Lida Town of Funing County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographic Location

Lida Town (里达镇) is located in the southwestern part of Funing County (富宁县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省), between 105°30′–105°39′ east longitude and 23°23′–23°35′ north latitude. It borders Banlun Township (板仑乡) to the east, Tianpeng Town (田蓬镇) to the south, Muyang Town (木央镇) to the west, and Xinhua Town (新华镇) to the north. The town government is located 19.5 kilometers from the county seat of Funing County (富宁县), with a total area of 190 square kilometers.

History and Culture

Lida Town (里达镇) has a long history. During the Yuan Dynasty, it was first settled by the family of Li Da (李大), a Yi ethnic group member, from whom the town derived its name through a phonetic evolution. In the late Ming Dynasty, it was incorporated into Guangnan (广南). During the Republican period, it was designated as a district. In 1957, it was reassigned to Funing County (富宁县), and in 1958, it was restructured from a district into a commune. It was merged into Chengguan District (城关区) in 1961, reestablished as a district in 1962, became a commune again in 1969, reverted to a district in 1984, and finally was upgraded to a town in 1988.

Folk Customs

Lida Town (里达镇) is home to five ethnic groups: Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, and Yi, with ethnic minorities accounting for 44.8% of the total population. Many unique folk customs are preserved here, including the Zhuang people’s “Longduan Festival (陇端节).”

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Lida Town (里达镇) experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct vertical climate zones. The annual average temperature is 15℃, and the average annual rainfall is 1,213.7 millimeters. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Admission Fees

• Longtou Well (龙头井): One of the famous attractions in Lida Town (里达镇). Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours. Admission: Free.
• Niaowang Mountain (鸟王山): Known for its beautiful natural scenery, ideal for hiking and photography. Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.

Transportation

• Public Transportation: Buses are available from the county seat of Funing County (富宁县) to Lida Town (里达镇), with a journey time of about 30 minutes.
• Self-driving: Drive from Funing County (富宁县) along the county roads for approximately 19.5 kilometers, taking about 30 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Lida Town (里达镇) and its surrounding areas offer many local delicacies, such as glutinous rice cakes (糯米粑), colored flower rice (花米饭), roasted shredded meat (烤肉丝), and cold chicken (凉鸡).

Shopping

You can buy local agricultural specialties such as star anise (八角), camellia oil (油茶), and sugarcane (甘蔗).

Accommodation

Lida Town (里达镇) and nearby areas offer rural guesthouses and homestays with affordable prices, generally ranging from 50 to 100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodation, hotels in Funing County (富宁县) are available.

Travel Tips

• Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting traditional villages and participating in folk events.
• Protect the environment by not littering.
• If planning to hike or engage in outdoor activities, check the weather forecast in advance and take necessary safety precautions.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Funing County (富宁县) to Lida Town (里达镇), visit Longtou Well (龙头井) and Niaowang Mountain (鸟王山) to experience the natural scenery and ethnic culture. Stay overnight in a local guesthouse.

Day 2: Continue exploring Lida Town (里达镇) to experience local culture and daily life. Return to Funing County (富宁县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Lida Town (里达镇) is a charming settlement inhabited by various ethnic groups, offering not only unique natural landscapes but also rich ethnic culture. Whether strolling through ancient villages or admiring the breathtaking natural scenery, visitors can deeply feel the vibrant ethnic atmosphere. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here.