Mulu Village of Dongbao Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Mulu Village is located in Dongbao Township (董堡乡), Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (云南省文山州广南县). It lies in the northwest of Dongbao Township, about 21 kilometers from the city of Guangnan (广南县). To the east, it borders Dongnong Village (董弄村); to the south, it adjoins Dongbao Township; to the west, it is close to Luowa Village (罗瓦村); and to the north, it borders Liancheng Town (莲城镇). Mulu Village is situated in a semi-mountainous area, with a land area of 32.18 square kilometers, an elevation of 1,410 meters, an average annual temperature of 17.5°C, and an annual rainfall of 1,050 millimeters.

Cultural and Historical Background

Mulu Village was established in the late Tang Dynasty (唐朝末年) and is a purely Zhuang ethnic village. It is one of the birthplaces of the Zhuang “Yawei” (娅歪) culture. The village, located by the river, is named “Mulu” due to the loud sound of the water, which later evolved to the more elegant “Mulu” (牡露). It was once a part of the ancient route from the Central Plains to Jiaozhi (now Vietnam), historically known as the “Jiaozhi Ancient Road” (交趾古道).

Ethnic Customs

Mulu Village preserves many unique Zhuang ethnic customs and cultural practices. The village features well-preserved Zhuang-style stilted houses, built in harmony with the surrounding mountains and water. Traditional festivals, such as the “Third of March” Flower Street Festival (三月三赶花街), the Dragon Boat Festival (五月端午节), the Sixth of June Long Festival (六月三六郎节), and the August Harvest Festival (八月尝新节), are celebrated with local people dressing in traditional attire, singing, dancing, and enjoying flower sticky rice, as well as engaging in folk songs. In addition, Mulu Village is known for its unique traditional clothing and handicrafts, including handmade cotton fabrics, Zhuang brocades, and embroidered shoes.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Mulu Village enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons and mild temperatures. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is cool and suitable for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions, Visit Time, and Entrance Fees

Mulu Village (Nongren Valley Scenic Area, 侬人谷景区): Experience the Zhuang ethnic culture and traditional handicrafts. Suggested visit time: Half a day. Entrance fee: Free.
Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon (西洋江大峡谷): Located near Mulu Village, this is a 4A-level national scenic area, offering spectacular natural landscapes and rich ethnic culture. Suggested visit time: 1 day. Entrance fee: Please check with the scenic area for specific pricing.

Transportation

Public Transport: Take a bus from the city of Guangnan to Dongbao Township, which takes about 30 minutes. Then, transfer to local transportation or walk to Mulu Village.
By Car: From the city of Guangnan, travel along local roads to Dongbao Township, then proceed to Mulu Village, covering a total distance of about 21 kilometers.

Local Cuisine

Zhuang Ethnic Specialties: You can try traditional Zhuang dishes, such as sticky rice dumplings (粽子), Zaliangba (褡裢粑), puffed rice (米花), glutinous rice cakes (糯米粑), tofu pudding (豆腐脑), sweet wine (甜酒), cured pig feet (腊猪脚), local eggs (土鸡蛋), and wild honey from Huo Xiang (野藿香蜂蜜).
Farmhouse Cuisine: There are local farmhouse restaurants offering fresh vegetables and poultry.

Shopping

Ethnic Handicrafts: Traditional Zhuang clothing, embroidery, Zhuang brocades, and embroidered shoes are available for purchase.
Local Specialties: Guangnan iron-skin Dendrobium (广南铁皮石斛), Diyi tea (底圩茶), and Guangnan Eight-Treasure Rice (广南八宝米) are among the local products to consider.

Accommodation

Guesthouses: You can choose to stay in a Zhuang ethnic village guesthouse to experience the local customs.
Hotels in County: There are several hotels available in the city of Guangnan.

Travel Tips

Respect Local Customs: When visiting and participating in folk activities, please respect the local residents’ customs and habits.
Environmental Protection: While visiting natural scenic areas, be sure to protect the environment and avoid littering.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in the city of Guangnan, check into a hotel, and travel to Mulu Village in Dongbao Township to explore the village and experience local ethnic culture.
Day 2: Visit the Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon to enjoy the natural landscapes and learn more about the local ethnic culture.

Mulu Village is a place rich in ethnic charm and cultural heritage. Here, you can feel the warm hospitality of the Zhuang people, enjoy the unique natural scenery, and immerse yourself in the rich ethnic culture. We hope your journey is filled with joy and unforgettable memories.