Wuzhai Yi and Miao Ethnic Town in Yongshan County, Zhaotong

A hidden plateau gem in Northeast Yunnan (滇东北) — where rolling mountains meet ethnic melodies, and natural beauty blends with rich Yi and Miao traditions.

? Location & Geography

• Location: Wuzhai Yi and Miao Township (伍寨彝族苗族乡) lies in the south of Yongshan County (永善县), Zhaotong City (昭通市), Yunnan Province.

• Borders: East – Maolin Town (茂林镇), South – Sujia Township (苏甲乡, Zhaoyang District 昭阳区), West – Mako Township (码口乡), North – Daxing Town (大兴镇).

• Area: 172.59 km².

• Altitude:

  • Highest point: Dapingzi (大坪子), Zhongzhai Village (中寨村), 3,199.5 m – the highest peak in Yongshan County.

  • Lowest point: Chahe (岔河), Wuzhai Village (伍寨村), 2,100 m.

• A natural ecological treasure with expansive grasslands, highland vistas, and rich biodiversity.

? Key Facts at a Glance

?‍?‍? Ethnic Diversity

• Population (2023): 15,780 (4,139 households).

• Composition:

  • Han: 74.27%

  • Yi: 2,938 people

  • Miao: 1,854 people

• Yi communities are mainly in Pengjiazai (彭家寨), Wuzhai (吴寨), Yantou (岩头).

• Miao communities cluster in Xinsheng Village (新胜村), Changhai Village (长海村), Zhongzhai Village (中寨村), and Baiyun (白云).

? History

• Established in 1988, carved from former Maolin Township (茂林乡).

• Name “Wuzhai (伍寨)” originates from the five major clans (Pu浦, Peng彭, Ding丁, Li李, Wu吴) who once lived in five separate villages — hence “Five Forts/Villages.”

? Education

• New and renovated school buildings: 7,192.83 m².

• Preschool enrollment rate: 68.6%.

• Compulsory education consolidation rate: 98%.

• High school enrollment rate: 46%.

? Resources & Specialties

• Grasslands: Largest in Zhaotong – 100,000 mu of natural pastures, offering breathtaking scenery and great photo opportunities.

• Renewable Energy: Dapingzi Wind Farm (大坪子风电场) with 33 turbines — a striking modern landscape.

• Agriculture & Livestock: Corn, potatoes, buckwheat, oats; animal husbandry thrives with cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses.

• Wildlife: Every winter, hundreds of endangered black-necked cranes (黑颈鹤) migrate here — a paradise for birdwatchers.

• Minerals: Rich in copper and iron deposits.

?️ Culture & Tourism Highlights

Ethnic Culture

• Known as the “Hometown of Yueqin Songs and Dances (月琴歌舞之乡)”.

• Yi Torch Festival (彝族火把节): Lunar June 24 — bonfire feasts, Dati dance (达体舞), wrestling contests, grand banquets.

• Miao Huashan Festival (苗族花山节): May 5 (lunar) — lusheng music, dances, traditional “three rounds of horn wine” and unique guest rituals.

• Rich cultural heritage: Yi solar calendar (十月太阳历), Bimo (毕摩) traditions, Miao batik (蜡染).

Natural Landscapes

• Baiyun Grasslands (白云万亩草场): Vast open fields, “where cattle and sheep appear as the grass bends.”

• Changhai Reservoir (长海水库): Mirror-like waters and mountain reflections.

• Winter Snowfields: Villages like Zhongzhai (中寨) and Baiyun (白云) become snow wonderlands.

• Sea of Clouds & Sunrise: Majestic morning views over the high plateau.

? Transportation

• Township seat: Pengjiazai (彭家寨), ~136 km from Yongshan County seat.

• Recommended: Self-drive, search “Yongshan County Wuzhai Yi and Miao Township People’s Government (永善县伍寨彝族苗族乡人民政府).”

• Roads connect all villages, but some are rugged — a high-clearance vehicle is advised.

? Festival Experiences

• Yi Torch Festival (彝族火把节): Bonfires, feasts, wrestling, and traditional Yi dances.

• Miao Huashan Festival (苗族花山节): Music, dance, and distinctive Miao hospitality.

Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the vibrant ethnic atmosphere.

Wuzhai Yi and Miao Township (伍寨彝族苗族乡) is a highland paradise above 2,500 m — where you can encounter:

• Endless grasslands and wind farms.

• Endangered black-necked cranes.

• Unique Yi and Miao traditions.

• Snowy winters and breathtaking sunrises.

? Whether you long for cultural encounters or the tranquility of nature, Wuzhai will captivate your heart and leave unforgettable memories.
Welcome to Beautiful Wuzhai, Ethnic Yi Homeland (秀美伍寨，风情彝乡)!