Xiamiha Village of Zhetai Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan
Geographic Location
Xiamiha Village (下米哈村) is located in the Weixi Village Committee (未昔村委会), Zetai Township (者太乡), Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is about 10 kilometers from the Zetai Township government seat. The village covers a total area of 14.3 square kilometers, with an elevation of 1,390 meters. The average annual temperature is 16°C, and the annual rainfall is 1,300 mm. The area enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct seasons and pleasant weather.
History and Culture
Xiamiha Village was established during the Qing Dynasty and is a typical traditional Zhuang village. In 2014, it was listed in the third batch of Traditional Chinese Villages (中国传统村落). The village name “Miha” (米哈) means “thatch” in the Zhuang language, reflecting its origins as a place once covered by grasslands. Built along the mountains and inhabited by clans, the village follows traditional Zhuang settlement principles: “no residence without water, no stability without mountains, no peace without trees, no settlement without farmland,” demonstrating the Zhuang people’s respect for and adaptation to nature.
Folk Customs
Xiamiha Village preserves many unique Zhuang customs and traditions. The village hosts distinctive festivals and ritual events every year, such as the Horn Dance (牛角舞), Weapon Dance (兵器舞), and Bronze Drum Dance (铜鼓舞). Additionally, villagers maintain the traditional craft of brewing rice wine. In spring, they gather over 25 types of herbs mixed with millet to brew aromatic, mellow rice wine, much loved by locals and visitors alike. The village also features sacred Dragon Trees (竜树) and Dragon Forests (竜林), reflecting the Zhuang people’s reverence for and protection of nature.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Xiamiha Village has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 16°C and an annual rainfall of 1,300 mm. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful, ideal for experiencing Zhuang culture and traditional customs.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Times, and Ticket Prices
- Traditional Village of Xiamiha (下米哈村传统村落): Explore well-preserved Zhuang stilt-style dwellings and experience the unique architectural style and ethnic culture. Suggested visit time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.
- Miha Temple (米哈神庙): Located west of the village, this temple is where villagers pray to the gods for good weather. Two stone steles with clearly legible inscriptions are embedded on both sides of the temple gate. Suggested visit time: 1 hour. Admission: Free.
- Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon (西洋江大峡谷): About 30 kilometers from Xiamiha Village, this scenic area combines natural beauty and recreational activities. Suggested visit time: 3–4 hours. Ticket price: approximately 50 RMB.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take a bus from Guangnan County to Zetai Township (about 1 hour), then transfer to a rural bus or hire a car to reach Xiamiha Village.
- Self-Drive: Depart from Guangnan County, drive along National Highway 323 (323国道) for about 83 kilometers, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours.
Local Cuisine
Xiamiha Village and its surrounding areas offer a variety of local delicacies, such as Thousand-layer Cake (千层粑), Bahang Chicken (岜夯鸡), Stuffed Glutinous Rice Cake (褡裢粑), Cured Duck (板鸭), Pickled Fish (酸菜鱼), Cured Meat (腊肉), Flower Glutinous Rice (花糯饭), and Sticky Rice Dumplings (粽粑). Visitors can also enjoy the villagers’ homemade rice wine, known for its fragrant aroma and rich taste.
Shopping
Visitors can purchase local agricultural specialties such as Guangnan Eight-Treasure Rice (广南八宝米), Dixu Tea (底圩茶), and Guangnan Dendrobium (广南铁皮石斛). Additionally, handcrafted Zhuang ethnic items like Wenshan Miao Embroidery (文山苗绣) are popular souvenirs.
Accommodation
There are several farm stays and guesthouses available in and around Xiamiha Village, with affordable rates typically ranging from 50 to 100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable lodging, hotels in Guangnan County are a good option.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages or participating in folk activities.
- Protect the environment and avoid littering.
- For hiking or outdoor activities, check the weather forecast beforehand and take appropriate safety measures.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart from Guangnan County to Xiamiha Village, Weixi Village Committee, Zetai Township. Visit the traditional village and Miha Temple to experience Zhuang culture. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
- Day 2: Visit Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon to enjoy the natural scenery. Return to Guangnan County in the afternoon to conclude the trip.
Xiamiha Village is a charming traditional village, rich in both natural scenery and ethnic culture. Whether strolling through the ancient village or admiring traditional Zhuang dances, you will experience a strong and authentic cultural atmosphere. We hope you enjoy an unforgettable journey here.
