Shuguang Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographic Location
Shuguang Township (曙光乡) is situated in the southern part of Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省), 74 kilometers from the county seat. It borders Nanping Town (南屏镇) to the east, Heizhiguo Township (黑支果乡) to the south, Zhujie Town (珠街镇) to the west, and Dongbao Township (董堡乡) and Jiumo Township (旧莫乡) to the north. The township covers an area of 296 square kilometers with terrain higher in the west and lower in the east, averaging 1,506 meters in elevation, belonging to a high-altitude mountainous region.
Cultural History
Shuguang Township (曙光乡) boasts a long history. In the fifth year of the Daoguang reign (1825), it was established as Dongjiao Camp (董角营). In the second year of the Republic of China (1913), it belonged to the Great Southern District, then to the Third District in 1932, and Majie Township (马街乡) in 1940. In 1949, it was incorporated into Majie District (马街区), then the Fourth District Office in 1951. In 1958, it separated from Majie to form Shuguang Commune (曙光公社). The commune became a district in 1961, reverted to a commune in 1981, was restored as a district office in 1984, and finally became a township in 1988.
Folk Culture
Shuguang Township (曙光乡) is home to Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, Mongol, and Bai ethnic groups, with minority populations accounting for 53% of the total. The local folk culture is rich and diverse, with the Miao Flower Mountain Festival (花山节) being particularly renowned. This important traditional festival during the Spring Festival features activities like flower pole worship, pole climbing competitions, Lusheng dances (芦笙舞), leg wrestling, folk song contests, cockfighting, and top spinning.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Shuguang Township (曙光乡) features a tropical plateau monsoon climate with subtropical and southern temperate characteristics, creating distinct vertical climate zones. The annual average temperature is 15.9°C with 1,110mm of rainfall. The best visiting periods are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and natural scenery most beautiful.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time & Tickets
Traditional Villages of Shuguang Township (曙光乡):
Visitors can explore well-preserved traditional architecture while experiencing unique ethnic culture and natural landscapes.
Recommended visiting time: 2 hours
Free admission
Flower Mountain Festival Venue:
During Spring Festival, visitors can participate in the Miao Flower Mountain Festival (花山节) and its vibrant ethnic activities.
Event duration: typically 3-4 days
Free admission
Transportation
Public Transport:
Take a bus from Guangnan County (广南县) to Shuguang Township (曙光乡), approximately 2 hours journey.
Self-Driving:
From Guangnan County (广南县), drive along National Highway “323”, covering about 74 kilometers in roughly 1.5 hours.
Local Cuisine
Shuguang Township (曙光乡) and surrounding areas offer specialty foods including glutinous rice cakes, colorful rice, roasted shredded meat, and cold chicken.
Shopping
Visitors can purchase local agricultural products like tea, star anise, and sugarcane.
Accommodation
Shuguang Township (曙光乡) offers affordable farm stays and guesthouses (50-100 RMB/night). For more comfortable options, hotels in Guangnan County (广南县) are available.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially in traditional villages and during festivals
- Maintain environmental cleanliness
- Check weather forecasts and take safety precautions for outdoor activities
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Travel from Guangnan County (广南县) to Shuguang Township (曙光乡) to visit traditional villages and experience ethnic culture. Overnight at local farm stay.
Day 2:
Participate in Flower Mountain Festival if during Spring Festival, otherwise enjoy hiking in surrounding nature. Return to Guangnan County (广南县) in afternoon.
Shuguang Township (曙光乡) offers captivating ethnic diversity with unique natural landscapes and rich cultural traditions. Whether exploring ancient villages or vibrant festivals, visitors will immerse in authentic ethnic charm. May you have an unforgettable journey here.
