Kuixiang Miao and Yi Ethnic Town in Yiliang County, Zhaotong

? Kuixiang Yi and Miao Ethnic Township (奎香苗族彝族乡)

A Red Revolutionary Land and a Colorful Multi-Ethnic Home in the Wumeng Mountains (乌蒙山)

Discover the hidden gem of Yiliang, Yunnan (云南彝良), where the simplicity of Miao (苗族) and Yi (彝族) traditions meets the profound legacy of China’s revolutionary history.

Kuixiang Yi and Miao Ethnic Township (奎香苗族彝族乡), located in the southern part of Yiliang County (彝良县), Zhaotong City (昭通市), Yunnan Province (云南省), is a unique destination blending red revolutionary history, diverse ethnic cultures, and stunning natural scenery.

This land is not only a sacred revolutionary site but also a harmonious home for the Han (汉族), Miao (苗族), Yi (彝族) and other ethnic groups.

✨ Highlights of Kuixiang (奎香亮点)

• Red Heritage: As the site of the “Wumeng Maneuver” (乌蒙回旋战) during the Long March, Kuixiang preserves rich revolutionary relics, including the former headquarters of the Red Army’s Second and Sixth Corps and the Long March Memorial Monument (红军长征纪念碑) inscribed by Xiao Ke (萧克).

• Ethnic Traditions: Kuixiang is home to multiple ethnic groups such as the Han, Miao, Yi, Shui (水族), and Hui (回族). Visitors can experience authentic Miao and Yi customs, taste ethnic cuisine, and admire traditional costumes.

• Natural Beauty: With an average elevation of 2,039 meters, Kuixiang boasts the county’s largest plateau basin, offering expansive views and fresh air. Natural wonders include Rain Dragon Mountain (雨龙山), the scenic Xianshui Slope (仙水坡), and the legendary Xianma Footprint (仙马脚印).

❶ Exploring Kuixiang: Geography & Location (自然与区位概况)

Kuixiang Yi and Miao Ethnic Township (奎香苗族彝族乡) lies about 88 km south of Yiliang County (彝良县).

• East: Borders Shulin Yi and Miao Ethnic Township (树林彝族苗族乡)

• South: Connects with Hezhen Yi and Miao Ethnic Township (河镇彝族苗族乡) and Dezhuo Township (德卓乡), Hezhang County (赫章县), Guizhou Province (贵州省)

• West: Adjacent to Longjie Township (龙街乡) and Luozehe Town (洛泽河镇)

• North: Neighboring Haizi Town (海子镇) and Jiaokui Town (角奎镇)

• Area: ~229 sq. km

• Highest point: Rain Dragon Mountain (雨龙山), 2,478 m

• Lowest point: Tianba, Xianma Village (仙马村田坝), 1,500 m

• Average elevation: 2,039 m – the largest plateau basin in Yiliang County.

?️ Climate

Kuixiang enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate:

• Large day-night temperature differences

• Frequent fog and rainfall

• Annual average temperature: 10.5°C

• Annual rainfall: 1,100 mm

• Frost-free period: ~300 days

Tip for visitors: Bring layered clothing to adapt to the changeable mountain climate.

❷ Colorful Kuixiang: Ethnic Groups & Population (民族与人口风貌)

As of the end of 2019, Kuixiang had a population of 56,228.

• Ethnic composition includes Han, Miao, Yi, Shui, Hui, and others.

• Minorities make up 20.7% of the population (2011 data).

? Population Snapshot (2011 data)

Miao and Yi people maintain distinct traditional customs, clothing, festivals, and rituals, such as Yi-style weddings, funeral rites, and the famous Fire Torch Festival (火把节).

❸ Historic Kuixiang: Red Revolutionary Heritage (历史与红色印记)

Kuixiang carries a rich revolutionary history.

• During the Long March, on March 6–7, 1936, the Red Army’s Second and Sixth Corps led by He Long (贺龙), Ren Bishi (任弼时), and Xiao Ke (萧克) entered Kuixiang.

