Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Town In Yiliang County, Kunming 

Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Town (九乡彝族回族乡) is a picturesque and culturally rich region located in the northeastern part of Yiliang County (宜良县), in Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省). This town is known for its stunning natural landscapes, ethnic diversity, and historical significance. It lies about 35 kilometers from Yiliang County and covers an area of 301.78 square kilometers. The town is home to a population of 19,571 people (as of 2019), with a mix of Han (汉族), Yi (彝族), and Hui (回族) ethnic groups.

Historical Overview

Jiuxiang’s administrative history has evolved over the years:

Pre-1955: Jiuxiang was part of Hongshan District (宏山区), under Lunan County (路南县).

1956-1961: The region was named Jiuxiang Township (九乡乡) under Yiliang County.

1973-1983: Jiuxiang was a commune within Hongshan Commune (宏山公社), later becoming Jiuxiang District (九乡区).

1988: The area was officially renamed Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Township (九乡彝族回族乡).

Administrative Divisions

As of June 2020, Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Town governs:

3 communities: Jiuxiang Community, Dema Community, and Tiechang Community

5 villages: Dianwei Village (甸尾村), Yue Zhao Village (月照村), Longcheng Village (陇城村), Mingyue Village (明月村), and Xiaohe Village (小河村)

The administrative center is located at Jiuxiang Street (九乡街).

Geography and Natural Environment

Location and Terrain

Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Town is located in the northeastern part of Yiliang County, nestled between the Wumeng Mountain Range (乌蒙山脉) and the Central Yunnan Plateau (滇中高原). The landscape consists of low hills and gentle slopes, with elevations ranging from 1,580 meters at Duichong New Village (兑冲新村) to the highest point, Dianwei Village (甸尾村), at 2,106 meters. This provides a stunning varied topography of mountains, valleys, and rivers.

Climate

The town enjoys a subtropical plateau monsoon climate, characterized by:

Average annual temperature: 14.6°C

July average temperature: 19.3°C

January average temperature: 7.8°C

Frost-free period: 234 days per year

Annual sunshine: 2,220 hours

Annual rainfall: 1,064 mm

Average relative humidity: 78%

Water Resources

Jiuxiang’s primary rivers include:

Maitian River (麦田河): Originating in Malong District (马龙区), flowing through Meixin Village (梅新村), and joining the Nanpan River (南盘江).

Mingyue River (明月河): A major river running for 10 kilometers through the area.

These rivers, along with numerous streams and underground water channels, contribute to the region’s lush environment.

Population and Demographics

As of 2019, Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Town had a total population of 19,571 people. The town has a diverse ethnic composition:

Han (汉族): 13,397 (71.28%)

Yi (彝族): 4,282 (22.78%)

Hui (回族): 994 (5.29%)

Other Minorities: 122 (0.65%)

The population breakdown is:

Male: 7,573 (50.93%)

Female: 9,222 (49.07%)

Under 14 years: 3,084 (16.41%)

15-64 years: 13,713 (72.96%)

65 years and above: 1,998 (10.6%)

Economy and Industry

The economy of Jiuxiang is based on agriculture, industry, and trade:

Major industries: Agriculture, mining (iron, lead-zinc, copper, phosphate), and small-scale industries

Crops: Rice, maize, potatoes, and medicinal herbs

Tourism: Jiuxiang is known for its scenic spots, caves, and traditional festivals, making tourism a significant contributor to the local economy.

Local Industries: Iron, lead-zinc, phosphate mining and production.

Education and Healthcare

Education

Jiuxiang provides education to its youth with:

1 kindergarten with 268 children

3 primary schools with 173 students

1 junior high school with 1,030 students

The town ensures 100% enrollment in primary and junior high schools.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Jiuxiang includes:

8 healthcare institutions: 1 township hospital and 7 village clinics

Health services: In 2011, the town had 28 hospital beds and completed 29,563 patient visits. It also had 100% coverage for rural healthcare sanitation.

