dance, where participants form a circle and dance rhythmically to drums and lusheng (芦笙) music. The steps are light and lively, showcasing the Hani people’s zest for life. The Yi “Smoke Box Dance” (烟盒舞) is another unique performance where dancers use smoke boxes to produce crisp sounds while performing expressive dance movements, combining grace with strength.

Traditional Handicrafts

The local craftsmanship is exquisite. The Hani are known for their colorful embroidery featuring nature-inspired and mythological motifs, used on garments, handkerchiefs, and shoulder bags. The Yi are skilled in bamboo weaving, creating elegant and practical items like baskets, stools, and chairs, all reflecting their ingenuity and hardworking spirit.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Ezhaxiang has a subtropical mountainous monsoon climate—warm and humid year-round—with distinct vertical climate changes due to elevation differences. The best time to visit is from November to April, during the dry season. During this time, the weather is sunny and the water-filled terraces shimmer under the sunlight, creating a spectacular kaleidoscope of colors. Around Chinese New Year, visitors can also experience Hani festivals and immerse themselves in local traditions and celebrations.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Duration

Ezhaxiang Rice Terraces

The grand and majestic Ezhaxiang Rice Terraces are a key part of Hani terrace culture. At sunrise, the first golden rays reflect on the water, and mist swirls around, creating a dreamlike scene. Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours. Walk along the ridges for close-up views or head to the best viewing platforms for sunrise photography.

Pujia Ethnic Village

Pujia is a well-preserved Hani village with traditional “mushroom houses” scattered across the hills. Visitors can tour traditional homes, observe daily life, and appreciate local handicrafts like embroidery and bamboo weaving. Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours for a deep dive into rural Hani life.

Habo Rice Terraces and Habo Village

Though administratively part of Xinjie Town (新街镇), Habo Village is near Ezhaxiang and worth visiting. The terraces here form a spectacular landscape resembling a giant painting when viewed from above. The village preserves ancient Hani traditions and hosts vibrant festivals. Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours, including both the terraces and cultural experience.

Transportation

Getting to Ezhaxiang

By Air

Fly to Mengzi Airport (蒙自机场), which is about 130 km from Yuanyang County (元阳县). From the airport, take a shuttle bus to Yuanyang (2–3 hours). Private car hire is faster but more expensive.

By Train

Take a train to Jianshui Station (建水站), then transfer to Jianshui Bus Station to catch a bus to Yuanyang. Buses are frequent, and the ride takes about 2 hours.

Local Transportation

Once in Yuanyang, take a minibus from the county’s bus terminal to Ezhaxiang (俄扎乡). These buses are less frequent, so it’s wise to check schedules in advance. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or local van, which is more convenient but pricier. For getting around Ezhaxiang itself, renting a motorcycle or taking local shuttle vehicles is a practical choice.

Local Cuisine

Red Rice from the Terraces

The red rice grown in Ezhaxiang’s terraced fields is rich in minerals and nutrients. It has a fragrant aroma and a soft, sticky texture. It’s also used in local snacks like red rice cakes, which are sweet and flavorful.

Terrace Fish

Raised in the terrace water, these fish are tender and odorless. They are commonly steamed, braised, or cooked with pickled bamboo shoots. Steamed fish preserves the natural sweetness, while braised fish is rich in flavor. The pickled bamboo shoot fish dish is spicy and sour, a local favorite.

Hani Dipping Chicken

Made from local free-range chickens, the meat is juicy and tender. The dish is served with a spicy dipping sauce made from chili, Sichuan peppercorns, ginger, garlic, and cilantro. It’s flavorful and appetite-boosting.

Bamboo Tube Rice

Sticky rice is packed into fresh bamboo tubes with water and ingredients like red dates or sweet bean paste, then grilled over a fire. The result is aromatic, soft, and sweet rice with a distinct bamboo fragrance.

Shopping

Hani Embroidery Handicrafts

Available at local markets or from villagers, Hani embroidery is colorful and intricately designed with strong ethnic characteristics—ideal as souvenirs or gifts.

Red Rice and Red Rice Products

Bring home some red rice to share the local flavor. Other options include red rice cakes and red rice wine.

