Guichao Town of Funing County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographic Location
Guichao Town (归朝镇) is located in the southeastern part of Funing County (富宁县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省), situated between 105°45′—106°01′E and 23°28′—23°43′N. It borders Gula Township (谷拉乡) to the east, Longhe (龙合), Dingye (定业) Townships, and Chengxiang Town (城厢镇) in Napo County (那坡县), Guangxi (广西) to the south. To the west is Banlun Township (板仑乡), and to the north are Dongbo Township (洞波乡) and Zhesang Township (者桑乡). The National Highway 323, Guangkun Expressway, and the under-construction Yungui Railway pass through the town, making it a crucial passageway connecting Yunnan to Guangxi and the coastal regions. The town government is located 37 kilometers from the county seat of Funing.
History and Culture
Guichao Town (归朝镇) boasts a long history. During the late Tang and early Song dynasties, military outposts such as Guichao and Jiajie were established. In the Ming Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Chongzhen, the local Tufu Prefecture (土富州) was relocated to Guichao. The Shen Chieftain (沈土司) developed over 3,000 households in the area and ruled for more than 600 years. Guichao is considered one of the birthplaces of Zhuang culture in Yunnan, with eight distinctive Zhuang dialect branches. Archaeological finds such as stone tools in Longyue Village (龙跃村) indicate the existence of rice cultivation as far back as the Neolithic era. Historical and cultural relics such as the Shen Chieftain’s site and the ancient Zheyao Mountain Battlefield (者瑶山古战场) remain today, showcasing strong Zhuang cultural influences.
Local Customs
Guichao Town (归朝镇) is home to various ethnic groups including Zhuang, Han, and Yao, with the Zhuang ethnic group comprising 70.9% of the population. Many unique customs are preserved, such as the Zhuang ethnic festival “Longduan Festival (陇端节),” which has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Yunnan Province. The town also has rich red (revolutionary) cultural resources, including the former site of the Soviet Government of the Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi Border Area (滇黔桂边区苏维埃政府旧址) and the old site of the Youth Association (青年会旧址).
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Guichao Town (归朝镇) features a subtropical monsoon climate, with warm weather, indistinct seasonal changes, mild winters, and no extreme summer heat. The area experiences a varied climate due to elevation differences, with abundant rainfall and a long frost-free period. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the climate is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entrance Fees
Shen Chieftain Site (沈土司遗址):
This historical site includes the former office of the Qing Dynasty’s Shen Chieftain in Tufu Prefecture. Remaining relics include the Guanyin Temple (观音庙), Martial Temple (武庙) dedicated to Guan Yu, and 36 related ruins. The imperial edict stele bestowed by Emperor Daoguang and the tomb of the Shen Chieftain’s mother are still intact.
Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours. Admission: Free.
The Six Scenic Spots of Guichao (归朝六景):
This includes natural wonders such as Lion Platform Moon View (狮台望月), Golden Seal Silver Cage (金印笼银), Dragon Spring Bleeding (龙泉喷血), Elephant Trunk Curling Lake (象鼻卷湖), Fish Pearl Casting Line (鱼珠挽钓), and Highland Breeze (高坡清风).
Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.
Former Site of the Soviet Government of the Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi Border Area (滇黔桂边区苏维埃政府旧址):
An important revolutionary heritage site, covering more than 2,000 square meters.
Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours. Admission: Free.
Transportation
Public Transportation:
Take a bus from the Funing County seat to Guichao Town (归朝镇), approximately a 1-hour journey.
Self-Driving:
From the Funing County seat, follow National Highway 323 for about 37 kilometers. The drive takes roughly 40 minutes.
Local Cuisine
Guichao Town (归朝镇) and surrounding areas offer many traditional delicacies such as glutinous rice cakes (糯米粑), flower rice (花米饭), grilled shredded meat (烤肉丝), and cold chicken (凉鸡).
Shopping
Local specialties include star anise (八角), oil tea (油茶), and sugarcane (甘蔗). Handicrafts with ethnic features such as Yao embroidery (瑶族刺绣) and silver ornaments (银饰) are also available for purchase.
Accommodation
There are several farmhouses and homestays in and around Guichao Town (归朝镇), typically priced at 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable lodging, visitors can opt to stay at hotels in the Funing County seat.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting revolutionary heritage sites or participating in ethnic festivals.
- Help protect the environment—avoid littering.
- If planning outdoor or hiking activities, check the weather forecast and take necessary safety precautions.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart from Funing County seat and travel to Guichao Town (归朝镇). Visit the Shen Chieftain Site (沈土司遗址) and the Six Scenic Spots of Guichao (归朝六景), experiencing natural beauty and historical culture. Stay overnight at a local farmhouse.
Day 2:
Visit the former site of the Soviet Government of the Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi Border Area (滇黔桂边区苏维埃政府旧址) to explore revolutionary history. Return to the county seat in the afternoon and conclude the trip.
Guichao Town (归朝镇) is a charming settlement of ethnic diversity, rich in natural beauty, red revolutionary culture, and ethnic heritage. Whether you’re wandering through ancient villages or exploring historical landmarks, you’re sure to experience a deep sense of history. May your visit to Guichao Town be an unforgettable journey.
