Gulinqing Town of Maguan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographical Location

Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡) is located in the southwestern part of Qiubei County (马关县), Yunnan Province (云南省), at the junction of two prefectures (Wenshan Prefecture [文山州] and Honghe Prefecture [红河州]) and three counties (Qiubei County [马关县], Hekou County [河口县], and Pingbian County [屏边县]). It borders Qiaotou Township (桥头乡) of Hekou County (河口县) to the east, Nanxi Town (南溪镇) and Laofan Village (老范寨乡) to the south, Baihe Township (白河乡) of Pingbian County (屏边县) to the west, and Miechang Township (篾厂乡) to the north. The township government is located 89 kilometers from the county seat, with a total area of 215.14 square kilometers.

Cultural History

Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡) has a long history. Before 1940, it was part of the Bacha District (八察区). In 1945, it was assigned to Nanping Township (南屏乡). In 1950, it returned to the Bazhài District (八寨区), and in 1961 it was merged into the Jiankang Farm (健康农场). In 1962, it regained its status as a small commune, and in 1965, Gulinqing District (古林箐区) was established. In 1969, it was changed into a commune, and in 1984, it was restored as a district before finally being officially changed to a township in 1988.

Folk Customs

Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡) is home to various ethnic groups, including Han (汉族), Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), Yao (瑶族), and Dai (傣族), all of which contribute to the rich ethnic culture. The region has unique traditional clothing and embroidery techniques. The local festivals, such as the Yi (彝族) Torch Festival and Zhuang (壮族) “Three Marches” Festival, feature rituals, dance, and other cultural activities.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with hot and rainy summers and cool, dry winters. The average annual temperature is 18.2°C, with an annual precipitation of 1350 mm. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August), when the climate is cooler, ideal for escaping the heat.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Gulinqing Primitive Forest (古林箐原始森林)
Description: Located within Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡), this forest is a green treasure located south of the Tropic of Cancer in northern Yunnan. It is rich in biological resources and offers unique natural landscapes.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Dian-Yue Railway Ma’guan Section (滇越铁路马关段)
Description: Located in Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡), this section of the railway, built in 1910, is a state-level protected cultural site.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Baobaozhai Waterfall (堡堡寨瀑布)
Description: Located in Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡), the waterfall is spectacular, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From the county seat of Qiubei (马关县), visitors can travel to Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡) via highway, which is about 89 kilometers and takes approximately 2 hours by car. Within the township, transportation is mainly by motorcycle and small vans.

Cuisine

Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡) features local specialties, including:

• Yi Roast Meat (彝族烤肉): A dish made from locally sourced goat or pork, roasted to create a unique flavor.
• Buckwheat Cake (荞麦粑粑): Made from buckwheat flour, soft and sticky, usually served with honey.

Shopping

Visitors can buy Yi (彝族) embroidery, handicrafts, and local agricultural products, such as grass fruit (草果) and bananas (香蕉).

Accommodation

Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡) has several affordable and comfortable homestays. For more luxurious accommodations, it is recommended to return to the county seat of Qiubei (马关县).

Travel Tips

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

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Qiubei County (马关县), travel to Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡), visit the Gulinqing Primitive Forest (古林箐原始森林) to enjoy the natural scenery, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit the Dian-Yue Railway Ma’guan Section (滇越铁路马关段) to learn about its history, then head to Baobaozhai Waterfall (堡堡寨瀑布) for the stunning landscape. Return to Qiubei County (马关县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡) is a charming destination, offering both rich historical culture and unique natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in folk customs or enjoy nature, you will find something to appreciate here. We hope you have an unforgettable experience in Gulinqing Township (古林箐乡).