• Keywords: Niujiaozhai Market Day,

• Location: Niujiaozhai Village, 30 kilometers from Yuanyang in Yuanyang County,Honghe

• Admission Fee:￥0

‣ About Niujiaozhai Market Day

At Niujiaozhai Village (30kilometers from Yuanyang), the Niujiaozhai Market holds on every Horse, Dog and Tiger day. The crowed assembly comes every 4 days. A huge variety of Hani, Yi and Dai customs appear in your eyes on that day. The market animates the village with all different colors.

Yi and Hani minority ladies sell their native and ethnic merchandise, fruits and vegetables in the market. The particular dresses of Hani, Yi and Dai people make the market a beautiful picture. And livestock like cattle, ducks, chicken and so on is available to buy.

There, what you can enjoy is the ethnic flavor, the minorities’ hospitality, enthusiasm and honesty. If you are the one who have lived in the big city of fast pace of life, the Niujiaozhai market is definitely worth visiting. If you are accustomed to be in hurry, the Market and the village will drop you from business and annoyance. There, you will feel relaxed, calm and wonderful.

‣ Attraction Transportation

• Yuanyang-Niujiaozhai

‣ Attraction Travel Tips

▪ The weather forecast of Yuanyang on the Internet may be not exact because the weather of the rice terraces area is always changeable and unpredictable.
▪ The temperature here varies greatly between day and night. Please pay attention to keep warm especially in early morning and at night.

The Location of Niujiaozhai in Yuanyang County, Honghe

Chinese Name:德宏瑞丽江
English Name: Ruili River in Dehong

Overview

The Ruili River is a significant river flowing through tropical regions and valleys. The river is divided into three sections, each offering distinct scenic beauties. The drainage area of the Ruili River is rich in tourism resources, featuring a variety of scenic spots. It is known for its tropical and subtropical landscapes, border ports, ethnic cultures, and historical significance.

Historical Names and Importance

Ancient Name: In the Dai language, the river was historically known as the Nanmao River, meaning “Mist Water River.”
Other Names: During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, it was called the Luxuan River, and in the Qing Dynasty, it was known as the Longchuan River or the Ruili River.
Significance: The Ruili River irrigates fertile lands across China and Myanmar, supporting nearly a million people. It flows from the western side of Gaoligong Mountain in Tengchong County, passing through Longchuan, Lianghe, and other counties, and eventually flows into Myanmar before merging with the Irrawaddy River.

Geographical Details

Length in China: 53 kilometers
Width: 100-200 meters
Sections: The river features different scenic sections including the flat plains around Ruili and the narrow, canyon-like sections.

Tourism Status

National Scenic Area: Approved as a national scenic spot by the State Council on January 10, 1994, and listed among the third batch of national key scenic spots.
Scenic Level: Third batch of national key scenic areas.

Key Attractions

Tiger Jumping Stone: A notable scenic spot along the river.
Wildlife: Includes white-handed gibbons, green peacocks, and various tree species like the Saro tree and rock cotton tree.
Scenic Highlights: Lush tropical rainforests, clear springs, and picturesque river views with abundant wildlife.

Protected Area

Establishment: The Ruili River Nature Reserve was established in March 1992, covering areas in Ruili, Mangshi, and Longchuan.
Flora and Fauna: The reserve features a transition zone from seasonal rainforests to evergreen broadleaf forests, with over 600 plant species and 216 vertebrate species. It is also the source of several rivers such as the Mengyue, Nanhun, Mangbang, and Nanlan Rivers.
Area: 73,500 hectares, designated as a provincial nature reserve in May 2002.

Tourism Resources

Landscape: The Ruili River’s surroundings are known for their clear waters, lush bamboo forests, and charming rural scenery. Traditional Dai-style bamboo houses dot the riverbanks amidst flowing streams and fertile fields.
Scenic Beauty: The river’s tropical rainforest is vibrant, with exposed tree roots blending with the rock faces. The clear springs and picturesque river scenes are enchanting.
River Sections: The Ruili section features flat river plains with scenic views of the river widening and offering a refreshing experience. The river is partly a border river between China and Myanmar, with serene waters, reflecting light, and flocks of wild ducks, egrets, gray cranes, and kingfishers. Boats, bamboo rafts, and motorboats transport goods and people between the two countries.

Drifting and Boating

Drifting Sections: The river is ideal for drifting and boating, particularly in the Zhefang and Wanting sections. The Zhefang section offers wide, calm waters suitable for various activities. The Wanting section is narrower, with lush vegetation and dramatic landscapes.

