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.
River rafting could be a very exciting experience in a foreign country. A rafting on Yangtze River makes the tour more interesting and special. The Great Bend of the Yangtze River makes a hairpin turn through a remarkable 10,000-foot-deep gorge (almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon!). We will have a spectacular whitewater experience after we run 120 miles of the great bend with rapids about a dozen Class IV. And we will transfer to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge after rafting tour.
Highlights:
- Have a nice rafting experience from Tacheng to Qiaotou Town.
- Visit the upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Lijiang-Tacheng-Judian Town
- Day 2: Judian Town-Zhongxin-Shigu town
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Lijiang-Tacheng-Judian Town
Sightseeing and Activities:Naxi ethnic villages, Jinsha (Gold Sand) River rafting
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
It is 140 km from Lijiang to Tacheng. You will have 4 hours driving along the beautiful Jinsha (Gold Sand) River, which is the upper reach of Yangtze River in Lijiang. Drive through Shigu Town, Zhongxing Town, Judian Town, Shangjiang Town with some Naxi ethnic villages on the way. You will have lunch in Juxian Restaurant(a clean restaurant and best food) with local flavour in Judian Town. You will meet the local bazaar if you are lucky, it just happened in every 5th and 10th of the traditional Chinese calendar.
After lunch, continue the drive to Tacheng Town. Unload the floating equipment including tent, sleeping bag, water-proof bag, fridge, paddles, LPG container, gas cooker, life jacket and so on. You will start the rafting after inflating the drifting boat. The most beautiful part of the rafting today is the Jigong(Rooster) Stone Islet located in the middle of Jinsha River in Shangjiang Town. Seen from a far, you will find there is a sharp peak which looks like a flying rooster, hence the name of Rooster Stone Islet. The Jinsha River is divided into two parts by the Rooster Stone Islet in the middle. Here is the most exciting rafting part of your trip because of the rapids, whirlpools and waves at the foot of the Rooster Stone Islet. After 4 hours rafting, you will build the camp for overnight in the beach island near the Judian Town.
Day 2 Judian-Zhongxing-Shigu Town
Sightseeing and Activities:Jinsha River-the upper Yangtze River rafting
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get up in the early morning, enjoy the sunrise of the Jinsha River with green mountain ranges. After breakfast, continue the rafting trip to Zhongxing Town. Today is a special rafting, you will raft through some islands in the middle of Jinsha River with some green willows and cows in the islands as well as you will find some farmers are fishing in the river with small canoes. Especially, you will find some children swimming in the river without underwear. If they find you are coming from a far, they will be very shy and hide in the willows or they will swim very fast as a fish into the grass. This will be very special experience for your trip.
Continue the rafting to Shigu Old Town. You will raft through a big “S” turn in Stone Gate Pass, an millitary importance historically. Raft to the First Bend of the Yangtze River and Shigu Town. You will witness the wonder of the First Bend of the Yangtze River with a big turn from the southward to the east. You will finish the rafting in Shigu Port. Have a nice lunch in Jiangnan Restaurant in Shigu Town. Lunch with the natural river fish, wild vegetables, and local flavour.
Finish the Yangtze River rafting tour in Shigu Town.
Transfer back to Lijiang.
Service ends.
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
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.
You Might Like
- 23 Days Sichuan-Yunnan Cycling Tour from Chengdu to Lijiang
- 15 Days Yunnan-Tibet Small Group Tour with Mount Everest Adventure
- 1 Day Dali Muslim Tour to Weishan Old Town and Donglianhua Mosque
- 12 Days Sichuan-Yunnan Photograph Tour with Daocheng Yading and Lugu Lake
- Private Kunming Night Tour with Dynamic Yunnan Show
- 2 Days Zhaotong Shuifu Western Grand Canyon Hot Spring Tour from Yibin
- 2 Days Dali Cangshan Mountain Summit Hiking and Camping Tour
- 1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Tour with Yunnan Ethnic Villages
Shanggaoqiao Hui, Yi and Miao Ethnic Town in Daguan County, Zhaotong
Shanggaoqiao Hui, Yi and Miao Ethnic Town in Daguan County, Zhaotong...
Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Town In Yiliang County, Kunming
Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Town In Yiliang County, Kunming ...
Ala Yi Ethnic Town in Guandu District, 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...
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...
2 Days The First Bend of Yangtze River Rafting Tour from Tacheng to Shigu
Lijiang-Tacheng-Judian-Shigu Town-Lijiang
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,...
Latest Articles
Yunnan Travel from Copenhagen of Denmark
2025-06-17Yunnan Travel from Denmark
2025-06-17Yunnan Travel from Dominican Republic
2025-06-17Contact Info
