Renhe Town of Maguan County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographical Location
Renhe Town (仁和镇) is located in the southern part of Qiubei County (马关县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Ma Bai Town (马白镇) and Jia Hanqing Town (夹寒箐镇) to the east, adjoins Xiao Bazi Town (小坝子镇) and Hekou County (河口县) Qiaotou Township (桥头乡) to the south, connects with Muchang Town (木厂镇) to the west, and is bordered by Dalishu Township (大栗树乡) to the north. The town government is located 19 kilometers from the county seat, covering an area of 191.54 square kilometers.
Cultural History
Renhe Town (仁和镇) has a long history. In the 19th year of the Republic of China (1930), it was part of the central district of Qiubei County (马关县). In 1931, it was part of District One, and by 1934, it became part of District Two. In 1940, it was renamed Yongren Township (永仁乡). In 1950, it was part of Qiubei’s Fourth District, and in 1969, it was changed to a commune. In 1984, the commune was converted to a district, and in 1988, it was officially established as a town. The name “Renhe” (仁和) is derived from the values of kindness and harmony.
Folk Customs
Renhe Town (仁和镇) is home to multiple ethnic groups, including Han (汉族), Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), Yi (彝族), and Gelao (仡佬族), with the Zhuang people making up a significant portion of the population. The town retains rich ethnic cultural practices and traditional festivals, such as the Miao “Huashan Festival” (花山节) and the Zhuang “San Yue San” (三月三) festival. Additionally, the A’e New Village (阿峨新寨) farmers’ woodblock printing is a distinctive local folk art, and in 2000, it was named a “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art” by the Ministry of Culture.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Renhe Town (仁和镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate with a high terrain to the northwest and lower elevations to the southeast, resulting in mild weather and abundant rainfall. The average annual temperature is 17.2°C, with an average frost-free period of 340 days. The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is cool and ideal for a summer retreat.
Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices
A’e New Village Ethnic Woodblock Print Tourist Village (阿峨新寨民族版画旅游村)
Description: A national 3A-level tourist attraction, renowned for its Zhuang farmers’ woodblock prints and rich ethnic culture.
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free
Daga Ji Cloud-end Academy (大嘎吉云端书院)
Description: Located within Daga Ji Primary School, this is a centuries-old courtyard building with profound cultural significance.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free
Renhe Village (仁和村)
Description: The town government is located here, making it the political, economic, and cultural center of the area.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free
Transportation
From Qiubei County (马关县), travel along the highway to Renhe Town (仁和镇), about 19 kilometers away, which takes approximately 30 minutes by car. The town’s transportation mainly consists of motorcycles and small vans.
Cuisine
Renhe Town (仁和镇) offers local specialties, including:
- Zhuang Glutinous Rice (壮族糯米饭): Soft, sticky rice paired with local dishes, offering a unique flavor.
- Smoked Sausage (烤烟腊肉): Made using local smoking techniques, with a distinct flavor.
Shopping
Visitors can purchase Zhuang (壮族) embroidery, handicrafts, and local agricultural products such as Sanqi (三七) and sweet potato starch (红薯淀粉).
Accommodation
Renhe Town (仁和镇) has several homestays available at affordable prices with comfortable environments. For more luxurious accommodations, it is recommended to return to Qiubei County (马关县) for your stay.
Travel Tips
- Respect the customs of the local ethnic minorities, especially when participating in folk activities.
- Protect the environment by not littering.
- Pay attention to safety, especially when visiting mountainous areas and ancient buildings.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Qiubei County (马关县), head to Renhe Town (仁和镇), visit Renhe Village (仁和村) to experience local folk culture, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit A’e New Village Ethnic Woodblock Print Tourist Village (阿峨新寨民族版画旅游村) to experience Zhuang culture, then head to Daga Ji Cloud-end Academy (大嘎吉云端书院) to learn about the local history. Return to Qiubei County (马关县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.
Renhe Town (仁和镇) is a charming destination that offers both rich historical culture and unique natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in folk culture or enjoying nature, you’ll find something delightful here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Renhe Town (仁和镇).