Best Time to Visit

Season: The best time to visit is during the dry season from October to April when the weather is cooler and more comfortable.
Avoid: The rainy season from May to September may lead to less favorable conditions for outdoor activities.

Accommodation

Nearby Towns: Accommodation options are available in nearby towns such as Ruili, Baoshan, and Dali.
Types: Options range from budget hotels to more upscale resorts.

Travel Tips

Preparation: Bring appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor activities and water-based adventures.
Local Customs: Respect local customs and practices, especially in ethnic minority villages.
Weather Check: Verify the weather conditions before your trip for a more enjoyable experience.

The Ruili River offers a unique blend of tropical and subtropical landscapes, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

The Yi Ethnic “February 8th·Baishijia Festival” (二月八·百诗佳节) is primarily celebrated in Xiangming Yi Ethnic Township (象明彝族乡), Mengla County (勐腊县) – the birthplace of Pu’er tea and the only Yi ethnic settlement in Xishuangbanna (西双版纳).

Cultural History

“Baishijia” means “hero” in Yi language. According to legend, a Yi youth named Jinxian possessed extraordinary strength and martial skills. When invaders attacked, Jinxian joined the army, promising to return by New Year. After missing two New Years, villagers assumed he had died in battle. On February 7th of the lunar calendar, Jinxian suddenly returned on horseback, revealing he had been wounded while earning military honors as a general. To celebrate, villagers held festivities on February 8th, establishing this annual “Hero’s Day”.

Folk Culture

This important Yi festival features diverse activities including:

Traditional sports: swing-playing, top-spinning
Cultural performances: San Duo Jiao dance (三跺脚), folk singing
Economic activities: trade fairs
Nightly bonfire gatherings symbolize ethnic unity as participants join hands in dance.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

With tropical climate (average 22.7°C, 1,311mm precipitation), the ideal visiting period is November to April.

Recommended Attractions & Visiting Time

Nanla River Starry Night Market (南腊河星光夜市): Sample local snacks and purchase quality tea, handmade crafts (2-3 hours)
Yiwu (Mansa) Ancient Tea Mountain (易武/漫撒古茶山): Experience Yi traditions like tea-making, embroidery, and folk games (2-3 hours)

Transportation

From Kunming (昆明):

Drive 400km via Kunmo Expressway (昆磨高速公路) to Jinghong (景洪)
Continue via Xiaomo Highway (小磨公路) to Mengla (勐腊县) (5 hours total)
Local buses/taxis available to Xiangming Township (象明彝族乡)

Food

Festival specialties include:

Yi cuisine: caravan dishes, bamboo shoot with glutinous rice
Local snacks: bamboo-tube rice, grilled fish

Shopping

The night market offers quality Pu’er tea (普洱茶), handmade soy sauce, and ethnic crafts.

Accommodation

Options range from budget hotels to luxury resorts in Mengla (勐腊县). For authentic experience, try homestays in Xiangming Township (象明彝族乡).

Travel Tips

Respect ethnic customs during celebrations
Maintain environmental cleanliness

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Mengla (勐腊县), visit night market
Day 2: Explore ancient tea mountain cultural activities
Day 3: Continue tea mountain experience before departure

The “February 8th·Baishijia Festival” (二月八·百诗佳节) showcases vibrant Yi traditions while fostering ethnic harmony. May your journey through Mengla’s (勐腊县) cultural landscape be unforgettable.

Chinese Name: 建水孔子文化节
English Name: Confucius Culture Festival of Jianshui County, Honghe
Location: Jianshui County, Honghe
Date: 27 Sep.-7 Oct.
Place: Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture

Jianshui is a place where Central Plains culture blends with the cultures of ethnic minorities from the border regions. The Jianshui Confucian Temple, which has a history of over 500 years, is an important carrier for the widespread dissemination of Confucian culture in Jianshui. As a result, Jianshui has traditionally upheld Confucianism, earning it the reputation as a famous county for poetry and literature, and a land of rites and etiquette.

Jianshui County in the south of Yunnan has the third largest Confucius Temple in China. The opening ceremony will take place in front of the Chaoyang Pavilion which is nicknamed “the Lesser Tian’anmen Pavilion”. A series of activities will be organised in the Confucius Temple (Sacrificial Ceremony), Jianshui County Stadium (Gala Evening), Fudong Temple (Chinese Traditional Culture Forum), and Jianshui Cultural Museum (Purple Pottery Exhibition).

