Zhema Village of Zhetu Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan

🌄 Overview: Zhetu Township (者兔乡), Guangnan (广南)

Located 43 km northwest of Guangnan County (广南县城) in the heart of Jiulong Mountain (九龙山), Zhetu sits at an altitude of 1,250–1,933 m with a pleasant subtropical monsoon climate (average 16°C).

🌿 Eco Haven: With 52% forest coverage, including the pristine Bojijin National Forest Park (博吉金国家森林公园), its 7,000 acres of virgin forest make it a true “natural oxygen bar.”

👥 Ethnic Identity: Home to the Zhuang (壮族) people (93% of the population), alongside Han, Yao, and Yi minorities, Zhetu preserves some of the most authentic Zhuang culture in Wenshan Prefecture.

⛰️ Nature Wonder: Jiulong Mountain (九龙山)

✨ “Ancestor of Mountains, Source of Rivers” – At 1,933 m, the main peak is the birthplace of tributaries to the Pearl River, with 12 streams feeding 145 rivers.

🌱 Biodiversity – Dense evergreen broadleaf forests harbor 661 vascular plant species, including the endangered Magnolia longirostrata and fragrant camphor trees.

🥾 Hiking Experiences –

• Wooden trails through ancient forests, azalea blossoms (March), and fiery maple leaves (October).

• Summit views of cloud seas, wildflower meadows in spring, and a refreshing summer escape.

🎭 Cultural Treasure: The March Flower Street Festival (三月花街节)

Known as the “Zhuang Valentine’s Day”, this festival (Lunar March) celebrates love through songs, dances, and gifts, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

🌸 Highlights 2025 (April):

• Grand Performances: Bronze drum dance, handkerchief dance, paper horse dance, and the spectacular Nongya Wai (牛头舞).

• Banquet for Ten Thousand: A kilometer-long feast with flower banquet dishes, hotpot dinners, bonfires, and light shows.

• Competitions: Singing contests, Zhuang costume shows, and the crowning of the “Dragon Bride Dress.”

🏡 Traditional Villages

Liduo Village (里夺村) – National Historic Village

• 450 households, 400+ Qing-era stilted wooden houses (杆栏式木楼) built without nails, with three functional levels (livestock, living, storage).

• Surrounded by rice terraces, rivers, and stone carvings from ancient caravan routes.

Mabi Village (马碧村) – The Millennium Zhuang Hamlet

• 132 stilted houses clustered on a hillside, entered via an iron suspension bridge. Guests are welcomed with red eggs and rice wine.

• Women demonstrate Zhuang brocade weaving, batik, and embroidery, keeping centuries-old craftsmanship alive.

💡 Tip: Zhetu is home to 11 national-level heritage villages, including Banjing (板江) and Geli (革里), where visitors can stay in stilt-house homestays and experience “fireplace culture.”

🍚 Flavors of Zhuang Cuisine

• Five-Colored Sticky Rice (五色花米饭) – Naturally dyed glutinous rice, symbolizing blessings.

• Thousand-Layer Cake (千层粑) – Steamed rice cakes, soft and festive.

• Flower Street Feast (花街宴) – Red eggs, fried cakes, homemade rice wine, and a grand hotpot shared by thousands.

🚗 Travel Tips

• Getting There: From Guangnan County, buses take ~1.5 hours to Zhetu; hire cars or tuk-tuks for villages (Liduo is 20 km away).

• Best Seasons:

  • March–April: Flower Street Festival & azalea blossoms.

  • May–October: Hiking, cool summer retreats.

• Cultural Routes (year-round): Guangnan → Zhetu Zhuang Culture Center → Bojijin Forest Park → Liduo Ancient Village, including folk shows & food workshops.

💎 Summary

Zhetu Township (者兔乡) is where nature and culture intertwine: climb Jiulong Mountain to trace river origins, join the Flower Street Festival for song and dance, stay in stilted houses, and taste the five-colored rice.

🌿 Here, ancient traditions meet green mountains and rivers—a living showcase of the Zhuang saying: “Green waters and lush mountains are treasures beyond measure.”