Yangliujing Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographic Location

Yangliu Jing Township is located in the southeastern part of Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Babao Township (八宝乡) and Banbang Township (板蚌乡) to the east, Nanping Town (南屏镇) and Dongbao Township (董堡乡) across the river to the south, connects to Liancheng Town (莲城镇) to the west, and shares a boundary with Xilin County (西林县), Guangxi, to the north. The township government is 39 kilometers away from Guangnan County town, covering a land area of 458 square kilometers.

Cultural and Historical Background

Yangliu Jing Township has a long history. It was called Xiyang District (西洋区) in 1949, renamed as the 2nd District (第二区) in 1951, and then renamed Yangliu Jing District (杨柳井区) in 1956. In 1958, it was established as Xianghua Commune (香花公社), and in 1961, it reverted to Yangliu Jing District. In 1971, it became a commune, then a district in 1984, and finally became a township in 1988. The area is home to many historical sites, such as Liulang City (六郎城) – the former residence of Yang Liulang (杨六郎) from the Northern Song Dynasty (北宋), the Aying Qing Dynasty (清代) Nong Tusi (侬土司) ruins, the Aying Bridge (阿用大桥) built by Madam Lu, wife of Sima, during the Yongzheng period, and the Western-style Bridge (西洋大桥) built by French invaders during the Sino-French War. These sites carry rich cultural significance.

Local Customs

The township is home to several ethnic groups, including Han (汉), Zhuang (壮), Miao (苗), Yao (瑶), Yi (彝), and Gelao (仡佬), with the Zhuang population being the most prominent. Local customs and traditions are rich and diverse. The Zhuang ethnic group’s “March 3” flower street festival (三月三) is a celebration for young people to engage in free love. During the Chinese New Year, Liulang City Village (六郎城村) holds numerous folk activities, such as pot throwing, archery, and dance performances, attracting many tourists.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Yangliu Jing Township has a subtropical plateau monsoon climate with distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 16.9°C, and the annual precipitation is 1038.2 millimeters. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant, and the natural scenery is at its best.

Recommended Attractions, Visit Time, and Tickets

  • Liulang City Village: The birthplace of Yang Liulang from the Northern Song Dynasty. Visitors can explore the ancient castle and the remnants of the old city walls while experiencing Zhuang folk culture. Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours. Free admission.
  • Aying Bridge: An ancient bridge built by Madam Lu during the Yongzheng period, which holds significant historical and cultural value. Suggested visit time: 1 hour. Free admission.
  • Western-style Bridge Ruins: The ruins of a bridge built by French invaders during the Sino-French War, which is of great historical importance. Suggested visit time: 1 hour. Free admission.

Transportation

  • Public Transportation: Buses from Guangnan County (广南县) to Yangliu Jing Township run approximately once an hour, with a journey time of about 1 hour.
  • Self-Driving: Departing from Guangnan County town, drive along the Guangba Oil Road (广八油路), covering a distance of about 39 kilometers, with a driving time of about 45 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Yangliu Jing Township and surrounding areas offer many local delicacies, such as sticky rice cakes (糯米粑), flower rice (花米饭), roasted meat strips (烤肉丝), and cold chicken (凉鸡). During the Spring Festival, Liulang City Village also hosts a “Dendrobium Feast” (石斛宴), combining traditional flavors with modern health concepts, making it a must-try.

Shopping

Local specialties, such as Dendrobium (石斛), tea (茶叶), and star anise (八角), are available for purchase.

Accommodation

There are several rural guesthouses and homestays (农家乐) around Yangliu Jing Township, offering affordable prices of about 50-100 yuan per person per night. For more comfortable accommodation, visitors can choose hotels in Guangnan County town.

Visitor Guidelines

  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting historical sites and participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment and avoid littering.
  • If engaging in hiking or outdoor activities, be sure to check the weather conditions and take safety precautions.

Itinerary Suggestions

  • Day 1: Depart from Guangnan County town, head to Yangliu Jing Township, visit Liulang City Village, and experience Zhuang culture and natural scenery. Stay overnight in a local guesthouse.
  • Day 2: Visit Aying Bridge and the Western-style Bridge Ruins, immersing in historical charm. In the afternoon, return to Guangnan County town and conclude the trip.

Yangliu Jing Township is a charming place, rich in ethnic diversity, history, and natural beauty. Whether strolling through ancient villages or exploring historical landmarks, visitors can experience the deep cultural atmosphere of the area. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here.