Xinzhai Village of Renhe Town in Maguan County, Wenshan Prefecture
Geographical Location
Xin Zhai Village (新寨村) is located in A’e Village Committee (阿峨村委会), Ren He Town (仁和镇), Ma Guan County (马关县), Wen Shan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Situated 19 km from Ma Guan County (马关县) and 8 km from Ren He Town (仁和镇) government seat, the village features mid-low valley terrain at an elevation of 1,428 meters. With an annual average temperature of 15.6-18.2°C, the area enjoys mild climate, abundant water resources and fertile soil.
Cultural History
Xin Zhai Village (新寨村) is a traditional Zhuang ethnic settlement inhabited by Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yi and Gelao ethnic groups, with Zhuang people accounting for 89.2% of the population. In 2000, Ma Guan County (马关县) was named “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art” by the Ministry of Culture for A’e woodcut prints. In 2017, A’e Xin Zhai Zhuang Woodcut Prints were listed as Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the village was designated as “Chinese Ethnic Minority Characteristic Village” by the State Ethnic Affairs Commission.
Folk Customs
The village is renowned for its unique A’e Woodcut Prints (阿峨版画), a folk art form created by local Zhuang farmers with distinctive ethnic characteristics. Visitors can experience woodcut making and appreciate Zhuang culture. Traditional customs like the “March 3rd Festival” (三月三) are well preserved here.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
With a subtropical monsoon climate and annual temperature of 15.6-18.2°C, Xin Zhai Village (新寨村) has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for experiencing ethnic culture and beautiful landscapes.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time & Tickets
A’e Xin Zhai Ethnic Woodcut Tourism Village (阿峨新寨民族版画旅游村): A national 3A-level scenic spot where visitors can observe woodcut creation. Recommended visit: 2-3 hours. Free admission.
Dagaji Cloud Academy (大嘎吉云端书院): Also known as General’s Mansion (将军府), this century-old quadrangle courtyard is located in Dagaji Primary School (大嘎吉小学). Recommended visit: 1-2 hours. Free admission.
Transportation
Public Transport: Take a bus from Ma Guan County (马关县) to Ren He Town (仁和镇) (~30 minutes), then transfer to a rural bus or hire a vehicle to Xin Zhai Village (新寨村).
Self-Driving: Drive ~19 km (~30 minutes) from Ma Guan County (马关县) via county roads.
Food
Local specialties include oil candy (油糖果), fireweed cakes (火草粑粑), Laji fermented beans (拉基豆豉), and horse meat hotpot (马汤锅). Traditional Zhuang dishes like bronze cookpot (铜炊锅) and buckwheat cakes (荞粑粑) are also recommended.
Shopping
Agricultural products like cardamom (草果), star anise (八角) and pseudoginseng (三七) make good purchases. Ethnic handicrafts including Zhuang embroidery (壮族刺绣) and woodcut prints are popular souvenirs.
Accommodation
Homestays in Xin Zhai Village (新寨村) cost ~50-100 RMB/night. For more comfort, hotels in Ma Guan County (马关县) are available.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially during woodcut demonstrations and cultural activities.
- Avoid littering to protect the environment.
- Check weather forecasts and take safety precautions for outdoor activities.
Itinerary Suggestions
Day 1: Travel from Ma Guan County (马关县) to A’e Xin Zhai Village (阿峨新寨村); visit the Woodcut Tourism Village and experience Zhuang culture. Overnight at a homestay.
Day 2: Explore Dagaji Cloud Academy (大嘎吉云端书院) before returning to Ma Guan County (马关县).
Xin Zhai Village (新寨村) charms visitors with its ethnic culture and natural beauty. Whether admiring traditional architecture or creating woodcut prints, you’ll be immersed in authentic Zhuang traditions. May your journey here be unforgettable.