• Taking advantage of the complex Wumeng Mountain (乌蒙山) terrain, the Red Army executed the legendary “Wumeng Maneuver”, retreating and re-entering Kuixiang three times.

• Local villagers supported the Red Army by cooking, guiding, and providing supplies.

? Revolutionary Relics

• Former Headquarters of the Red Army’s Second and Sixth Corps

• Red slogans and artifacts preserved in villages

• Long March Memorial Monument (红军长征纪念碑) inscribed by Xiao Ke

Today, Kuixiang stands as an important revolutionary education base and a popular red tourism destination.

❹ Growing Kuixiang: Education (教育发展现状)

• By 2011:

  • 1 kindergarten with 157 children

  • 21 primary schools with 7,014 students

  • 1 middle school with 2,542 students

• Kuixiang Middle School (奎香中学), formerly Yiliang County No.3 Middle School, was founded in 1969. Its roots trace back to Yiliang Charity School (彝良义学), established in 1731 during the Qing Dynasty.

• Achievements:

  • 2000 – Universal six-year compulsory education

  • 2005 – Eradication of adult illiteracy

  • 2008 – Universal nine-year compulsory education

❺ Abundant Kuixiang: Resources & Products (物产与特色资源)

• Mineral resources: Hematite, quartzite, and coal.

  • Quartzite reserves: ~2 billion tons (annual quartz sand production 700,000 tons).

  • Iron ore reserves in Songlin Village (松林村): ~55 million tons.

• Agriculture:

  • Cultivated land: ~44,000 mu

  • Grain output (2011): 19,600 tons

  • Main crops: Corn ?, potatoes ?, flue-cured tobacco, soybeans, vegetables

• Livestock: Pigs, cattle, sheep, and poultry

• Specialties: Roasted potatoes (烧洋芋), buckwheat jelly (荞凉粉), and local liquor such as Goat Horn Wine (羊角酒).

❻ Touring Kuixiang: Culture & Attractions (文化与旅游体验)

? Red Tourism

• Planned investment of 200 million RMB to develop a “Red Tourism Town”

• Projects include:

  • Reconstruction of the Red Sixth Corps Headquarters

  • Wumeng Maneuver Memorial Square (乌蒙回旋战纪念广场) (3,000 m²)

? Ethnic Culture

• Unified design of ethnic-style town centers featuring Miao and Yi cultural sculptures

• Hou Shan Yi Ethnic Style Park (后山彝族风情园), built with 24 million RMB investment

? Natural Attractions

• Rain Dragon Mountain (雨龙山)

• Xianshui Slope (仙水坡)

• Xianma Footprint (仙马脚印)

• Breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and spring rhododendron blossoms

❼ Accessible Kuixiang: Transportation & Communication (交通与通讯状况)

• Roads: The Zhaotong–Zhenxiong Highway (昭通–镇雄公路) runs through Kuixiang. Roads connect all villages, forming a “Three Horizontal, Three Vertical” grid.

• Electricity & Communication: All villages have electricity and access to mobile networks (China Mobile & China Unicom).

❽ Festive Kuixiang: Ethnic Festivals & Celebrations (民族节日与活动)

• Miao Festivals:

  • Huashan Festival (花山节) – the grandest celebration with Lusheng music, dancing, and singing competitions.

• Yi Festivals:

  • Torch Festival (火把节) – a fiery celebration of harvest and blessings, with bonfires, singing, and dancing.

During these festivals, locals wear traditional costumes, play ethnic instruments, and showcase their vibrant culture—offering visitors a unique immersion into Yi and Miao heritage.

Kuixiang Yi and Miao Ethnic Township (奎香苗族彝族乡) is a land of red revolutionary history, vibrant ethnic traditions, and enchanting natural landscapes in the Wumeng Mountains.

✨ Whether you are tracing the footsteps of history, experiencing diverse ethnic customs, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the highland scenery, Kuixiang promises an unforgettable journey.

? Welcome to Kuixiang—come and experience its unique charm!