Naba Village of Zhetu Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Naba Village is located in Zhetu Township (者兔乡), Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies in the northwestern part of Guangnan County, bordering Liancheng Town (莲城镇) to the east, Jiumo Township (旧莫乡) and Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) to the south, Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) of Qiubei County (丘北县) to the west, and Zhetai Township (者太乡) and Dixu Township (底圩乡) to the north. The village is about 43 kilometers from Guangnan County’s urban center and features a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 16°C and average annual rainfall of 1,011 mm.

History and Culture

Naba Village is an administrative village under Zhetu Township and was included in the fourth batch of Traditional Chinese Villages (中国传统村落) in December 2016. Zhetu Township itself has a long history, having established Zhetu Garrison (者兔营) as early as the fifth year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty (1825). The area is home to multiple ethnic groups including the Zhuang (壮族), Han (汉族), Yao (瑶族), and Yi (彝族). Its ethnic culture is vibrant, with traditional stilt-style wooden houses known as ganlan-style dwellings (杆栏式吊脚楼), some of which have histories spanning over a century.

Folk Customs

Naba Village and its surrounding areas preserve many unique customs of the Zhuang people. One example is the Bronze Drum Dance (铜鼓舞), a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage of Guangnan County. The dance features simple yet expressive movements and reflects the Zhuang people’s traditional lifestyle. Another notable tradition is the Men’s Handkerchief Dance (男子手巾舞), typically performed during funeral rituals. This dance is exclusively performed by men and is characterized by bold and solemn movements.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

With a subtropical monsoon climate and an average annual temperature of 16°C, Naba Village enjoys a mild and humid environment. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the weather is most pleasant and the scenery is particularly beautiful. Spring is especially lively with the March Flower Street Festival (三月花街节), featuring diverse cultural events.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Times, and Ticket Prices

  • Traditional Village of Naba (那坝村传统村落): Explore well-preserved ganlan-style stilt houses (杆栏式吊脚楼) and experience traditional Zhuang culture. Suggested visit time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.
  • Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon (西洋江大峡谷): A nearby canyon with spectacular scenery, ideal for hiking and nature lovers. Suggested visit time: 3–4 hours. Ticket price: approx. 50 RMB.
  • Bamei Village (坝美村): A secluded Zhuang village accessible only by boat, where many traditional customs are still practiced. Suggested visit time: 4–5 hours. Ticket price: approx. 60 RMB.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a bus from Guangnan County to Zhetu Township (about 1 hour), then transfer to a rural minibus or hire a car to reach Naba Village.
  • Self-Drive: Depart from Guangnan County and drive along National Highway 323 (323国道). The total distance is about 43 kilometers, taking approximately 1 hour.

Local Cuisine

Naba Village and its surroundings offer various local delicacies such as Guangnan Eight-Treasure Rice (广南八宝米), Guangnan Sweet Bean Paste Pork (广南豆沙肉), and Dixu Tea (底圩茶). These authentic flavors can be enjoyed in local farm stays and small eateries.

Shopping

Popular local products include Guangnan Dendrobium officinale (广南铁皮石斛) and Guangnan Xifengdou (广南西枫斗). Handcrafted items like Wenshan Miao Embroidery (文山苗绣) also make great souvenirs.

Accommodation

There are several farm stays (农家乐) and guesthouses (民宿) in Naba Village and nearby areas, offering budget-friendly options at around 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable lodging, hotels in Guangnan County’s urban center are available.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages or participating in cultural events.
  • Protect the environment by not littering.
  • If hiking or engaging in outdoor activities, check the weather in advance and prepare proper safety gear.

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from Guangnan County, arrive at Naba Village, explore the traditional village, and experience Zhuang culture. Overnight stay at a local farm stay.
  • Day 2: Visit Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon to enjoy natural scenery. Return to Guangnan County in the afternoon to end the trip.

Naba Village is a captivating traditional settlement where natural beauty and rich ethnic culture come together. Whether you’re strolling through ancient lanes or enjoying Zhuang traditional dances, you’ll be immersed in a profound cultural atmosphere. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in this unique village!