*Travel Route: Kunming–Yuxi–Tonghai—Jianshui; or Kunming—Stone Forest—Jianshui

To solemnly commemorate Confucius, the founder of the Confucian school of thought, Jianshui County has designated September 28 each year since 2005 as the “China Honghe · Jianshui Confucius Cultural Festival.” The theme of the festival is “Worship the Eternal Master of Huaxia, Showcase the Civilization of Jianshui Through the Ages.” During the event, there are grand opening ceremonies and traditional Confucius worship ceremonies. In 2005, the Confucius worship activities during the Jianshui Confucius Cultural Festival became one of five points for the live broadcast of “Global Chinese Worship Confucius” by China Central Television (CCTV). Its culturally distinctive worship activities attracted widespread attention both domestically and abroad. In 2006, the Jianshui Confucius Cultural Festival was held concurrently with the celebration of the 1200th anniversary of Jianshui’s establishment, featuring activities such as “CCTV Goes to Jianshui, Confucius Worship Ceremony, Selection of Jianshui’s Top Ten Historical Cultural Figures, and Top Ten Historical Events” which were broadcast live by Xinhua News Agency. During the third Confucius Cultural Festival in 2007, Jianshui hosted the “Entering Jianshui, Approaching Confucius” Confucian Thought Forum, where renowned scholar Kong Qingdong gave a lecture at the Jianshui Confucian Temple, garnering significant media attention. In 2008, the fourth “China Honghe · Jianshui Confucius Cultural Festival” was held, followed by the fifth festival in 2009.

Since the inception of the Jianshui Confucius Cultural Festival, its grand scale, rich ethnic characteristics, traditional worship ceremonies, and other cultural and commercial activities have driven the development of cultural tourism throughout the county, enhancing the cultural prominence of Jianshui County. With the guiding principle of “Commemorating the Ancestors, Propagating Civilization,” the Jianshui Confucius Cultural Festival has thus become a well-known “cultural business card” for Jianshui.

I. Location

Huaping County Chuangfang Lisu and Dai Nationality Township (华坪县船房傈僳族傣族乡) is located in the northeastern part of Huaping County (华坪县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). The township government is situated in Chuangfang Street (船房街), 52 kilometers away from the county town. It borders Yibian County (盐边县), Panzhihua City (攀枝花市), Sichuan Province (四川省) to the east and northeast, Xingquan Town (兴泉镇) of Huaping County (华坪县) to the south, and Yongxing Township (永兴乡) and Zhongxin Town (中心镇) of Huaping County (华坪县) to the northwest. The township covers an area of 173.6 square kilometers, and includes four village committees: Chuangfang (船房), Huarong (华荣), Huiwo (灰窝), and Gaju (嘎苴), with a total of 78 villagers’ groups.

II. Ethnic Characteristics

A. Ethnic Composition

Chuangfang Township (船房乡) is home to 10 ethnic minorities, including Lisu (傈僳族), Dai (傣族), Hui (回族), Yi (彝族), etc., among which Lisu and Dai are the main ethnic minorities. The ethnic minority population accounts for 32.3% of the total population of the township, making it a typical ethnic township in Huaping County (华坪县).

B. Ethnic Culture

Lisu: The Lisu people have a rich and colorful culture, including Lisu songs and dances, traditional costumes, etc. Tourists can participate in traditional Lisu festivals, such as the Knife-Pole Festival (刀杆节), to experience the unique culture of the Lisu people.
Dai: The Dai people attract numerous tourists with their unique ethnic charm. Visitors can stroll through Dai villages, admire traditional bamboo houses, listen to ancient ethnic legends, and immerse themselves in the charm of ethnic culture. In addition, the exciting Water-Splashing Festival allows tourists to feel the enthusiasm of the Dai people amidst the splashing water.

III. Tourist Attractions

A. Natural Scenery

Natural Scenery of Wumu River: The Wumu River is one of the most beautiful sections in Chuangfang Township (船房乡). With clear waves like mirrors and dense shades dripping with greenery, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Wumu River here.
Gasa Nisa Rural Tourism Project: Located by the river in Gazo Village (嘎佐村), Chuangfang Township (船房乡), this project mainly features river drifting. It also offers catering services, sales of agricultural and special products, and provides services for sightseeing, leisure, entertainment, dining, shopping, and accommodation. The project has built large ponds and flat roads. The dining area’s restaurant is bright and spacious, capable of accommodating hundreds of people for dining at the same time.

