Yangjie Town of Yuanjiang County, Yuxi

Yangjie Township (羊街乡) is located in the southeastern part of 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). It stretches 17 kilometers from east to west and 13 kilometers from north to south, with a total land area of 202.05 square kilometers. The township government is based in Yangjie Village (羊街村), 46 kilometers from the county seat. This mountainous area is part of the Ailao Mountain Range (哀牢山系), featuring a terrain that is high in the north and south and lower in the east and west.

History and Culture

Yangjie Township (羊街乡) boasts a long history, with the establishment of Zhongxiang District (中乡) as early as 1913 during the second year of the Republic of China. In 1958, it was divided into Yangjie and Nanuo Communes and officially renamed Yangjie Township in 1983. It has long been home to ethnic minorities, primarily the Hani people (哈尼族), whose cultural richness includes the renowned Hani Palm Fan Dance (哈尼族棕扇舞), listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Local Customs

The Hani people (哈尼族) make up 87% of the local population. The Hani Palm Fan Dance (哈尼族棕扇舞) is a unique and highly valued folk art form. Yangjie Township also celebrates various ethnic festivals, most notably the “Hani October New Year” (哈尼族“十月年”).

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Yangjie Township (羊街乡) has an annual average temperature of 17.5°C and an average rainfall of 1200–1300 mm. The best seasons to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

Yangjie Rice Terraces

Terraced fields carved over generations by the Hani people, creating a breathtaking landscape.
Suggested visit duration: 3 hours

Guanyin Mountain

With a main peak elevation of 2,368.9 meters, this solitary peak is a striking natural landmark within the Ailao range.
Suggested visit duration: 2 hours

Zhangba Reservoir

Home to the second-highest dam in Yunnan, the reservoir and its surrounding old forest form a unique scenic area.
Suggested visit duration: 2 hours

Transportation

Public Transport

Take a local bus or minibus from Yuanjiang County (元江县城) to Yangjie Township (羊街乡); the journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Self-Driving

Navigate to the Yangjie Township Government (羊街乡政府, located in Yangjie Village); driving time is around 40 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Yangjie Township and its surroundings offer many local specialties:

  • Hani Long Street Banquet (哈尼族长街宴): Often held during traditional festivals, this communal feast includes sticky rice cakes, roast meats, and other local dishes.
  • Wild Edible Mushrooms: Such as fragrant mushrooms and wood ear fungus, are seasonal delicacies.

Shopping

  • Handicrafts: Hani embroidery, bamboo weaving, and other local crafts are available in markets and artisan shops.
  • Local Produce: Fresh fruits such as mangoes and dragon fruits can be purchased at the township’s farmers’ markets.

Accommodation

  • Hotels: Available in Yuanjiang County (元江县城), just a short drive from Yangjie Township.
  • Homestays: A few locally run guesthouses offer a more immersive cultural experience.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Culture: When visiting historical sites or participating in cultural activities, be mindful of local customs.
  • Environmental Protection: Avoid littering and help preserve the area’s natural beauty.
  • Safety: Follow local safety guidelines during outdoor activities.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Yuanjiang County (元江县城), travel to Yangjie Township (羊街乡), and visit the Yangjie Rice Terraces (羊街梯田) to experience the Hani people’s ancient agricultural heritage.
Day 2: Explore Guanyin Mountain (观音山) in the morning for stunning natural views, then head to Zhangba Reservoir (章巴水库) in the afternoon for a tranquil nature experience.
Day 3: Return to Yuanjiang County (元江县城), enjoy local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and conclude your journey.

Yangjie Township (羊街乡) attracts visitors with its rich history, vibrant ethnic culture, and picturesque natural scenery. Whether you’re wandering through the layered rice terraces or immersing yourself in Hani cultural traditions, this land offers an unforgettable experience. We hope your visit to Yangjie Township is filled with memorable moments.