Wafang Yi and Miao Ethnic Town of Longyang District in Baoshan

?️ overview

The Tea-Horse Road whispers its legacy, while Yi and Miao cultures paint a new chapter.

Welcome to Wafang Yi and Miao Ethnic Township in Longyang District, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province! This is a mountainous township where Yi, Miao, Han, and 20 other ethnic groups live together in harmony, creating a rich and colorful culture. Let’s explore this beautiful village township located along the Ancient Southwest Silk Road.

? Geographic Location

Wafang Yi and Miao Ethnic Township is located in the western part of Longyang District:

• East: borders Laoying Township

• South: connected with Yangliu Bai and Yi Ethnic Township and Banqiao Town

• West: borders Mangkuan Yi and Dai Ethnic Township

• North: neighbors Wama Yi and Bai Ethnic Township and Wazao Town

It is about 69 km from Baoshan City, making it an ideal destination close to urban areas yet offering an in-depth experience of ethnic culture and natural beauty.

?️ Area & Terrain

• Total area: about 312.66 square kilometers.

• Topography: mountainous, sloping from northeast (high) to southwest (low).

• Highest point: Daheng Mountain’s Dalibapo Peak at 3,585.4 m.

• Lowest point: Zhaotang of Menglai River at only 722 m.

This dramatic altitude difference gives rise to diverse vertical climates and rich natural landscapes.

? Population & Ethnic Groups

By the end of 2019, Wafang Township had a registered population of 34,095.

• Han people: 19,787 (59.8%).

• Ethnic minorities: 13,275 (40.2%), including Yi, Bai, Miao, Manchu, etc.

Among them, two ethnic groups exceed 1,000 people:

• Yi people: 8,903 (67.1% of minorities).

• Bai people: 2,572 (19.4% of minorities).

This forms a diverse, multi-ethnic cultural atmosphere.

? Historical Background

Wafang Township has a profound historical heritage:

• In 1926 (Republic of China, Year 15), it belonged to Baoshan County’s Tenth District as Wafang Town.

• In 1940, renamed Ren’ai Township.

• In 1958, changed to Wafang People’s Commune.

• In 1988, renamed Wafang Yi Township.

• In 2005, upgraded to Wafang Yi and Miao Ethnic Township.

Origin of the Name

In the late Ming Dynasty, a local scholar named Tian, after passing the imperial exam, built a tiled house (Wafang) to live in. Later, locals gathered for markets in this place, which became known as “Wafang Street.”

As an important post station on the Ancient Southwest Silk Road, Wafang also earned the title of “Inexhaustible Granary of Beichongba.”

? Education Resources

Wafang Township prioritizes education:

• 19 primary schools with 2,398 students and 149 teachers.

• 1 complete middle school with 1,170 junior high students and 54 teachers.

• 1 high school with 213 students and 21 teachers.

• Enrollment rates for junior high, primary-to-secondary transition, and compulsory nine-year education all reached 100%.

• The Wafang Township Education Development Charity Association rewards outstanding students and teachers, driving high-quality education development.

? Local Resources

? Agricultural Resources

The township’s agricultural industry shows a layered pattern:

• Silkworm cocoons ? extend the industrial chain.

• Safflower blossoms ? promote integration.

• Cattle farming ? drives the market.

Grain crops: rice, corn, wheat.
Economic crops: walnuts, sugarcane, flue-cured tobacco, sericulture (silkworm farming), and safflower.

⛏️ Mineral Resources

Underground reserves include gold, copper, anthracite coal, iron, mercury, and silica.

• Gold production has reached 115 kg.

? Specialty Foods

• Ham from Shuiyuan and Xiping villages (famous for being lightly salted and pure in flavor).

• Free-range pork (tender and fresh).

• Ram fighting (Duyang), a traditional local custom.

?️ Cultural & Tourism Attractions

• Dangdong Village ?️ – Named a National Traditional Village in 2014. Preserves sloped earth-tile houses, with historic sites like Wenchang Palace and Kuixing Pavilion, reflecting a tradition of valuing education.

• Shuigouwa Manchu Village ? – The first Manchu village in Yunnan, and the only long-standing Manchu settlement in the province. Listed as a provincial-level ethnic characteristic village.

• Daheng Mountain Meadow ? – Located at the peak of Daheng Mountain in Shuigouwa Village. Stunning year-round: spring rhododendrons, summer mist, autumn maple leaves, and winter snow.

• Intangible Cultural Heritage ? – 8 heritage bearers of embroidery, paper-cutting, bark paper-making, and water mills. Yi dances like “Cha Dabo” (Cymbal Dance) and the famous “Climbing Knife Ladder” are particularly remarkable.

• Ancient Path Relics ? – The western slope of Wafang preserves remains of the Wafang Road, part of the Eternal Prosperity Route of the Ancient Southwest Silk Road that began in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.

? Transportation

Wafang Township is well connected:

• The Baoshan–Wama Highway passes through.

• With the opening of the Baolu Expressway, transportation has significantly improved, enabling more locals to leave the mountains and reach cities.

? Festivals & Customs

• Torch Festival ? – The most important Yi festival, equivalent to the Han Chinese New Year. Families prepare feasts including roasted pork and mutton hotpot, inviting relatives and friends to celebrate together.

• Traditional Markets ?️ – Wafang’s street fairs retain rustic simplicity. On market days, vendors line both sides of the street, offering foods, daily goods, and clothing — a lively scene of authentic rural life.

? Conclusion: Welcome to Wafang Yi and Miao Ethnic Township!

Here you can experience vibrant ethnic culture, admire magnificent natural scenery, taste authentic local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the historic charm of the Ancient Southwest Silk Road post towns!