Tianxing Town of Qiubei County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographical Location

Tianxing Township (天星乡) is located in the southeastern part of Qiubei County (丘北县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), at the junction of Qiubei, Yanshan, and Guangnan counties. It borders Zhulian Town (珠琳镇) in Guangnan County (广南县) to the east, Weimo Township (维摩乡) in Yanshan County (砚山县) to the south, Shupi Township (树皮乡) and Jinping Town (锦屏镇) in Qiubei County (丘北县) to the west, and Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) to the north. The township government is 26 kilometers from Qiubei County (丘北县), and the total area is 391.46 square kilometers.

Cultural History

Tianxing Township (天星乡) has a long history. During the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, it was part of the small Weimo Township (小维摩乡) under Weimo Prefecture (维摩州). In the early Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Mile Bay (弥勒湾), and during the Republic of China era, it became Tianxing Town (天星镇) under Yanshan County (砚山县). In 1958, it was transferred to Qiubei County (丘北县), and after several administrative adjustments, it was officially established as Tianxing Township (天星乡) in late 1987.

Folk Customs

Tianxing Township (天星乡) is home to various ethnic groups, including Han (汉族), Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), Yi (彝族), and Yao (瑶族), with the Zhuang (壮族) and Yi (彝族) cultures being especially prominent. The area celebrates a variety of ethnic festivals, such as the Yi Torch Festival (彝族火把节) and the Zhuang “San Yue San” (壮族的“三月三”). During these festivals, there are rituals, singing, and dancing.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Tianxing Township (天星乡) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an annual average temperature of 16°C and annual rainfall of 1,150 millimeters. The frost-free period lasts for about 265 days. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August), when the climate is cool and ideal for escaping the heat.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Tianxing Village (天星村)
Description: The seat of the township government, named after Tianxing Temple (天星寺) nearby, is the political, economic, and cultural center of the township.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Qingshui River (清水江)
Description: The main river in Tianxing Township (天星乡), with a wide basin and beautiful scenery.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Mile Bay Red Education Base (弥勒湾红色教育基地)
Description: An important historical site, it serves as a key location for red culture education.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

From Qiubei County (丘北县), travel along the road to Tianxing Township (天星乡), which is approximately 26 kilometers away and takes about 30 minutes by car. In the township, transportation is mainly by motorcycle and small van.

Cuisine

Tianxing Township (天星乡) offers local specialties, including:

• Yi Roast Meat (彝族烤肉): Made from locally sourced goats or pork, it has a unique flavor.
• Buckwheat Cake (荞麦粑粑): Made from buckwheat flour, it has a soft and sticky texture.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase Yi embroidery (彝族刺绣), handicrafts, and local agricultural products such as tobacco (烤烟) and chili peppers (辣椒).

Accommodation

Tianxing Township (天星乡) offers a few homestays that are affordable and comfortable. For more luxurious accommodation, visitors are advised to return to Qiubei County (丘北县) for better options.

Travel Tips

• Respect the local ethnic groups’ customs, especially when participating in folk activities.
• Protect the environment by not littering.
• Be cautious for safety, especially when exploring mountainous areas and rivers.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Qiubei County (丘北县), travel to Tianxing Township (天星乡), visit Tianxing Village (天星村) to experience local folk culture, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit Qingshui River (清水江) to enjoy the natural scenery, then visit Mile Bay Red Education Base (弥勒湾红色教育基地) to learn about local history, and in the afternoon, return to Qiubei County (丘北县) to conclude the trip.

Tianxing Township (天星乡) is a charming place with rich history and unique natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in folk culture or enjoy natural beauty, you’ll find something special here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Tianxing Township (天星乡).