Babao Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographical Location

Babu Town (八宝镇) is located in the southeastern part of Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), 83 kilometers from Guangnan County town (广南县城) via the Guangba Highway (广八线) or 114 kilometers via the expressway. It borders Funing County (富宁县) to the southeast, Nanping Town (南屏镇) to the west, and Baban Township (板蚌乡) and Yangliu Jing Township (杨柳井乡) to the north. The town covers an area of 569 square kilometers, with terrain that is higher in the west and lower in the east, and a varied landscape that includes mountains, hills, basins, and river valleys.

Cultural History

Babu Town (八宝镇) has a long history, with evidence of ancient human habitation from the Paleolithic period, around 5,000 to 10,000 years ago. During the pre-Qin period, it was inhabited by ancient tribes such as the Liaos (僚) and Pus (濮). During the Han Dynasty, it was part of Jutang County (句町县), and during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was incorporated into Guangnan Prefecture (广南府). In the 29th year of the Republic of China (民国29年), it was renamed Babu (八宝), and in 1958, it became part of Guangnan County (广南县). Babu Town (八宝镇) is one of the areas where Zhuang (壮族) culture developed early and has retained rich historical relics and folk customs.

Folk Customs

Babu Town (八宝镇) is home to multiple ethnic groups, including Han (汉), Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), Yi (彝族), Yao (瑶), and others. Zhuang culture is the main cultural feature of the town, and it includes unique architectural styles (such as the “Ganlan” style houses, 干栏式), rich ethnic festivals (such as the “Third of March” and “Sixth of June” festivals), and traditional dances (like the Bronze Drum Dance, 铜鼓舞).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Babu Town (八宝镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate with mild weather, with no extreme cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer. The average annual temperature is 17°C, with an annual rainfall of 1,100 millimeters and 335 frost-free days. The best time to visit is in the spring (March to May), when the climate is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Sanla Waterfall (三腊瀑布)
Description: Located 20 kilometers to the east of Babu Town (八宝镇) in Sanla Village (三腊村), formerly known as Xiangquan Waterfall (响泉瀑布), this waterfall features water cascading down from a 10-meter-wide cliff in three stages.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Babu Scenic Area (八宝风景区)
Description: The scenic area includes attractions such as Babu River (八宝河), Ge Feng Waterfall (戈峰瀑布), Tianfang Leitan (田房磊滩), Shiyakou Datan (石丫口大滩), Pearl Beach (珍珠滩), and Yafang Cave (牙方溶洞).
Recommended visit time: 3 hours
Ticket price: Free

Babu Zhuang Village (八宝壮族十三寨)
Description: A typical Zhuang (壮族) rural settlement with buildings primarily made of wood and stone. The local construction features interlocking joints and carvings, with many houses built in the three-story “Ganlan” style (干栏式).
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From Guangnan County (广南县), take National Highway 323 (323国道) or the expressway to Babu Town (八宝镇), approximately 83 kilometers (via Guangba Highway) or 114 kilometers (via expressway), with a travel time of around 1.5 hours. The internal transportation within the town mainly consists of motorcycles and small vans, making it convenient for visitors to reach various scenic spots.

Cuisine

Babu Town (八宝镇) offers several local specialties, including:

  • Babu Rice (八宝米): A local specialty with plump grains and a sweet taste.
  • Zhuang Glutinous Rice (壮族糯米饭): Served with local dishes, offering a unique flavor.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local agricultural products such as Babu rice (八宝米), star anise (八角), and tea (茶叶). Handicrafts such as Zhuang (壮族) embroidery and Handkerchief Dance (手巾舞) props are also available.

Accommodation

Babu Town (八宝镇) has several homestays and rural guesthouses at affordable prices with comfortable environments. If you prefer more luxurious accommodations, it is recommended to return to Guangnan County (广南县) for lodging.

Travel Tips

  • Respect the customs and traditions of the local ethnic minorities, especially when participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment by not littering.
  • Pay attention to safety, especially when exploring mountainous areas and waterfalls.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Guangnan County (广南县), travel to Babu Town (八宝镇), visit the Babu Scenic Area (八宝风景区) and enjoy the beauty of Babu River (八宝河) and Ge Feng Waterfall (戈峰瀑布), then stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit Sanla Waterfall (三腊瀑布) and experience its grandeur, then explore the Babu Zhuang Village (八宝壮族十三寨) to learn about Zhuang folk culture. Afterward, return to Guangnan County (广南县) to end the trip.

Babu Town (八宝镇) is a captivating place that combines rich history and culture with unique natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in folk customs or enjoy natural beauty, you will find something to enjoy here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Babu Town (八宝镇).