Daping Town of Yuanyang County in Honghe Prefecture

Daping Township (大坪乡) is located in the southeastern part of Yuanyang County (元阳县), which belongs to Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies between 103°00′–103°10′ E longitude and 22°50′–22°59′ N latitude.

To the east, west, and south, it borders Adebo Township (阿得博乡), Jinhe Town (金河镇), Tongchang Township (铜厂乡), and Yingpan Township (营盘乡) in Jinping Miao, Yao, and Dai Autonomous County (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县). To the northwest, it is adjacent to Xiaoxinjie Township (小新街乡), and to the north, it neighbors Fengchunling Township (逢春岭乡).

It is approximately 42.7 km from the county seat of Yuanyang. The total area of the township is 128.99 square kilometers. The terrain is high in the north and low in the south, mainly mountainous with rugged hills and deep valleys. The highest elevation is 2,557 meters, and the lowest is 550 meters.

The Jinzi River (金子河) is the main waterway in the area and belongs to the Tengjia River (藤条江) basin. It is formed by over 20 tributaries including Erdao River (二道河), Sancha River (三岔河), and Sharenchong (沙人冲), with a total length of 35 km flowing southeast through several villages before entering Jinping County (金平县) and finally joining the Tengjia River (藤条江).

History and Culture

Daping Township (大坪乡) has a long and rich history. During the Ming and early Qing Dynasty under Emperor Yongzheng (1723–1736), it was under the jurisdiction of the local inspection office of Nagen Mountain (纳更山) in Lin’an Prefecture (临安府). In 1723, it was reassigned to the Gaowu command post (稿吾土把总), and in 1819, placed under Fengchunli (逢春里) in Mengzi County (蒙自县).

In the second year of the Republic of China (1913), it was assigned to the outer west district of Gejiu County (个旧县) and named Gaowu Township (稿吾乡). In 1919, it belonged to the 9th District of Mengzi County (蒙自县).

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, in 1950, it was part of Gaowu District (稿吾区) under Xinmin County (新民县). In 1956, it came under Fengchunling District (逢春岭区). In 1970, Daping Commune (大坪公社) was established independently. In April 1984, it became Daping District (大坪区), and officially renamed Daping Township (大坪乡) in January 1988.

The township is home to several ethnic minority groups including the Hani (哈尼族), Yao (瑶族), Miao (苗族), and Zhuang (壮族), whose long-term coexistence and interwoven cultures form a unique and diverse cultural heritage.

Local Customs

Traditional Festivals

• “Kuzhazha” Festival (矻扎扎) of the Hani people is a major local celebration. People wear colorful traditional clothing and conduct grand sacrificial ceremonies to pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests. Activities include traditional competitions such as swinging and log-grinding, with lively participation by villagers of all ages.
• Panwang Festival (盘王节) of the Yao people is equally vibrant, involving ancestor worship of Panhu (盘瓠), with traditional costumes, songs, and dances such as the Panwang song and dance, showcasing gratitude and cultural continuity.

Traditional Music and Dance

• Palm Fan Dance (棕扇舞) of the Hani people features dancers holding palm fans, imitating the motions of birds and animals. The elegant movements express harmony between humans and nature.
• Lusheng Dance (芦笙舞) of the Miao people involves playing the lusheng (a reed pipe instrument) while dancing in a circle. The rhythmic steps and melodic tunes create a rich ethnic atmosphere.

Traditional Handicrafts

• Hani Embroidery (哈尼族刺绣): Known for its exquisite techniques, designs are inspired by nature and mythology, with vivid colors and fine stitches reflecting the skill and artistry of Hani women.
• Yao Bamboo Weaving (瑶族竹编): Practical and beautifully crafted items like bamboo baskets and chairs display the ingenuity and diligence of the Yao community.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Daping Township (大坪乡) has a South Asian tropical monsoon climate with an annual average temperature of 18°C. The highest temperature can reach 35°C, while the lowest may drop to -5°C. Average annual rainfall is about 2,100 mm.

The best time to visit is from November to March, during the dry season when there’s less rain, clear skies, and ample sunshine. The scenery during this time is stunning, especially the mist-covered mountains. It also coincides with many traditional festivals, offering a rich cultural experience.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

Daping Terraced Fields

Though smaller in scale than some of Yuanyang’s famous terraces, these rice fields have a unique charm. In the early morning, mist swirls around the fields, and golden sunlight reflects off the water’s surface, creating a dreamlike landscape.
Recommended duration: 2–3 hours

Nangu Watchtower

Located about 300 meters south of the township government, this stone-built rhombus-shaped watchtower was constructed in 1900 during Emperor Guangxu’s reign (光绪二十六年). It is 4.3 meters tall and 10.4 meters long.
Recommended duration: 0.5–1 hour

Ethnic Minority Villages

Villages inhabited by the Hani and Yao retain traditional architectural styles like mushroom-shaped houses and stilted bamboo homes. Visitors can explore embroidery, bamboo weaving, and experience local daily life.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours

Transportation

External Transportation

• By Air: Fly to Honghe Mengzi Airport (红河蒙自机场), about 130 km from Yuanyang. From the airport, take a shuttle to Yuanyang (2–3 hours), or hire a car for more flexibility.
• By Train: Arrive at Jianshui Station (建水站), then transfer to a bus from Jianshui Bus Station to Yuanyang (around 2 hours).

Internal Transportation

From Yuanyang county seat, take a coach to Daping Township (大坪乡) at the local bus station. Since buses are limited, it is recommended to check departure times in advance. Alternatively, local minibuses or taxis are available. For local travel within Daping, you can rent a motorcycle or take a rural shuttle vehicle.

Local Cuisine

Terraced Red Rice

A local specialty rich in nutrients, known for its fragrant aroma and soft texture. Often cooked into rice cakes or red rice baba (粑粑)—a sweet and sticky delight.

Hani Spicy Chicken Dip

Made from tender local chicken, served with a special Hani dipping sauce composed of chili, Sichuan pepper, ginger, garlic, and cilantro—spicy and flavorful.

Yao Smoked Pork

Cured with pine and cypress branches, the meat has a deep red color and rich smoky aroma. It can be eaten directly or stir-fried with green peppers.

Bamboo Tube Rice

Sticky rice is stuffed into fresh bamboo tubes along with dates and red bean paste, sealed with leaves, and roasted over fire. The bamboo aroma enhances the sweet and soft rice.

Shopping

Hani Embroidered Goods

Includes garments, handkerchiefs, and bags—colorful and elegant with strong artistic and souvenir value.

Yao Bamboo Weaving Products

Practical and decorative items like bamboo baskets and stools, rich in rural charm.

Specialty Agricultural Products

Locally produced black fungus, mushrooms, and honey—all natural and pollution-free, making excellent gifts.

Ethnic Costumes

Traditional clothing of Hani, Yao, and other ethnic groups—distinctive and beautifully made, perfect as keepsakes.

Accommodation

Guesthouses in Daping (大坪乡客栈)

Mostly family-run, affordable, clean, and often offer local food, allowing travelers to immerse in rural life.

Nearby Options in Xiaoxinjie (小新街乡) or Fengchunling (逢春岭乡)

These nearby townships offer more lodging options, from budget hotels to comfortable inns, with better amenities.