Pingzhai Town of Qiubei County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographical Location

Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) is located in the eastern 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), with the township government 23 kilometers from the county seat. To the east, it borders Zhulian and Zhetu Townships (珠琳、者兔乡) in Guangnan County (广南县), to the south it connects with Tianxing Township (天星乡), to the west it borders Jinping Town (锦屏镇), and to the north, it neighbors Shuanglongying Town (双龙营镇) and Wenliu Township (温浏乡). The township consists of 8 village committees and 78 village groups, with a population of Han (汉族), Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), Yao (瑶族), and Yi (彝族) ethnic groups.

Cultural History

Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) originally belonged to Yanshan County (砚山县), under the Aji District (阿基区). In 1958, it was transferred to Qiubei County (丘北县). In May 1961, it was adjusted to form the Pingzhai and 5 other small communes, under Pingzhai District (平寨区). In November 1970, it was renamed Pingzhai Commune (平寨公社), and in 1984, it became Pingzhai District (平寨区). In 1987, the district was abolished, and Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) was officially established. The name “Pingzhai” comes from the fact that the township government is located in a small flat basin.

Folk Customs

Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) is a multi-ethnic area, with the Zhuang (壮族) being the majority. The region boasts rich ethnic cultures. The local Zhuang people are known for their unique attire and embroidery techniques. Traditional festivals such as the Yi New Year (彝族年) and the Torch Festival (火把节) feature rituals, singing, and dancing. Additionally, Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) combines traditional agriculture with tourism by developing the Huami-themed rice field sightseeing park, which promotes rural tourism development.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) has a subtropical and temperate climate, with distinct seasons. Winters and springs are cool and dry, while summers are hot and rainy. The average annual temperature is around 17°C, and the annual rainfall is about 1,200 millimeters. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August), when the weather is cool and perfect for a summer retreat.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Pingzhai Village (平寨村)
Description: The seat of the township government, Pingzhai Village (平寨村) is the political, economic, and cultural center of the township.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Bangchang Village (蚌常村)
Description: Named after the Zhuang language translation meaning “little hilltop,” Bangchang Village (蚌常村) offers a glimpse of local culture and rural life.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Huami-themed Rice Field Sightseeing Park (花米主题稻田观光园)
Description: A project that integrates traditional Zhuang rice farming, Huami culture, and rice field art, offering a combination of agriculture and tourism.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Qingshui River (清水河)
Description: As part of the township’s rural tourism initiatives, the Qingshui River (清水河) area has been improved with ecological landscape overflow dams and riverside green spaces to enhance the scenic view.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From Qiubei County (丘北县), travel along the road to Pingzhai Township (平寨乡), which is about 23 kilometers away and takes approximately 30 minutes by car. Within the township, transportation mainly consists of motorcycles and small vans.

Cuisine

Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) features a variety of local specialties, including:

  • Yi Roast Meat (彝族烤肉): Made from locally sourced 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.
  • Huami Zongzi (花米粽), Huami Mooncakes (花米月饼), and Colorful Eggs (七彩鸡蛋): Various colorful dishes made from locally produced ingredients.

Shopping

Visitors can buy Yi embroidery (彝族刺绣), handicrafts, and local agricultural products such as peanuts (花生), chili peppers (辣椒), tobacco (烤烟), and ginger (生姜).

Accommodation

Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) offers several 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 rivers.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Qiubei County (丘北县), travel to Pingzhai Township (平寨乡), visit Pingzhai Village (平寨村) to experience local folk culture, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit Bangchang Village (蚌常村) to experience local customs, then head to the Huami-themed Rice Field Sightseeing Park (花米主题稻田观光园) to admire rice field art. In the afternoon, visit Qingshui River (清水河) for its ecological landscapes before returning to Qiubei County (丘北县) to conclude the trip.

Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) is a charming place with rich history and unique natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in folk culture or enjoy natural beauty, you will find something special here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Pingzhai Township (平寨乡).