Liuxi Miao Ethnic Town in Yiliang County, Zhaotong

A hidden gem along the Baishui River (白水江), where nature meets ethnic culture in the heart of Northeast Yunnan.

? Location

Liuxi Miao Township (柳溪苗族乡) is under the administration of Yiliang County (彝良县), Zhaotong City (昭通市), Yunnan Province (云南省).

• Located in the northern part of Yiliang County, about 109 km from the county seat.

• Borders: East – Luowang Miao Township (洛旺苗族乡); South – Wanchang Town (碗厂镇) & Shanshu Town (杉树镇) in Zhenxiong County (镇雄县); West – Longhai Township (龙海乡) & Niujie Town (牛街镇); North – Gaoping Miao Township (高坪苗族乡) in Junlian County (筠连县), Sichuan Province (四川省).

Thanks to this strategic location, Liuxi Miao Township serves as a cultural and geographic bridge between Yunnan and Sichuan.

? Area & Terrain

• Total Area: ~96.96 km² (alternative data: 95.69 km²).

• Topography: Long and narrow terrain, high in the south and low in the north.

• The Baishui River (白水江) flows east to west, dividing the township into two natural zones.

• Deeply eroded landforms, with dramatic ravines and ridges.

• Elevation Range: Highest point at Luohanlin (罗汉林), Pingshang Village (坪上村), 1,745 m; lowest point at Yudong (鱼洞), Hekou (河口组), 600 m.

• Distinctive vertical climate zones add to its ecological richness.

?‍?‍?‍? Population & Ethnic Groups

• Registered Population (2019): 23,619.

• Main ethnic groups: Han, Miao, Yi.

• Miao account for about 21.6% (2017 data), making them the largest minority group.

• A vibrant mix of cultures creates a rich and harmonious community atmosphere.

? History

• Name Origin: Traced back to the Qing Dynasty (清顺治年间, 1644–1662), when willow trees grew thickly along the streams—hence “Liuxi” (柳溪, Willow Stream).

• Established: 1988, formed from villages of former Niujie District (牛街区) and Luowang District (洛旺区).

• Today, it is not only a land of history but also a living showcase of Miao cultural heritage.

? Education

Liuxi Miao Township attaches great importance to education:

• 17 primary schools, with 2,839 students, achieving a 99.59% enrollment rate.

• 1 junior high school, with 1,158 students.

• 1 kindergarten.

• The renowned Liuxi Central Primary School (柳溪乡中心小学) is located in Shuiguo Village (水果村).

? Resources

Mineral Resources: Coal, iron, silica, and more than 10 types of minerals. Coal reserves reach 11.5 million tons.
Agricultural Products: Corn, wheat, sweet potato, potato. Cash crops include tobacco, peanuts, konjac, rapeseed, and sunflower. Pig farming is a leading industry.
Forest & Specialty Products:

• Bamboo shoots (especially square bamboo, 方竹) – annual output ~50 tons.

• Citrus fruits – annual production ~500,000 jin (≈250 tons).

• Other fruits: pears, chestnuts, persimmons, walnuts.

• Traditional tea and kuding tea (苦丁茶).
  Rare Plants: Presence of yew (红豆杉) and other protected species.

?️ Tourism & Culture

• Natural Beauty: The Baishui River (白水江) flows through the township, with lush forests and fresh mountain air.

• Ethnic Traditions: Strong Miao cultural atmosphere with vibrant customs, attire, songs, and handicrafts.

• Historic Villages: Shangzhai Village (上寨村) is undergoing ancient-town redevelopment, promising to be a cultural tourism highlight.

• Ecotourism: Rich natural resources provide opportunities for ecological tours and agricultural experiences.

? Transportation

• Main Road: Shifeng Secondary Road (柿凤二级路) runs through the township, connecting Niujie Ancient Town (牛街古镇), Luokan Town (罗坎镇), and beyond.

• Expressway: On July 8, 2022, the Yibin–Zhaotong Expressway (宜宾–昭通高速) fully opened, with Liuxi Interchange (柳溪匝道收费站) directly serving the township—greatly enhancing accessibility.

• Bus Services: Regular buses to Yiliang (彝良), Niujie (牛街), Luokan (罗坎), and Weixin (威信).

? Festivals

While specific local event details are scarce, Miao communities traditionally celebrate festivals such as the Huashan Festival (花山节). These celebrations feature:

• Traditional Miao costumes and embroidery.

• Singing and dancing.

• Local delicacies.

? Visitors are encouraged to check with local tourism authorities for updated festival schedules to experience authentic Miao cultural celebrations.

✨ Conclusion

Liuxi Miao Township (柳溪苗族乡) is a land where:

• Nature and rivers whisper tranquility.

• Miao culture thrives with authenticity.

• Agricultural bounty and ecological diversity await exploration.

? Whether you seek peaceful landscapes, cultural encounters, or eco-experiences, Liuxi Miao Township promises unique and lasting memories.

? We warmly invite you to stroll along the Baishui River (白水江), embrace the warmth of Miao hospitality, and discover serenity in the mountains of Northeast Yunnan.