Boai Town of Funing County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographic Location
Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇) is located in the northeastern part of Funing County (富宁县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省), at 105°54′–106°12′ east longitude and 23°48′–24°08′ north latitude. It is the easternmost township in Yunnan Province (云南省). Bo’ai borders Yangxu Town (阳圩镇) of Baise City (百色市), Guangxi (广西) to the east, Zhesang Township (者桑乡) to the south, Naneng Township (那能乡) to the west, and Bagui Township (八桂乡) of Tianlin County (田林县), Guangxi (广西) to the north. The town government is located 67 kilometers from the Funing County (富宁县) seat, and the administrative area covers 494 square kilometers.
History and Culture
Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇) has a long history. In the early Ming Dynasty, several outposts and hamlets were established, including Hongbang Outpost (洪邦哨), Zheyi (者仪), Zhening (者宁), Bo’ai (剥隘), Naliang (那良), and Baie (百峨). During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, military troops were stationed at Bo’ai. In 1901 (Guangxu Year 27), the outposts were abolished, and the area became the Fourth District. In 1914 (Republic of China Year 3), it was renamed the Fifth District. In 1940 (Republic of China Year 29), the district was abolished and replaced with Wuying Town (武英镇). In August 1949, the town was dissolved and reorganized as the Third District. In 1958, it became a commune. The district was restored in 1961, including Zhesang Township (者桑乡) and Naneng Township (那能乡). In 1969, it reverted to a commune, and the two townships were separated from Bo’ai. In 1984, the commune was again changed into a district, and in 1988, it was restructured as a town.
Folk Customs
Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇) is inhabited mainly by the Zhuang, Han, and Yao ethnic groups, with ethnic minorities accounting for 98% of the population. The town retains many unique folk traditions. Among them is the Zhuang festival “Longduan Street (陇端街),” also known as “Flower Street (花街),” which is the most important traditional festival of the Zhuang people. Another cultural highlight is the Poya Folk Songs (坡芽山歌), a unique form of Zhuang ethnic music that preserves rich traditional customs.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇) enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures and no extreme seasons. Winters are mild and summers are not excessively hot. The area has abundant rainfall, distinct vertical climate zones, and a long frost-free period. The average annual temperature is 21.9°C, with January averaging 13.1°C and July 27.7°C. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is most attractive.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Admission Fees
- Poya Village (坡芽村): A picturesque Zhuang ethnic village with beautiful scenery and vibrant culture. Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.
- Bo’ai Revolutionary Activity Site (富宁剥隘革命活动旧址): Located in Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇), this site is a third-level protected cultural relic of Wenshan Prefecture (文山州) and holds great historical value. Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours. Admission: Free.
- Tuoniang River Scenic Area (驮娘江景区): The river originates in Guangnan County (广南县) and flows through northern Bo’ai, forming part of the Xijiang tributary of the Pearl River system. This scenic area is known for its tranquil beauty and is ideal for relaxing tours. Recommended visit time: 3–4 hours. Admission: Approximately 50 RMB.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Buses from the Funing County (富宁县) seat to Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇) take about 1 hour.
- Self-driving: From the Funing County (富宁县) seat, drive along National Highway 323 for about 67 kilometers; travel time is around 1 hour.
Local Cuisine
Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇) and surrounding areas offer a variety of local specialties such as glutinous rice cakes (糯米粑), flower rice (花米饭), roasted shredded meat (烤肉丝), and cold chicken (凉鸡).
Shopping
Visitors can purchase local agricultural products such as star anise (八角), camellia oil (油茶), and sugarcane (甘蔗). Local handicrafts like Yao embroidery (瑶族刺绣) and silver jewelry (银饰) are also popular.
Accommodation
There are various guesthouses and rural homestays in and around Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇), with affordable prices typically ranging from 50 to 100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodation, visitors may opt to stay in hotels in Funing County (富宁县).
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting revolutionary sites and participating in cultural events.
- Protect the environment by avoiding littering.
- Check the weather forecast in advance if engaging in hiking or outdoor activities, and take necessary safety precautions.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Depart from Funing County (富宁县) and arrive at Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇). Visit Poya Village (坡芽村) to experience Zhuang culture and natural beauty. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 2: Visit the Bo’ai Revolutionary Activity Site (富宁剥隘革命活动旧址) to explore local history. In the afternoon, tour the Tuoniang River Scenic Area (驮娘江景区). Return to Funing County (富宁县) in the evening to conclude the trip.
Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇) is a captivating multi-ethnic community offering not only unique natural landscapes but also rich revolutionary and ethnic cultural heritage. Whether strolling through ancient villages or exploring historical sites, visitors will be immersed in a strong sense of history and culture. We hope you enjoy a memorable journey here.
