Huilong Village of Pingyuan Town in Yanshan County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Huilong Village (回龙村) is located in Pingyuan Town (平远镇), Yanshan County (砚山县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It sits in the heart of the Pingyuan Basin (平远坝子) and is about 76 kilometers from Yanshan County town (砚山县城). The village is named after a nearby mountain shaped like a dragon turning its head.

History and Culture

Huilong Village (回龙村) has a long history. As early as 1950, it belonged to Huilong Township (回龙乡) under Pingyuan District (平远区) of Kaiyuan County (开远县). In 1957, it was reassigned to Yanshan County (砚山县). In 1961, it became Huilong Brigade (回龙大队) under Huilong Commune (回龙公社) of Pingyuan District (平远区). In 1984, after the abolition of communes, it became Huilong Township (回龙乡) of Pingyuan District (平远区). In 2000, it was reorganized as a village committee, and in January 2012, it was renamed Huilong Community (回龙社区).

Folk Customs

Huilong Village (回龙村) and its surrounding areas are home to ethnic minorities such as the Yi (彝族), Zhuang (壮族), and Miao (苗族) peoples, with a rich and vibrant folk culture. Traditional Yi festivals such as the Torch Festival (火把节) and Yi New Year (彝族年) feature rituals, singing, and dancing. Additionally, near Huilong Village (回龙村) lies the Waitou Military Site (歪头营盘古迹), a fortress built during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era (明万历年间), known as the “Pillar of the Fortress” (要塞砥柱).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Pingyuan Town (平远镇) enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by mild winters, cool summers, and an annual average temperature of 16.4°C. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is pleasantly cool and ideal for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions, Suggested Visit Time, and Admission

  • Huilong Village (回龙村): Experience the folk culture and traditional crafts of the Yi (彝族), Zhuang (壮族), and other minorities.
    Suggested visit time: Half a day.
    Admission: Free.
  • Waitou Military Site (歪头营盘古迹): A historic fortress built during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period (明万历年间), of significant historical value.
    Suggested visit time: 1 hour.
    Admission: Free.
  • Yuxian Lake Scenic Area (浴仙湖景区): Located near Huilong Village (回龙村), the lake boasts clear, emerald waters and is an excellent place for leisure and sightseeing.
    Suggested visit time: Half a day.
    Admission: Free.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a bus from Yanshan County town (砚山县城) to Pingyuan Town (平远镇), about 1 hour’s ride, then transfer to local transport or walk to Huilong Village (回龙村).
  • Self-Driving: Depart from Yanshan County town (砚山县城), drive along Provincial Highway 210 (省道210线) to Pingyuan Town (平远镇), then head to Huilong Village (回龙村), covering about 76 kilometers in total.

Cuisine

  • Yi Specialty Dishes: Try traditional Yi (彝族) foods such as “Tuotuo Meat” (坨坨肉), “Qiao Baba” (荞粑粑), and roasted suckling pig (烤乳猪).
  • Local Snacks: Fresh chilies, Sanqi (三七), and other agricultural products are also available.

Shopping

  • Ethnic Handicrafts: You can buy traditional clothing, embroidery, and silver jewelry of the Yi (彝族) and Zhuang (壮族) peoples.
  • Local Products: Such as small-grain peanuts (小粒花生) from Yanshan (砚山), boletus mushrooms (牛肝菌), and Sanqi (三七).

Accommodation

  • Homestays: Stay in local Yi (彝族) or Zhuang (壮族) villages to experience ethnic customs firsthand.
  • Hotels in the County Town: There are many hotel options available in Yanshan County town (砚山县城).

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: When visiting ethnic villages and participating in cultural events, please respect local traditions and customs.
  • Protect the Environment: Help preserve the natural environment by not littering during your visits to scenic areas.

Suggested Itinerary from Small to Big Destinations

  • Day 1: Arrive in Yanshan County (砚山县), check into a hotel, then head to Huilong Village (回龙村) in Pingyuan Town (平远镇) to explore Yi (彝族) and Zhuang (壮族) villages and experience folk culture.
  • Day 2: Visit the Waitou Military Site (歪头营盘古迹) to learn about historical culture; in the afternoon, visit the Yuxian Lake Scenic Area (浴仙湖景区) to enjoy the natural scenery.

Huilong Village (回龙村) is a place rich in ethnic charm and historical depth. Here, you will experience the warm hospitality of the Yi (彝族), Zhuang (壮族), and other ethnic groups, appreciate unique natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in vibrant folk culture. May your journey be filled with joy and unforgettable memories.