Shangmiha Village of Zhetai Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Shangmiha Village (上米哈村) is located in the Weixi Village Committee (未昔村委会), Zetai Township (者太乡), Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is about 10 kilometers from the Zetai Township government seat. The village is built along the mountains and inhabited by clans. It stands at an elevation of 1,390 meters, with an average annual temperature of 16°C and annual rainfall of 1,300 mm. The area belongs to a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct seasons and pleasant weather.

History and Culture

Shangmiha Village (上米哈村) is a typical traditional Zhuang village. Its name “Miha” (米哈) means “thatch” in the Zhuang language, referencing the village’s original setting in a grassy area. In 2014, Shangmiha Village was listed in the third batch of Traditional Chinese Villages (中国传统村落), showcasing its significant historical and cultural value.

Folk Customs

Shangmiha Village retains many unique Zhuang folk customs. The village architecture mainly features traditional Zhuang stilt houses known as “Diaojiaolou” (吊脚楼), built along the mountain slopes with staggered layouts. Additionally, the village hosts rich traditional folk activities such as the Bronze Drum Dance (铜鼓舞), Handkerchief Dance (手巾舞), and Flower Street Festival (赶花街). During the annual “Third of March” Flower Street Festival (“三月三花街节”), villagers dress in traditional costumes and engage in singing duets and dancing, creating a lively atmosphere.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Shangmiha Village enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 16°C and annual rainfall of 1,300 mm. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful, perfect for experiencing Zhuang culture and traditional customs.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Times, and Ticket Prices

• Traditional Village of Shangmiha (上米哈村传统村落): Visit well-preserved Zhuang stilt houses and experience the unique architectural style and ethnic culture. Suggested visit time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.
• Weixi Village Committee (未昔村委会): Enjoy the surrounding natural scenery, ideal for hiking and photography. Suggested visit time: 1–2 hours. Admission: Free.
• Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon (西洋江大峡谷): About 30 kilometers from Shangmiha Village, this scenic area offers a blend of natural beauty and leisure activities. Suggested visit time: 3–4 hours. Ticket price: approximately 50 RMB.

Transportation

• Public Transport: Take a bus from Guangnan County to Zetai Township (approximately 1 hour), then transfer to a rural bus or hire a car to reach Shangmiha Village.
• Self-Drive: Depart from Guangnan County, drive along National Highway 323 (323国道) for about 83 kilometers, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours.

Local Cuisine

Shangmiha Village and its surrounding areas are rich in local delicacies such as Thousand-layer Cake (千层粑), Bahang Chicken (岜夯鸡), Stuffed Glutinous Rice Cake (褡裢粑), Cured Duck (板鸭), Pickled Fish (酸菜鱼), Cured Meat (腊肉), Flower Glutinous Rice (花糯饭), and Sticky Rice Dumplings (粽粑). Visitors can also enjoy homemade rice wine, known for its fragrant aroma and mellow taste.

Shopping

Visitors can buy local specialties such as Guangnan Eight-Treasure Rice (广南八宝米), Dixu Tea (底圩茶), and Guangnan Dendrobium (广南铁皮石斛). Handcrafted ethnic products like Wenshan Miao Embroidery (文山苗绣) are also popular souvenirs.

Accommodation

There are several farm stays and guesthouses in and around Shangmiha Village, offering affordable rates typically ranging from 50 to 100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable lodging, hotels in Guangnan County are available.

Travel Tips

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

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart from Guangnan County to Shangmiha Village, Weixi Village Committee, Zetai Township. Visit the traditional village and experience Zhuang culture. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
• Day 2: Visit Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon for natural sightseeing. Return to Guangnan County in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Shangmiha Village is a charming traditional village, rich in unique natural scenery and vibrant ethnic culture. Whether you are strolling through the ancient village or enjoying traditional Zhuang dances, you will experience an authentic and profound cultural atmosphere. We hope you have a memorable journey here.