Shuanghe Yi Ethnic Town of Jinning District in Kunming

Shuanghe Yi Ethnic Township (双河彝族乡) is located in the southwestern part of Jinning District (晋宁区), Kunming (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省). The township is bordered to the east by Baofeng Street (宝峰街道), to the south by Chunhe Town (春和镇) in Hongta District (红塔区) of Yuxi City (玉溪市), and to the west by Xiyang Yi Ethnic Township (夕阳彝族乡) and Yunnan's Anning City (安宁市) with its Yiliu Street (一六街镇). To the north, it is adjacent to Baijie Town (八街镇) and Erjie Town (二街镇) in Anning City.

Shuanghe covers a total area of 152.03 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 9,475 residents as of 2019. The township was established in 1983, transforming from Shuanghe Commune into a Yi Ethnic Township. The area's history dates back to the Qing Dynasty in 1875 when it was part of Huangchuan Group (荒川团). The town's administration is located in Chunshuying, Shuanghe Street.

Key Information:

Location: Shuanghe Yi Ethnic Township (双河彝族乡), Jinning District (晋宁区), Kunming (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省)

Area: 152.03 km²

Population: 9,475 (as of 2019)

Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate (亚热带季风气候)

Administrative Division: 6 administrative villages

Government Location: Chunshuying Shuanghe Street (椿树营双河街)

Elevation: Ranges from 1,970 meters at Xinzhuang Village (新庄村) to 2,511 meters at Yaochong Hama Mountain (瑶冲蛤蟆山头)

Time Zone: China Standard Time (UTC+8)

Geographic Features and Climate

Geography

Shuanghe Yi Ethnic Township is situated in a mountainous region with the highest peak at Yaochong Hama Mountain (瑶冲蛤蟆山头), reaching an elevation of 2,511 meters. The lowest point is in Xinzhuang Village (新庄村) at an elevation of 1,970 meters. The terrain varies, with steep hills and valleys, offering scenic views and diverse landscapes.

Climate

The region experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, with cool temperatures in the mountains and mild winters. Summer and fall are characterized by dampness, while spring and winter can be dry. The average annual temperature is 13°C, with 2,207.9 hours of sunshine per year. Precipitation averages 950 mm annually, with the wettest months from May to September.

Hydrology

The major rivers in Shuanghe Yi Ethnic Township are Jiucun River (九村河) and Sanxiang River (三乡河), which converge and flow into Anning's Mingyi River (鸣矣河), creating a unique natural environment. The total river length within the township is 2.5 kilometers.

Population and Ethnic Diversity

As of 2019, Shuanghe has a population of 9,475 people. The majority of residents are Yi (彝族), making up 76% of the population. Other ethnic groups include Han (汉族), Bai (白族), Hani (哈尼族), Dai (傣族), and Miao (苗族), which together account for 24% of the population.

Core Attractions and Unique Experiences

1. Módò Mountain (磨豆山) and High Mountain Views

Módò Mountain (磨豆山): The highest peak in Jinning District (晋宁区) at 2,511 meters, offers panoramic views of the nearby Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖), Xingyun Lake (星云湖), and Qilu Lake (杞麓湖). On clear days, the view extends to the surrounding mountain ranges, complete with windmills dotting the landscape. This is an excellent spot for hiking and photography.

2. Walnut Garden Village (核桃园村)

Walnut Garden Village (核桃园村): This traditional Yi (彝族) village retains its ancient fire pit culture (火塘文化), where visitors can experience the local way of life, participate in ethnic dance performances, and try local agricultural activities.

3. Cultural Events and Festivals

Golden Award Yanglao Drum Dance (金牌秧老鼓舞): Shuanghe Township is renowned for its Golden Award Yanglao Drum Dance, an essential part of the Yi (彝族) cultural heritage. During festivals, visitors can watch this energetic and original dance performance.

Yi Torch Festival (彝族火把节): Held on the 24th day of the sixth month of the lunar calendar, this traditional festival includes bonfires, street feasts, and cultural performances, offering visitors an immersive experience in Yi traditions.

4. Natural and Ecological Sites

Shuanghe Monan De Water Source Protection Area (双河磨南德水源保护区): With 79.5% forest cover, this area is perfect for hiking and enjoying the cool mountain air, especially during summer.

Jiucun River (九村河) and Sanxiang River (三乡河): The confluence of these two rivers offers a peaceful environment for camping and fishing, with cool water temperatures during summer.

Suggested Itinerary

2-Day, 1-Night Classic Route

Day 1:

• Morning: Depart from Kunming (昆明) to Módò Mountain (磨豆山) viewing platform to enjoy the stunning mountain views.

• Afternoon: Visit Walnut Garden Village (核桃园村) to experience ethnic culture through local dances and traditional farming activities.

• Evening: Stay at a Yi-style guesthouse (民宿) in the village, around 150 RMB per night.

Day 2:

• Morning: Hike in the Shuanghe Monan De Water Source Protection Area (双河磨南德水源保护区).

• Afternoon: Visit He Bosuo Village (河泊所村) and explore the Beiqiu archaeological site (贝丘遗址) nearby.

• Evening: Return to Kunming.

Extended Tour Option

For a deeper exploration, consider adding a visit to Shizhaishan National Archaeological Park (石寨山国家考古遗址公园), about 40 kilometers from Shuanghe. Here, you can uncover the ancient bronze civilization of the Dian Kingdom (古滇国青铜文明).

Practical Information

Transportation

By Car:

• From Kunming (昆明), drive to Kunyang (昆阳), then head to Shuanghe Township (双河乡), which takes about 1.5 hours. The final 24 kilometers are on a gravel road.

By Bus:

• Take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station (昆明东部客运站) to Jinning (晋宁), then transfer to a local bus (note that bus frequency is limited, so booking a private vehicle is recommended).

Accommodation Recommendations

High-End:

• Jinshuiwan Garden Hotel (晋宁金水湾花园酒店) offers modern amenities near Dianchi Lake (滇池), with rates starting at 159 RMB per night.

Unique Stay:

• Walnut Garden Village (核桃园村) offers a charming fire pit-style homestay (提前预约), where you can experience Yi culture first-hand.

Dining Recommendations

Must-Try:

• Yi-style Tuo Tuo Pork (彝族坨坨肉) and Sour Fish Soup (酸汤鱼). Local farmhouses (农家乐) in He Wan Village (河湾村) offer these specialties.

Things to Note

Best Time to Visit

May to October: Ideal for cooler temperatures and to participate in festivals. The best months to visit are during the Torch Festival (火把节) when you can enjoy the local culture and traditional performances.

Winter: Some mountain roads may be closed due to snow, making winter visits less convenient.

Packing Tips

Footwear: Wear non-slip shoes if you plan to hike, and bring camping gear if you want to enjoy a night by the riverside.

Weather: During the summer, temperatures are moderate, but it's advisable to bring light clothing. In winter, bring a warm jacket.

Environmental Tips

The Shuanghe Monan De Water Source Protection Area (双河磨南德水源保护区) prohibits swimming and fishing to protect the local ecosystem, so please respect the rules.