Straw Man Dance of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Yanshan County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

The Zhuang Straw Man Dance (壮族草人舞) is mainly popular in Daxin Village (大新村), Pingyuan Town (平远镇), Yanshan County (砚山县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Yanshan County (砚山县) is located in the southeastern part of Yunnan Province (云南省) and the central-western part of Wenshan Prefecture (文山州). It was named after the elegant mountain in the area, which resembles an inkstone.

Cultural History

The Straw Man Dance is performed by the Zhuang people of Daxin Village (大新村) during the Kaian Festival (开年节), known in the Zhuang language as “Gu Du Mu” (古独木). The festival takes place on the first Pig Day after the Chinese New Year during the first lunar month. This traditional event aims to pray for village peace, abundant harvests, and prosperity for people and livestock. The dance performance reflects many aspects of Zhuang people’s daily production and life, such as plowing, harrowing, playing, and frolicking scenes.

Folk Customs

The Straw Man Dance involves 23 participants who play roles such as Zhuang ancestors, their descendants, straw fairies, and the fairies’ parents. The performance follows a chronological storyline, presenting scenes from the life of ancestors to modern-day harmony and unity. The dance movements are simple, mostly based on the daily production and life activities familiar to the performers, and are passed down without formal mentorship.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Yanshan County (砚山县) has a subtropical monsoon climate, featuring mild weather and distinct seasons. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the climate is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions, Visit Duration, and Tickets

  • Daxin Village (大新村): Visitors can watch the Zhuang Straw Man Dance and experience the unique ethnic culture. Recommended visit time is 2–3 hours, and it is open to the public free of charge.
  • Yanshan Xianhu (砚山仙湖): Located in Yanshan County (砚山县), this scenic area offers beautiful natural landscapes perfect for leisure tours. Recommended visit time is 3–4 hours, and the entrance fee is approximately 50 RMB.

Transportation

  • Public Transportation: Depart from Kunming (昆明) by long-distance bus to Yanshan County (砚山县), which takes about 3–4 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to a bus heading to Pingyuan Town (平远镇), then take a village bus to Daxin Village (大新村).
  • Self-Driving: From Kunming (昆明), drive along the highway to Yanshan County (砚山县), then continue along county roads to Pingyuan Town (平远镇) and Daxin Village (大新村). The total distance is about 200 kilometers, and the drive takes approximately 3 hours.

Local Cuisine

In Daxin Village (大新村) and nearby areas, you can taste local Zhuang specialties such as sticky rice cakes, flower rice, grilled shredded meat, and cold chicken dishes.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local specialty agricultural products like Sanqi (三七), flue-cured tobacco, and chili peppers. Additionally, local handicrafts such as Zhuang embroidery and silver jewelry are also popular souvenirs.

Accommodation

Daxin Village (大新村) and surrounding areas offer farm stays and guesthouses at affordable prices, generally ranging from 50 to 100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodations, you can stay at hotels in Yanshan County (砚山县).

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially during the Straw Man Dance performances.
  • Protect the environment by not littering.
  • If you plan to hike or engage in outdoor activities, check the weather in advance and take necessary safety precautions.

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from Kunming (昆明) and head to Yanshan County (砚山县), enjoying the scenery along the way. Stay overnight in Yanshan County (砚山县).
  • Day 2: Travel to Daxin Village (大新村) in Pingyuan Town (平远镇) to watch the Zhuang Straw Man Dance and experience ethnic culture. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
  • Day 3: Visit Yanshan Xianhu (砚山仙湖) to enjoy the natural scenery. Return to Yanshan County (砚山县) in the afternoon and conclude the trip.

The Zhuang Straw Man Dance of Yanshan County (砚山县) is a charming traditional performance that showcases the Zhuang people’s respect for their ancestors and their love of life, reflecting the richness of their ethnic culture. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here and experience the unique charm of Zhuang culture!

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