Jinchang Town of Maguan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographical Location

Jinchang Town (金厂镇) is located in the southeastern part of Qiubei County (马关县), Yunnan Province (云南省), bordering Vietnam’s Ha Giang Province (河江省) and Lao Cai Province (老街省) to the southeast. It is adjacent to Xima Jie County (新马街县) and Qingmen County (箐门县) in Vietnam. To the northwest, it faces Jiahanqing Town (夹寒箐镇) and Xiaobazi Town (小坝子镇) across the Xiaobai River (小白河), while to the northeast, it connects with Dulong Town (都龙镇). The township government is 53 kilometers from the county seat and only 1.5 kilometers from the border. The border line stretches for 41 kilometers.

Cultural History

Jinchang Town (金厂镇) got its name during the Jiaqing Era of the Qing Dynasty (清嘉庆年间), when gold mines were discovered and mined in the area. Before 1949, Jinchang Town (金厂镇) was part of the Dulong (都龙) administrative region. In 1950, it was designated as the sixth district of Malipo City (麻栗坡市). In 1958, it was incorporated into Qiubei County (马关县), and in 1974, the Jinchang Commune (金厂公社) was officially established. In 1984, the commune was converted into a district, and in 1988, it was upgraded to a town.

Folk Customs

Jinchang Town (金厂镇) is home to several ethnic groups, including the Miao (苗族) and Zhuang (壮族), with the Miao people comprising 82% of the population. Local folk arts include the Miao Lusheng dance (芦笙舞) and Zhuang traditional mountain songs. Additionally, Jinchang Town (金厂镇) celebrates a variety of ethnic festivals, such as the Miao “Flower Mountain Festival” (花山节).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Jinchang Town (金厂镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 16.2°C and an annual rainfall of about 1400 millimeters. The frost-free period lasts for 350 days. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August), when the climate is cool and ideal for escaping the heat.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Luojia Ping Mountain (罗家坪大山)
Description: A famous landmark in Jinchang Town (金厂镇), with its highest peak at 2002 meters, making it the highest point in the town.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Xiaobai River (小白河)
Description: The largest river in Jinchang Town (金厂镇), flowing from north to south through multiple towns and eventually emptying into the Zhai River (斋河) on the China-Vietnam border.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Jinchang Village (金厂村)
Description: The central hub of Jinchang Town (金厂镇), serving as the political, economic, and cultural center of the area.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From Qiubei County (马关县), travel along the highway to Jinchang Town (金厂镇), which is approximately 53 kilometers away, with a travel time of about 1 hour. Local transportation in the town mainly consists of motorcycles and small vans, which makes it convenient for visitors to explore the scenic spots.

Cuisine

Jinchang Town (金厂镇) offers a variety of local specialties, including:

  • Miao Roast Meat (苗族烤肉): Goat or pork roasted using a distinctive local method.
  • Little Millet Chili (小米辣椒): A local agricultural product with a strong and spicy flavor.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase Miao (苗族) embroidery, handicrafts, and local agricultural products such as bananas (香蕉) and little millet chili (小米辣椒).

Accommodation

Jinchang Town (金厂镇) has several affordable and comfortable homestays. For more luxurious accommodations, it is recommended to return to Qiubei County (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 exploring mountainous areas and rivers.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Qiubei County (马关县), head to Jinchang Town (金厂镇), visit Jinchang Village (金厂村) to experience local cultural activities, and stay at a homestay.
Day 2: Visit Luojia Ping Mountain (罗家坪大山) to enjoy the natural scenery, then head to Xiaobai River (小白河) to admire the river landscape. Return to Qiubei County (马关县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Jinchang Town (金厂镇) is a charming destination, rich in both historical culture and unique natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in folk culture or enjoying the beauty of nature, you will find something delightful here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Jinchang Town (金厂镇).