Cultural Heritage

Festivals and Celebrations

Jiuxiang is home to various vibrant festivals, such as:

Torch Festival (火把节): A significant festival for the Yi people (彝族), featuring torch dancing and celebrations.

Hunting God Festival (猎神节): Celebrating the traditional hunting culture of the Yi and Hui communities.

Historic Sites

Zhangkou Cave (张口洞): A historical site offering insight into the region's ancient civilizations.

Dabi Zheyingpan Mountain Cliff Carvings (大比者营盘山崖刻): Ancient carvings on cliffs.

Yao Family Ancestral Home (姚氏祖居): A place of cultural importance for the local Yao (姚) family.

Local Specialties

Jiuxiang is famous for its traditional products, including:

Paogang Wine (泡缸酒): A locally brewed rice wine, known for its strong and rich flavor.

Fire Grass Jacket (火草褂): Traditional clothing worn during festivals, particularly for dancing.

Bone Ginseng (骨头参): A medicinal plant used in local healing practices.

Jiuxiang Scenic Area

The Jiuxiang Scenic Area (九乡风景区) is the main attraction in Jiuxiang, located just 47 kilometers from Yiliang County and 90 kilometers from Kunming. The area is famed for its spectacular cave landscapes and natural wonders, including:

Key Attractions:

Yincui Gorge (荫翠峡): Known as “the first quiet gorge of central Yunnan,” it features crystal-clear water and towering cliffs. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride through this serene gorge.

Jinghun Gorge (惊魂峡): This massive cave canyon has a drop of nearly 100 meters and is one of the largest of its kind in China.

Lion Hall (雄狮大厅): A giant cave with a 1.5 million square meter ceiling that is free of columns. It was used as a filming location for the movie “Myth”.

Male and Female Waterfalls (雌雄双瀑): A beautiful underground waterfall that transforms with the seasons—from a delicate silk-like cascade in dry periods to a thundering roar in the rainy season.

Ticket Information

Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30 (Ticket sales stop at 17:30)

Basic Ticket: 90 yuan (Includes cave tour)

Recommended Combo Tickets:

• Ticket + Cable Car + Shuttle + Lunch: 168 yuan

• Jiuxiang + Shilin Scenic Area Combo: 298 yuan (Includes transport and boat ride)

Discounts: Children under 6 years or 1.2 meters tall get free entry.

Suggested Itinerary

Morning:

• 08:00: Depart from Kunming (Drive time: 1.5 hours)

• 09:30: Arrive and take the scenic elevator down to the valley for a Yincui Gorge boat ride (30 minutes)

• 10:30: Explore Jinghun Gorge and the Lion Hall

Afternoon:

• 12:00: Lunch (Recommended: Yiliang Roast Duck)

• 13:00: Visit Shennv Palace (神女宫) and Male and Female Waterfalls

• 15:00: Ride the cable car for a panoramic view of Maitian River Gorge

Accommodation

Near Jiuxiang:

• Colorful Dream Inn (七彩梦乡民宿): 162 yuan/night

• Jiuxiang Hu Family Guesthouse (九乡胡氏农家苑): 79 yuan/night

Special Experiences

Yi Ethnic Festival: Participate in the Yi Torch Dance during the Gē Gē Festival (歌歌节) held from March 13-15, 2025.

New Additions: Explore the spherical cinema (38 yuan) and glass slide (included in the combo ticket).

Transportation

Self-driving: Navigate to Jiuxiang Old Visitor Center; parking is 10-20 yuan/day.

Public Transit: Take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station to Yiliang County, then transfer to Route 21 for Jiuxiang (Total time: 2 hours).

Important Notes

Inside the caves, the temperature remains a constant 18°C. Be sure to wear non-slip shoes and carry a portable charger.

During the rainy season (May to October), be cautious of landslides and avoid dangerous paths.

Nearby Attractions

Shilin Scenic Area (石林风景区): Known for its dramatic limestone formations, this geological wonder is ideal for nature lovers.

Yiliang County (宜良县): After visiting Jiuxiang, enjoy local cuisine, including roast duck and lotus root powder dishes.