Xinhua Town of Funing County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographic Location
Xinhua Town (新华镇) is located in the eastern part of Funing County (富宁县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Funing County (富宁县). The town is situated between longitude 105°27′–105°45′ east and latitude 23°33′–23°45′ north. It borders Banlun Township (板仑乡) to the east, Lida Town (里达镇) to the south, Mulun Township (睦伦乡) to the southwest, Babao Town (八宝镇) of Guangnan County (广南县) to the west, and Huajia Township (花甲乡) and Dongbo Township (洞波乡) to the north. The total area of the town is 340 square kilometers.
History and Culture
Xinhua Town (新华镇) has a long history. In the early Ming Dynasty, it was established as Pu Hall Post (普厅哨). During the Qing Dynasty, it became the affiliated Pu Hall Pond (普厅塘). In the 27th year of Emperor Guangxu’s reign (1901), the post and pond system was abolished, and the First District was established. In the 20th year of the Republic of China (1931), it was poetically called Longcheng (龙城), and in the 29th year (1940), it was renamed Wenhua Town (文华镇). In August 1949, Wenhua First District (文华第一区) was set up. In 1953, it was renamed Chengguan Town (城关镇), later changed to Dongfanghong Commune (东方红公社) in 1961, reverted to Chengguan Town (城关镇) in 1962, and became Chengguan Commune (城关公社) in 1969. In 1984, the commune system was abolished, and Chengguan District was established. Xinhua Town (新华镇) was formed from the urban area and was directly administered by the county. In 1988, Chengguan District was merged into Xinhua Town (新华镇).
Local Customs
Xinhua Town (新华镇) is home to multiple ethnic groups including Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, and Hui nationalities, with ethnic minorities accounting for 74.3% of the population. The town preserves many unique cultural traditions, such as the Zhuang people’s “Third of March Festival” (三月三珑端街) and the “Ghost Festival” (七月半鬼节), the Miao people’s Huashan Festival (花山节), and the Yao people’s Panwang Festival (盘王节) and Ancestor Worship Festival (祭祖节).
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Xinhua Town (新华镇) enjoys a South Asian tropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 23°C and an annual rainfall of 1199.6 millimeters. The frost-free period is long, and rainfall is abundant. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the climate is most pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Admission
Xinhua Town Urban Area (新华镇城区):
Visitors can explore historical buildings and cultural heritage sites, experiencing the unique ethnic culture and natural beauty. Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours. Free admission.
Pu Hall River (普厅河):
The main river flowing through Xinhua Town (新华镇), featuring beautiful scenery along its course, perfect for leisurely visits. Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours. Free admission.
Transportation
Public Transportation:
Take a bus from Funing County (富宁县) to Xinhua Town (新华镇), approximately a 30-minute journey.
Self-Driving:
Depart from Funing County (富宁县) and drive along the county road for about 15 kilometers, taking approximately 20 minutes.
Local Cuisine
Xinhua Town (新华镇) and surrounding areas offer many local delicacies, including sticky rice cakes (糯米粑), flower rice (花米饭), roasted shredded meat (烤肉丝), and cold chicken (凉鸡).
Shopping
You can purchase local specialty agricultural products such as star anise (八角), camellia oil (油茶), and oranges (桔子). Additionally, handicrafts with local characteristics such as Yao embroidery (瑶族刺绣) and silver jewelry (银饰) are also available.
Accommodation
Xinhua Town (新华镇) and its surrounding areas have a number of hotels and guesthouses with affordable prices, generally ranging from 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodations, hotels in Funing County (富宁县) are a good choice.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting cultural heritage sites and participating in folk activities.
- Protect the environment by not littering.
- If engaging in hiking or outdoor activities, check the weather forecast in advance and take appropriate safety precautions.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart from Funing County (富宁县) to Xinhua Town (新华镇), visit the urban area, and experience ethnic culture and natural scenery. Stay overnight at a local hotel or guesthouse.
Day 2:
Visit Pu Hall River (普厅河) to enjoy the natural scenery. Return to Funing County (富宁县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.
Xinhua Town (新华镇) is a charming ethnic minority settlement rich in both unique natural beauty and vibrant ethnic culture. Whether wandering through ancient villages or admiring stunning natural landscapes, you will be immersed in a strong ethnic atmosphere. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here.