Yi Bamboo Woven Goods

Beautiful and practical baskets, stools, and other items made by the Yi people are excellent, locally flavored souvenirs.

Specialty Agricultural Products

Local specialties like black fungus, shiitake mushrooms, and honey are all natural, high-quality, and chemical-free—great gift options.

Accommodation

Guesthouses in Ezhaxiang

Ezhaxiang offers family-run guesthouses that are affordable and provide an authentic rural experience. Rooms are clean and some guesthouses also serve local cuisine.

Hotels in Xinjie Town

Xinjie Town (新街镇) is close to Ezhaxiang and has more accommodation choices, from budget hotels to comfortable inns. Facilities are more complete and transportation is convenient.

Hotels in Yuanyang County Seat

For higher-end accommodations, stay in Yuanyang’s county seat. There are star-rated hotels with better service and amenities, but plan travel time to and from Ezhaxiang accordingly.

Travel Tips

Respect Local Customs

Ezhaxiang is home to multiple ethnic minorities. Visitors should respect local customs and religious practices.

Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡) is located in the southern part of Yuanyang County (元阳县), within the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province. Its coordinates range between 102°38′ to 102°49′ east longitude and 23°01′ to 23°61′ north latitude. It borders Xinjie Town (新街镇) to the east, separated from Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡) and Ezhaxiang Township (俄扎乡) by the Tengtiao River (藤条江) to the south, adjacent to Niujiaozhai Township (牛角寨乡) to the west, and again borders Xinjie Town (新街镇) to the north. The township is 21.6 kilometers from the Yuanyang County seat and covers a total area of 85.13 square kilometers. Surrounded by mountains and characterized by undulating terrain, the terraced fields cascade with the natural contours of the land, forming a stunning landscape that plays a vital role in the cultural landscape of the Yuanyang Rice Terraces (元阳梯田).

Culture and History

Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡) boasts a long history and is home to various ethnic groups including the Hani (哈尼族) and Yi (彝族). These diverse cultures have coexisted and flourished together. The Hani people, one of the primary ethnic groups in the area, have cultivated terraced fields for generations, creating a rich and brilliant terrace culture. Their way of life is closely tied to the terraces—from field reclamation, rice cultivation, to irrigation—each process reflects the Hani people’s deep wisdom and respect for nature. The Yi people have also left a significant cultural mark on the area through their customs and artistic expressions, enriching the region’s cultural diversity.

Local Customs

Traditional Festivals

The Hani “Kuzhaza Festival” (矻扎扎节) is a distinctive celebration in Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡). During the festival, Hani people wear brightly colored traditional clothing and hold grand sacrificial ceremonies to pray for good harvests and the safety of people and livestock. Activities such as swinging and log-grinding competitions bring vibrant energy to the festival.

The Yi people’s Torch Festival (火把节) is also celebrated with great enthusiasm. At night, people carry torches and dance around bonfires, symbolizing the driving away of evil and welcoming light and prosperity.

Traditional Dance and Music

The Hani “Palm Fan Dance” (棕扇舞) is unique, with dancers using palm fans to mimic animals and farming scenes. The dance is lively and filled with the essence of daily life, expressing the Hani philosophy of harmony with nature.

The Yi “Axi Moon Dance” (阿细跳月) is joyful and energetic. People of all ages hold hands and dance together to the sounds of moon lute and sanxian (三弦), reflecting the Yi people’s optimistic and cheerful spirit.

Traditional Handicrafts

Hani traditional clothing features exquisite embroidery, often inspired by nature and mythology. Every stitch tells a story of heritage and belief. Yi silverware is equally remarkable—intricately designed headpieces, necklaces, and bracelets reflect both the artistic craftsmanship and the cultural values of the Yi people.

Weather and Best Travel Time

Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡) enjoys a subtropical mountain monsoon climate, with average annual temperatures between 16°C and 20°C. The best time to visit is from November to March, during the dry season when there’s less rainfall and ample sunshine. The terraced fields shine under the sunlight, creating colorful, mirror-like vistas—ideal for sightseeing and photography. This period also coincides with many local festivals, providing travelers the chance to immerse in the region’s vibrant culture.

