Niguo Upper Village (尼果上寨) is located along the Yuan-Na Highway (元那公路) in Yangjie Township (羊街乡), Yuanjiang County (元江县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It falls under the administration of Diexia Village Committee (垤霞村委会). The village is 11 kilometers from the Yangjie Township government office and 57 kilometers from the county seat of Yuanjiang. It borders Nanuo Township (那诺乡) to the east and Honghe County (红河县) to the north.
Cultural and Historical Background
Niguo Upper Village (尼果上寨) is one of the most culturally rich Hani (哈尼族) villages in Yuanjiang County (元江县). In 2017, it was designated by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission as part of the second batch of “Villages with Chinese Ethnic Minority Characteristics.” The village preserves a wealth of traditional Hani culture, including architectural styles, clothing, language, festivals, and culinary customs.
Folk Customs
Niguo Upper Village (尼果上寨) is the birthplace of the Zongshan Dance (棕扇舞), a national-level intangible cultural heritage and one of the most representative Hani folk dances, rich in local flavor. Traditional houses in the village are primarily constructed from earth and wood, with blue-tile roofs, exhibiting precise layouts and intricate craftsmanship that reflect the architectural characteristics of the Hani people.
Weather and Best Visiting Time
Yangjie Township (羊街乡) in Yuanjiang County (元江县) has a subtropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 17.5°C and annual rainfall between 1200–1300 mm. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its peak.
Recommended Attractions and Suggested Duration
Hani Traditional Houses:
Explore traditional Hani-style dwellings to learn about their architecture and cultural significance.
Recommended duration: 1 hour
Zongshan Dance (棕扇舞) Performance:
Watch live performances of this nationally recognized cultural heritage to experience the Hani people’s artistic expression.
Recommended duration: 1 hour
Surrounding Natural Scenery:
Enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of cloud seas and terraced fields—ideal for hiking and photography.
Recommended duration: 2–3 hours
Transportation
Public Transport:
Take a county-level bus within Yuanjiang County (元江县) to reach Yangjie Township (羊街乡), then transfer to local transport to get to Niguo Upper Village (尼果上寨).
Self-Driving:
From Yuanjiang County (元江县), follow signs along the Yuan-Na Highway (元那公路) for approximately 57 kilometers to reach the village.
Local Cuisine
Niguo Upper Village (尼果上寨) and the surrounding area feature Hani specialty dishes such as roast whole lamb, hand-torn meat, and Zhan Shui Ji (蘸水鸡 – chicken served with dipping sauce).
Shopping
Local specialty agricultural products and handicrafts are available in the village. Visitors can purchase unique souvenirs representing Hani culture.
Accommodation
Local Farmstays:
Offer lodging and the opportunity to experience rural life firsthand.
Nearby Hotels:
Hotels in Yuanjiang County (元江县) are relatively close and offer convenient access to the village.
Travel Tips
Protect the Environment:
Please help maintain a clean environment by not littering.
Respect Local Customs:
While participating in cultural activities, show respect for local traditions and customs.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive at Niguo Upper Village (尼果上寨), visit traditional Hani houses to learn about the local culture.
- Noon: Enjoy Hani specialty cuisine.
- Afternoon: Watch a live Zongshan Dance (棕扇舞) performance to experience Hani cultural artistry.
- Evening: Check in to a local farmstay and relax.
Day 2:
- Morning: Explore nearby scenic spots for hiking and photography.
- Noon: Lunch at the farmstay.
- Afternoon: Depart for Yuanjiang County (元江县) or Yuxi City (玉溪市), concluding the trip.
Niguo Upper Village (尼果上寨) captivates visitors with its stunning natural scenery and vibrant Hani culture. Whether you’re strolling through the ancient village or joining in cultural festivities, you’ll experience the unique charm of this heritage-rich destination. We hope your visit to Niguo Upper Village becomes an unforgettable journey.
