Jiuxi Town of Jiangchuan District, Yuxi

Jiuxi Town (九溪镇) is located in the southwestern part of Jiangchuan District (江川区), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Xingyun Subdistrict (星云街道) to the east, Tonghai County (通海县) to the south, Hongta District (红塔区) to the west, and Qianwei Town (前卫镇) and Anhua Yi Ethnic Township (安化彝族乡) to the north. The town government is located 12 kilometers from the Jiangchuan urban area and 10 kilometers from the Yuxi urban area, making it a key transportation hub connecting Yuxi and Jiangchuan.

History and Culture

Jiuxi Town (九溪镇) has a long history. During the Qing Dynasty, it belonged to Pumiao Township (普庙乡). During the Republic of China era, the administrative divisions changed several times, and in 1937, it was renamed Jiuxi Town. The name “Jiuxi” refers to the nine streams (溪) that flow through the area. Formerly an important agricultural production area, Jiuxi is now known throughout the province for its mushroom, beef, and lamb-based cuisine.

Local Customs

Jiuxi Town (九溪镇) is home to ethnic minorities including the Yi people (彝族), who have preserved a rich cultural heritage and traditional customs, such as the Torch Festival (火把节). Yiwen Village (矣文村) still maintains traditional ethnic lifestyles, including native language use, embroidery, and folk music and dance.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Jiuxi Town (九溪镇) has a subtropical plateau monsoon climate, with spring-like weather year-round. Summers are not scorching, winters are mild, and the seasons are clearly defined by dry and wet periods. The annual average temperature is 15.7°C, with January averaging 14.5°C and July averaging 23°C. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions and Suggested Duration

Yiwen Village (矣文村)
Recognized as one of China’s most beautiful leisure villages, it offers the chance to experience Yi ethnic culture, sample authentic Yi family-style meals, and appreciate the charm of local traditions.
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours.

Asia Flower Innovation Valley (亚洲花卉科创谷)
Located in Jiwowo Village (鸡窝村), this modern agricultural area showcases a wide variety of flowers for visitors to admire and purchase.
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours.

Pan’s Dragon Kiln (潘氏龙窑)
A wood-fired pottery kiln with over 300 years of history, where visitors can learn about traditional pottery-making techniques.
Recommended visit duration: 1 hour.

Transportation

Public Transport:
Take local buses from Yuxi City (玉溪市) to Jiuxi Town (九溪镇), such as the routes from Yuxi to Jiangchuan.

Self-driving:
From Yuxi city center, drive along the Yuxi-Jiangchuan Expressway (玉江高速公路) to Jiuxi Town. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Jiuxi Town (九溪镇) is famous for its mushroom dishes and beef/lamb specialties. Various types of mushrooms such as cat’s eye mushrooms (猫眼菌), golden thread mushrooms (黄莲头), and liver mushrooms (羊肝菌) are abundant and aromatic. Visitors can also enjoy ethnic Yi-style rural dishes such as native chicken and cured meats.

Shopping

Shopping areas are concentrated in the town center, where visitors can find local handicrafts and agricultural products such as embroidery, bamboo weaving, and specialty goods.

Accommodation

Local Farmstays:
Offer lodging services and an opportunity to experience rural life firsthand.

Nearby Hotels:
Hotels in Yuxi City (玉溪市) are conveniently located near Jiuxi Town (九溪镇) and are easily accessible.

Travel Tips

Protect the Environment:
Please do not litter and help maintain the natural beauty of the area during your visit.

Respect Local Customs:
When participating in local festivals or cultural activities, be respectful of local traditions and customs.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Morning – Arrive in Jiuxi Town (九溪镇) and visit Yiwen Village (矣文村) to experience Yi culture and traditional food.
Noon – Enjoy a Yi-style farm meal in the village.
Afternoon – Visit the Asia Flower Innovation Valley (亚洲花卉科创谷) to explore various flowers.
Evening – Stay at a local farmstay and enjoy a peaceful night.

Day 2:
Morning – Visit Pan’s Dragon Kiln (潘氏龙窑) and try pottery-making.
Noon – Have lunch in the town center.
Afternoon – Return to Yuxi City (玉溪市) or Jiangchuan District (江川区), ending the trip.

Jiuxi Town (九溪镇) attracts many visitors with its unique natural landscapes and rich ethnic culture. Whether strolling through Yi villages or trying your hand at pottery, you’ll feel the distinct charm of this small town. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Jiuxi.