Recommended Attractions and Visit Duration

Panzhihua Terraces

These grand and awe-inspiring terraces are most beautiful at sunrise when the first golden rays reflect on the water surfaces, and mist curls around the hills like a fairyland. Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours. Visitors can walk along the field ridges and enjoy stunning sunrise views from observation decks.

Mengpin Terrace Viewpoint

An ideal spot to appreciate the layered beauty of the terraces. From above, the curving lines of the fields merge with surrounding villages and forests to form a pastoral painting. Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours, especially at sunset.

Yi Ethnic Villages

These villages retain traditional Yi architecture and customs. Tourists can explore unique earthen dwellings and observe traditional crafts such as Yi embroidery and bamboo weaving. Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours for a deep cultural experience.

Transportation

Getting There

By Air:
Fly to Honghe Mengzi Airport (红河蒙自机场), approximately 130 km from Yuanyang County (元阳县). From the airport, take a direct shuttle to Yuanyang (2–3 hours). Hiring a private car is more flexible but more expensive.

By Train:
Take the train to Jianshui Station (建水站). From there, head to the Jianshui Bus Station and transfer to a bus bound for Yuanyang. Buses are frequent and the ride takes about 2 hours.

Getting Around

Once in Yuanyang County (元阳县), take a bus from the county station to Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡). Since buses are limited, it is best to check the schedule in advance. Local microvans or taxis are more direct but pricier. Within Panzhihua, visitors can rent motorcycles or take rural shuttle vehicles to reach various attractions conveniently.

Local Cuisine

• Terrace Red Rice (梯田红米):
  Rich in minerals and nutrients, this rice emits a fragrant aroma when cooked and has a soft, glutinous texture. It can also be made into sweet red rice cakes.
• Terrace Duck (梯田鸭):
  Raised in the terraced paddies, the meat is tender and flavorful. Popular preparations include roasted duck with crispy skin and braised duck with rich aromas.
• Hani Style Dipping Vegetables (哈尼族蘸水菜):
  Fresh vegetables are eaten raw and dipped in a Hani-made sauce crafted from chili, Sichuan pepper, ginger, garlic, and coriander. The flavor is tangy, spicy, and refreshing.
• Yi Pork Chunks (彝族坨坨肉):
  Made with freshly boiled pork chunks, the meat is tender and served with a flavorful Yi-style dipping sauce—a strong representation of the local culinary culture.

Shopping

• Hani Embroidered Clothing (哈尼族刺绣服饰):
  Known for its vivid colors and intricate designs, ideal for both daily wear and souvenirs.
• Yi Silver Jewelry (彝族银饰):
  Handcrafted with finesse, items like necklaces and bracelets are not only beautiful but collectible.
• Red Rice Products (梯田红米及红米制品):
  Bring home some red rice or try products like red rice wine and red rice cakes.
• Local Agricultural Products (特色农产品):
  Mushrooms, black fungus, and honey from the region are organic and of high quality—perfect gifts or pantry additions.

Accommodation

• Panzhihua Township Guesthouses (攀枝花乡客栈):
  Mostly family-run, affordable, and offer an immersive rural living experience. Some also serve local cuisine.
• Xinjie Town Hotels (新街镇酒店):
  Located nearby, with more accommodation options ranging from budget to mid-range. Facilities are more complete and travel is convenient.
• Hotels in Yuanyang County (元阳县城酒店):
  For those who prefer more comfortable lodging, hotels in the county seat offer better services and amenities. However, allow time for travel to and from Panzhihua.

Travel Tips

• Respect Ethnic Customs:
  As a region inhabited by ethnic minorities, it’s important to respect local customs and beliefs. Follow instructions during festivals or performances and avoid disruptive behavior.
• Protect the Terraces:
  The Hani Rice Terraces are a World Heritage Site—do not trample on them or litter.
• Safeguard Belongings:
  During peak seasons, be cautious in crowded areas such as markets and festivals. Keep your phone, camera, and wallet safe.
• Polite Photography:
  Always ask for permission before photographing locals or cultural events.
• Traffic Safety:
  Local roads are mountainous and complex. If renting a motorcycle, always wear a helmet and ride safely.

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