Banbeng Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographic Location
Banbang Township (板蚌乡) is located in the eastern part of Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Huajia Township (花甲乡) of Funing County (富宁县) to the east, Babao Town (八宝镇) to the south, Yangliujing Township (杨柳井乡) to the west, and Xilin County (西林县) of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区) to the north. The township government is 113.6 kilometers from Guangnan County (广南县) with an administrative area of 297 square kilometers.
Cultural History
Banbang Township (板蚌乡) has a long history. In the fifth year of the Daoguang reign (1825), it was established as Banbang Camp (板蚌营). During the Republic of China period, its administrative divisions changed several times. In 1949, it belonged to Xiyang District (西洋区). In 1958, it separated from Yangliujing District to establish Xingxing Commune (星星公社), renamed Banbang Commune (板蚌公社) in 1971, became a district office in 1984, and was finally established as a township in 1988.
Folk Culture
Banbang Township (板蚌乡) is home to Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, and Yi ethnic groups, with Zhuang people constituting a significant proportion of the population. The local folk culture is rich and colorful, featuring the Zhuang people’s “March 3rd Flower Street Festival” (三月三花街节), a traditional courtship festival for Zhuang youth.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Banbang Township (板蚌乡) has a subtropical climate with hot weather conditions. The annual average temperature is 20.2°C with average rainfall of 1,050 millimeters. The best visiting periods are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and natural scenery most beautiful.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time & Tickets
Banbang Lake (板蚌湖):
Located 4 kilometers from the township government, this 15-kilometer-long lake features broad, crystal-clear waters ideal for boating and enjoying nature’s unique charm.
Recommended visiting time: 2-3 hours
Free admission
Anyue Lake (安跃湖):
Connected to Banbang Lake (板蚌湖), this “natural oxygen bar” features ancient trees and lush vegetation along its shores.
Recommended visiting time: 1-2 hours
Free admission
Transportation
Public Transport:
Take a bus from Guangnan County (广南县) to Banbang Township (板蚌乡), approximately 2 hours journey.
Self-Driving:
From Guangnan County (广南县), drive along county roads for about 113.6 kilometers (approximately 1.5 hours).
Local Cuisine
Banbang Township (板蚌乡) and surrounding areas offer specialty foods including glutinous rice cakes, colorful rice, roasted shredded meat, and cold chicken.
Shopping
Visitors can purchase local agricultural products like bananas, sugarcane, and Orri mandarins.
Accommodation
Banbang Township (板蚌乡) offers affordable farm stays and guesthouses (50-100 RMB/night). For more comfortable options, hotels in Guangnan County (广南县) are available.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially in traditional villages and during festivals
- Maintain environmental cleanliness
- Check weather forecasts and take safety precautions for outdoor activities
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Travel from Guangnan County (广南县) to Banbang Township (板蚌乡) to visit Banbang Lake (板蚌湖) and enjoy natural scenery. Overnight at local farm stay.
Day 2:
Explore Anyue Lake (安跃湖) and its natural landscapes. Return to Guangnan County (广南县) in afternoon.
Banbang Township (板蚌乡) offers captivating ethnic diversity with unique natural landscapes and rich cultural traditions. Whether exploring ancient villages or magnificent natural scenery, visitors will experience authentic ethnic charm. May you have an unforgettable journey here.
