Xiaoyan Village (小燕村) is located in Longtan Community (龙潭社区), Lijiang Subdistrict (澧江街道), Yuanjiang Hani, Yi and Dai Autonomous County (元江哈尼族彝族傣族自治县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省), about 4 kilometers from the county seat of Yuanjiang (元江县城). Yuanjiang County is situated in the south-central part of Yunnan Province, between 23°19′ to 23°55′ north latitude and 101°39′ to 102°22′ east longitude.
History and Culture
Yuanjiang County (元江县) has a long history and was an important hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, connecting the Six Great Tea Mountains. The area surrounding Xiaoyan Village (小燕村) is rich in ethnic culture and historical relics, with several traditional villages nearby, such as Podie Village (坡垤村), which preserves traditional Yi (彝族) architecture and culture.
Local Customs
Xiaoyan Village (小燕村) is a Dai (傣族) ethnic village with strong cultural traditions. Every year during the Dragon Boat Festival, the village hosts the Dai Flower Street Festival (傣族花街节), featuring lion dances, red thread tying ceremonies, and blessings with holy water. Young men and women also sing masked love songs to each other in the mango groves.
Climate and Best Travel Time
Yuanjiang County (元江县) has a subtropical monsoon climate with mild temperatures and abundant rainfall year-round. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is cooler and more suitable for outdoor activities.
Recommended Attractions and Suggested Visit Duration
Dai Ethnic Cultural Park in Xiaoyan Village
Experience Dai culture and cuisine.
Recommended duration: 2–3 hours.
Podie Village
Explore a traditional Yi ethnic village and admire ancient trees and old bridges.
Recommended duration: 2 hours.
Yuanjiang County Town
Visit Yuanjiang Grand Hotel (元江大酒店) and Jingyue Resort Hotel (元江景悦度假酒店) to appreciate the blend of modern and traditional urban scenery.
Recommended duration: 1–2 hours.
Transportation
By Car:
From Kunming (昆明), take the Kunming–Mohan Expressway (昆磨高速). The total distance is approximately 210 km and the drive takes about 3 hours.
By Public Transport:
Take a long-distance bus to Yuanjiang County Town (元江县城), then transfer to local buses or taxis to reach Xiaoyan Village (小燕村).
Local Cuisine
The village and surrounding area offer a variety of Dai ethnic dishes such as Dai-style barbecue (傣族烧烤), bamboo rice (竹筒饭), and sour soup fish (酸汤鱼).
Shopping
In Yuanjiang County (元江县城) and Xiaoyan Village (小燕村), you can buy ethnic souvenirs such as Dai brocade (傣锦) and traditional Dai clothing (傣族服饰).
Accommodation
Yuanjiang Grand Hotel (元江大酒店):
Located at No. 2 Hongqi Road (红旗路), Honghe Subdistrict (红河街道), offering a beautiful environment and convenient transportation.
Yuanjiang Jingyue Resort Hotel (元江景悦度假酒店):
Provides a comfortable setting for leisure and vacation.
Travel Tips
- Respect the customs and traditions of local ethnic minorities.
- Protect the environment and do not litter.
- During festival periods, it’s advisable to book accommodation and transportation in advance.
Itinerary Suggestion
Day 1:
Arrive in Yuanjiang County Town (元江县城), check in to your hotel, explore the town, and enjoy the local nightlife.
Day 2:
Head to Xiaoyan Village (小燕村), visit the Dai Ethnic Cultural Park, participate in Flower Street Festival activities, and try local Dai cuisine.
Day 3:
Visit Podie Village (坡垤村) to experience traditional Yi culture, then return to the county town and end the trip.
Xiaoyan Village (小燕村) is full of ethnic charm, with rich cuisine, culture, and natural beauty waiting to be explored. We hope this guide helps you better plan your journey and enjoy the beauty and warmth of Yuanjiang (元江).