B. Cultural Attractions

Historical Culture of Huarong Village: Huarong Village (华荣) has a long history and is one of the important cultural resources of Chuangfang Township (船房乡).
Ethnic Festivals: Chuangfang Township (船房乡) develops rural tourism through festivals and has launched unique festivals such as the Mulberry-Picking Water-Splashing Festival. These activities not only attract a large number of tourists but also promote local economic development.

IV. Transportation

To get to Chuangfang Township (船房乡) from the county town of Huaping (华坪县), you can choose to drive or take public transportation. If you drive along the Huayong Line (华永线), the total distance is about 52 kilometers, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. If you choose public transportation, you can take a bus to Chuangfang Township (船房乡) at the Huaping County Passenger Station (华坪县客运站), with a journey time of about 2 hours.

V. Travel Tips

Best Travel Time: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Chuangfang Township (船房乡), when the climate is pleasant and the natural scenery is the most charming.
Local Specialties: Visitors can taste local specialties such as Lazha Wine (腊渣酒) and Huaping Mangoes (华坪芒果).
Accommodation Recommendations: The Gasa Nisa Rural Tourism Project provides accommodation services, where visitors can experience local folk customs.

Chuangfang Township (船房乡) has become an attractive rural tourism destination with its rich natural scenery and unique ethnic culture. Here, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature, and experience the unique culture and lifestyle of ethnic minorities.

Chinese Name:华坪县永兴傈僳族乡
English Name: Yongxing Lisu Ethnic Town of Huaping County in Lijiang

Geographical Location

Tongda Lisu Ethnic Town (通达傈僳族乡) is located in the western part of Huaping County (华坪县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is 50 kilometers away from the county town and borders Yongsheng County (永胜县) and Ninglang County (宁蒗县) to the northwest. The total area is 151.7 square kilometers.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Skills

Ethnic Groups

The town is home to several ethnic minorities, including the Lisu (傈僳族), Yi (Talao people, 彝族他留人), Dai (傣族), Hui (回族), and Naxi (纳西族). It is a multi-ethnic settlement dominated by the Lisu people.

Traditional Skills

The Lisu people have a wide range of traditional skills. They are skilled in bamboo weaving and can create various tools and utensils for production and daily life. They also have unique textile skills, producing colorful and exquisitely patterned Lisu clothing.

Customs and Festivals

Clothing Customs

The traditional clothing of the Lisu people is bright in color. Men usually wear linen long shirts, short vests on the outside, long trousers, waistbands, and leg wrappings. Women wear tight short shirts, long skirts, waist aprons, and red headscarves.

Food Customs

The Lisu people mainly eat corn, buckwheat, and oats. They often eat baked cakes and make special dishes like pickled sour fish and rice sausage.

Festivals

The Lisu people have traditional festivals such as the Kuoshe Festival (阔时节) and the Daga Festival (刀杆节). The Kuoshe Festival is the Lisu New Year, during which people hold various celebration activities, such as song and dance performances and crossbow competitions. The Daga Festival is famous for its thrilling activities, such as climbing the knife pole and walking on fire.

Tourist Attractions

Natural Scenery

The town is characterized by high mountains, deep valleys, and crisscrossing gullies, offering very charming natural landscapes. For example, in the Wugu River Village (白姑河村), there is a sea of marigolds. In autumn, the golden marigolds bloom in competition, forming a spectacular scene against the backdrop of the green mountains and clear waters.

Cultural Heritage

The town has a profound ethnic cultural heritage. Visitors can go deep into the Lisu villages to experience the original folk customs and explore the inheritance and development of ethnic culture.

Transportation

External Transportation

First, arrive in Lijiang City (丽江市区), and then take a long-distance bus to Huaping County (华坪县). From Huaping County to Tongda Lisu Ethnic Town, you can take a local minibus or hire a car.

Internal Transportation

The main means of transportation within the town are walking and motorcycles. If you choose to travel on foot, you can better enjoy the natural scenery along the way and experience the local customs.

Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Autumn is the most beautiful season in Tongda Lisu Ethnic Town. The marigolds are in full bloom, and the climate is pleasant, making it very suitable for travel.

Precautions

Respect the customs of the local ethnic minorities and protect the local natural environment.

I. Location

Huaping County Xinzhuang Lisu and Dai Nationality Township (华坪县新庄傈僳族傣族乡) is located in the southwestern part of Huaping County (华坪县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省), 20 kilometers away from the county town. The township covers an area of 276.6 square kilometers, with seven village committees and 140 villagers’ groups. It is home to 10 ethnic groups, including Lisu (傈僳族), Dai (傣族), Miao (苗族), etc.