Muchang Town of Maguan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographical Location

Muchang Town (木厂镇) is located in the southwestern part of Qiubei County (马关县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Renhe Town (仁和镇) to the east, adjoins Hekou County (河口县) and Qiaotou Township (桥头乡) to the south, and neighbors Bazhai Town (八寨镇) and Mianchang Township (篾厂乡) to the west, with Dalishu Township (大栗树乡) to the north. The town government is located in Muchang Village (木厂村), 35 kilometers from the county seat, covering an area of about 163 square kilometers.

Cultural History

Muchang Town (木厂镇) has a history that dates back to the Republic of China era. In 1930, the territory of Muchang Town was part of the central district of Qiubei County (马关县). In 1940, when the townships expanded, it was renamed a township. In 1945, it was part of the Second District, and the same year it was renamed Dehua Township (德化乡). In 1950, it belonged to Renhe District (仁和区). In 1969, Muchang Commune (木厂公社) was established by splitting from Renhe District, including 10 major teams. In 1984, the commune was changed to a district, and in 1988, it was officially established as a town.

Folk Customs

Muchang Town (木厂镇) is a border town with a diverse population, home to nine ethnic groups, including Han (汉族), Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), Yi (彝族), Dai (傣族), and Bouyei (布依族), with ethnic minorities making up 62.8% of the total population. The town features a rich cultural heritage and traditional festivals such as the Miao “Huashan Festival” (花山节), Bouyei “Niuwang Festival” (牛王节) and “Liniang Festival” (离娘节), Dai “Water Splashing Festival” (泼水节), and Yi “Torch Festival” (火把节). Additionally, Muchang Town (木厂镇) has unique folk arts such as Miao “Tao Pa Hua Gan” (倒爬花杆) and Dai carved tobacco pipes (雕花烟筒).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Muchang Town (木厂镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with mild weather and abundant rainfall. The climate features the unique characteristic of “one mountain with four seasons, ten miles with different weather.” The average annual temperature is 17.2°C, with an average frost-free period of 340 days. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August), when the weather is cool and suitable for a summer retreat.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Baobaozhai Dongfeng Power Station (堡堡寨东风发电站)
Description: Located in Muchang Town (木厂镇), it is the third batch of provincial cultural heritage sites in Wenshan State (文山州).
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Muchang Village (木厂村)
Description: The town government is located here, making it the political, economic, and cultural center of the area.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Laowangzhai Village (老王寨村)
Description: One of the main settlements of the Bouyei (布依族) people, it features unique ethnic customs.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From Qiubei County (马关县), travel along the highway to Muchang Town (木厂镇), which is about 35 kilometers away and takes approximately 40 minutes by car. The town’s transportation mainly consists of motorcycles and small vans.

Cuisine

Muchang Town (木厂镇) offers local specialties, including:

• Hua Mi Fan (花米饭): Glutinous rice dyed with natural plant colors, offering a unique flavor.
• Qiubei Walnuts (马关核桃): A local agricultural product known for its distinctive taste.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase Bouyei (布依族) embroidery, handicrafts, and local agricultural products such as star anise (八角) and grass fruit (草果).

Accommodation

Muchang Town (木厂镇) has several homestays available at affordable prices with comfortable environments. For more luxurious accommodations, it is recommended to return to Qiubei County (马关县) for your stay.

Travel Tips

• Respect the customs of the local ethnic minorities, especially when participating in folk activities.
• Protect the environment by not littering.
• Pay attention to safety, especially when visiting mountainous areas and border regions.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Qiubei County (马关县), head to Muchang Town (木厂镇), visit Muchang Village (木厂村) to experience local folk culture, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit Baobaozhai Dongfeng Power Station (堡堡寨东风发电站) to explore historical relics, then visit Laowangzhai Village (老王寨村) to enjoy the Bouyei ethnic customs. Return to Qiubei County (马关县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Muchang Town (木厂镇) is a charming destination that offers both rich historical culture and unique natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in folk culture or enjoying nature, you’ll find something delightful here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Muchang Town (木厂镇).