Nijiao Yi Ethnic Town in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Geographical Location

Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡) is located in the southwestern part of Qiubei County (丘北县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), 44 kilometers from the county seat. To the east, it borders Baduoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡), to the southeast it borders Shupi Yi Ethnic Township (树皮彝族乡), to the southwest it connects with Pingyuan Town (平远镇) in Yanshan County (砚山县), to the west it borders Xindian Township (新店乡), and to the north, it connects with Yuezhai Town (曰者镇). The township government is located in Nijiao Village (腻脚村). The total area is approximately 422.48 square kilometers.

Cultural History

The history of Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡) dates back to the early years of the Republic of China (民国), when it was part of the Shijia District (十甲区). In 1943, it was part of Jing’an Township (靖安乡) in the Fifth District. Later, it merged with Xinzhe Township (新泽乡) to form the Datie area, which was established as Panying Township (盘潆乡) in 1950. In 1958, the area was called Xingwu Miezi Commune (兴无灭资公社). In 1984, it was renamed Nijiao District (腻脚区), and in 1988 it officially became Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡).

Folk Customs

Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡) is home to various ethnic groups, including the Yi (彝族), Miao (苗族), Zhuang (壮族), and Han (汉族), with the Yi being the dominant ethnic group. Yi culture is vibrant and rich, with traditional festivals such as the Yi New Year (彝族年) and the Torch Festival (火把节). These festivals feature rituals, singing, and dancing. The Yi people are known for their colorful attire and exquisite embroidery, which showcase a strong ethnic identity.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡) has a subtropical monsoon climate with significant vertical variations. The average annual temperature is 14.3°C, and the average annual precipitation is 1,168.1 millimeters. The frost-free period averages 244 days each year. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August), when the weather is cool, making it an ideal place for summer vacation.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Nijiao Village (腻脚村)
Description: The township government seat and the political, economic, and cultural center of the area, Nijiao Village (腻脚村) is also a newly developed town along the Puzhehei (普者黑) tourism route.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Datie Village (大铁村)
Description: A significant village in Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡), Datie Village (大铁村) preserves many traditional Yi (彝族) buildings and cultural relics.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Jiamuge Village (架木革村)
Description: Known for its unique natural scenery and Yi (彝族) culture, Jiamuge Village (架木革村) is a great place to experience Yi folk customs.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From Qiubei County (丘北县), take the road to Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡), about 44 kilometers away, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour. Transportation within the township mainly consists of motorcycles and small vans, which make it easy for visitors to reach various scenic spots.

Cuisine

Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡) offers a variety of local specialties, including:

• Yi Roast Meat (彝族烤肉): Made from locally raised goats or pork, it has a unique flavor.
• Buckwheat Cake (荞麦粑粑): Made from buckwheat flour, it has a soft and sticky texture and is typically eaten with honey.
• Nijiao Chenjiu (腻脚陈酒): A locally brewed traditional liquor made from high-quality corn and water from local ponds, with a clear color and a fragrant, mellow taste.

Shopping

Visitors can buy Yi embroidery (彝族刺绣), handicrafts, and local agricultural products such as Sanqi (三七), Chrysanthemum (万寿菊), and pesticide-free vegetables (无公害蔬菜).

Accommodation

Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡) offers a few affordable and comfortable homestays. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors are recommended to return to Qiubei County (丘北县) for better options.

Travel Tips

• Respect the local ethnic groups’ customs, especially when participating in folk activities.
• Protect the environment by not littering.
• Be cautious for safety, especially when exploring mountainous areas and villages.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Qiubei County (丘北县), travel to Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡), visit Nijiao Village (腻脚村) to experience Yi (彝族) folk culture, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit Datie Village (大铁村) and Jiamuge Village (架木革村) to explore traditional Yi architecture and culture, then return to Qiubei County (丘北县) in the afternoon to end the trip.

Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡) is a captivating destination with both rich cultural history and unique natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in folk culture or enjoy exploring natural beauty, this place has something for everyone. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Nijiao Yi Ethnic Township (腻脚彝族乡).