Ayong Town of Funing County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographic Location

Ayong Township (阿用乡) is located in the northwest of Funing County (富宁县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省), between 105°30′–105°45′ E and 23°50′–24°10′ N. It borders Naneng Township (那能乡) to the east, Dongbo Township (洞波乡) to the southeast, and Huajia Township (花甲乡) to the south. To the southwest, it is adjacent to Banbang Township (板蚌乡) of Guangnan County (广南县), and to the northwest, it faces Nazuo Township (那佐乡) of Xilin County (西林县) and Gaolong Township (高龙乡) of Tianlin County (田林县) across the Xiyang River (西洋江). It borders Nabi Township (那比乡) of Tianlin County (田林县) to the north. The township government is located about 65 kilometers from the county seat of Funing (富宁县城).

Cultural History

Ayong Township (阿用乡) has a long history. In the early Ming Dynasty, it was established as Ayong Outpost (阿用哨). In the 27th year of Emperor Guangxu’s reign during the Qing Dynasty (1901), the outpost was abolished and merged into Huajia District (花甲区). In the third year of the Republic of China (1914), Ayong Township (阿用乡) was established, and after several administrative adjustments, it was officially restructured as a township in 1988. As of 2020, Ayong Township (阿用乡) administers six administrative villages.

Folk Customs

Ayong Township (阿用乡) is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including the Zhuang, Han, Miao, Yao, and Yi peoples. The local folk culture is rich and varied, characterized by a strong Zhuang cultural atmosphere. Particularly notable is the traditional “Folk Opera Troupe” in Pingdui (平兑). Additionally, Ayong Township (阿用乡) celebrates various ethnic festivals, such as the Zhuang people’s “Longduan Street” (陇端街) and the Miao people’s “Da Bei Festival” (打背节).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Ayong Township (阿用乡) enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 19°C and an average annual rainfall of 1,200.6 millimeters. The frost-free period averages 340 days per year. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions, Visit Duration, and Tickets

  • Traditional Villages of Ayong Township (阿用乡传统村落): Visitors can explore well-preserved traditional buildings and experience the unique ethnic culture and natural beauty. Recommended visit duration is 2–3 hours, with free admission.
  • Xiyang River Basin (西洋江流域): Hydropower stations such as Naliu Level 8 (那柳8级) and Dongba Level 9 (洞巴9级) have been built here, with a reservoir area of over 900 mu, ideal for leisure visits. Recommended visit duration is 1–2 hours, with free admission.

Transportation

  • Public Transportation: Take a bus from Funing County (富宁县城) to Ayong Township (阿用乡), with a travel time of about 1 hour.
  • Self-Driving: Depart from Funing County (富宁县城) and drive along the county road for about 65 kilometers, taking approximately 1 hour.

Local Cuisine

Ayong Township (阿用乡) and surrounding areas offer a variety of local specialties such as sticky rice cakes, flower rice, grilled shredded meat, and cold chicken.

Shopping

Local specialty agricultural products such as sugarcane, oil tea, star anise, Chinese fir, tung oil, ginger, and cinnamon are available for purchase. In addition, visitors can buy traditional handicrafts such as Zhuang embroidery and silver jewelry.

Accommodation

There are several farm stays and guesthouses in and around Ayong Township (阿用乡), offering budget-friendly accommodations generally priced between 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable lodging, hotels in Funing County (富宁县城) are a good choice.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages and participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment by not littering.
  • For hiking or outdoor activities, check the weather forecast in advance and take necessary safety precautions.

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from Funing County (富宁县城) and head to Ayong Township (阿用乡). Visit the traditional villages and experience the ethnic culture and natural beauty. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
  • Day 2: Visit the Xiyang River Basin (西洋江流域) to enjoy the natural scenery. Return to Funing County (富宁县城) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Ayong Township (阿用乡) is a charming settlement of ethnic minorities, offering both unique natural landscapes and rich ethnic culture. Whether you are strolling through ancient villages or admiring magnificent natural scenery, you will experience the deep ethnic charm. We hope you enjoy an unforgettable journey here.