Poya Village of Boai Town in Funing County, Wenshan Prefecture

Geographic Location

Poya Village (坡芽村) is located southeast of Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇), Funing County (富宁县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省), approximately 9 kilometers from the Bo’ai Town government. The village is situated within the Tuoniang River Tourist Area (驮娘江旅游区), featuring beautiful natural scenery and a mild climate, making it a picturesque Zhuang ethnic village.

Culture and History

Poya Village (坡芽村) is a traditional Zhuang ethnic settlement. In the Zhuang language, “Poya” means “a place where mountain flowers bloom abundantly.” In 2006, during a survey of Zhuang cultural resources, a unique ancient songbook recorded on homespun cloth—Poya Songbook (坡芽歌书)—was discovered. The songbook consists of 81 pictographic symbols, each representing a love song that chronicles the process of young men and women meeting, getting to know each other, and falling in love. In 2011, the Poya Songbook (坡芽歌书) was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List of China.

Folk Customs

Poya Village (坡芽村) preserves many unique Zhuang folk customs. The village architecture mainly features traditional stilted houses, with walls made of light yellow clay, surrounded by lush green bamboo and banana trees. Additionally, traditional Zhuang customs such as antiphonal singing of Zhuang mountain songs and Zhuang opera performances are still maintained. During traditional festivals like the Zhuang “Third of March” (三月三) festival, villagers dress in traditional costumes and participate in colorful folk activities.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Poya Village (坡芽村) experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct seasons and mild weather, with an average annual temperature of approximately 19.8°C. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful, perfect for experiencing Zhuang culture and traditional customs.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Tickets

Poya Traditional Village (坡芽村传统村落): Visitors can explore well-preserved Zhuang stilted houses and experience the unique architectural style and ethnic culture. Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.

Poya Heritage Museum (坡芽传习馆): This museum showcases the original patterns of the Poya Songbook (坡芽歌书) and related cultural materials, allowing visitors to learn about its historical and cultural background. Recommended visiting time: 1 hour. Admission: Free.

Poya Cultural Square (坡芽文化广场): The square frequently hosts antiphonal singing performances and Zhuang opera shows, making it an excellent place to experience Zhuang culture. Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours. Admission: Free.

Transportation

Public Transport: Take a coach from Funing County (富宁县) to Bo’ai Town (剥隘镇), which takes about 30 minutes. From Bo’ai Town, transfer to a village bus or hire a car to reach Poya Village (坡芽村).

Self-Driving: Drive from Funing County (富宁县) along National Highway 323 (323国道) for approximately 18 kilometers, about 30 minutes by car.

Local Cuisine

Poya Village (坡芽村) and surrounding areas offer a variety of local delicacies such as flower glutinous rice, stuffed sticky rice cakes (褡裢粑), and rice wine. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Zhuang dishes and wild mountain specialties.

Shopping

Local specialty products such as star anise, dragon fruit, and mangoes are available for purchase. Additionally, visitors can buy distinctive handicrafts like Zhuang embroidery and woven brocades.

Accommodation

There are several farm stays and guesthouses available in Poya Village (坡芽村) and nearby areas, offering affordable rates, generally around 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodations, hotels in Funing County (富宁县) are a good choice.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting traditional villages and participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment and avoid littering.
  • If planning hiking or outdoor activities, check the weather forecast in advance and take appropriate safety measures.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Funing County (富宁县) and head to Poya Village (坡芽村), visiting the traditional village, Poya Heritage Museum (坡芽传习馆), and Poya Cultural Square (坡芽文化广场) to experience Zhuang culture. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.

Day 2: Continue exploring the village, enjoying the natural scenery and folk culture. Return to Funing County (富宁县) in the afternoon, concluding the trip.

Poya Village (坡芽村) is a charming traditional village offering not only stunning natural landscapes but also a rich ethnic culture. Whether you are strolling through the ancient village or listening to traditional Zhuang mountain songs, you will deeply experience the vibrant ethnic atmosphere. We hope you enjoy an unforgettable journey here!