Zhetai Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographic Location
Zhetai Township (者太乡) is located in the northwest of Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies at the junction of Yunnan (滇), Guangxi (桂), and Guizhou (黔) provinces (regions) and serves as a connection point between Guangnan (广南县) and five surrounding counties: Qiubei (丘北), Shizong (师宗), Xingyi (兴义), and Xilin (西林). It borders Dixiang Township (底圩乡) to the east, Zhetu Township (者兔乡) to the south, faces Wenliu Township (温浏乡) of Qiubei County (丘北县) across the Qingshui River (清水江) to the west, and neighbors Guzhang Town (古障镇) of Xilin County (西林县), Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区) to the north. The township government is located 83 kilometers from the county seat of Guangnan (广南县) and administers an area of 455 square kilometers.
History and Culture
Zhetai Township (者太乡) has a long history. During the Qing Dynasty, its territory was divided into Banggu Battalion (蚌古营) and Zhebao Battalion (者豹营). In the early Republic of China, it was part of Daxi District (大西区). In 1940, with the abolition of the district system, Cangcui Township (苍翠乡) was established by separating from the Seventh District (七区). In 1951, it merged into Zhetu to form the Seventh District Office (第七区公所). In 1957, it was administered under the Zhetu District Office. In 1958, the Bayi Commune (八一公社) was established. In 1961, it reverted to a district office. In 1971, Zhetai Commune (者太公社) was established. In 1984, it reverted again to a district office, and in 1988, it was renamed Zhetai Township (者太乡).
Local Customs
Zhetai Township (者太乡) is home to various ethnic groups including the Zhuang, Han, Miao, Yao, Yi, and Hui peoples, with the Zhuang people making up 89.1% of the total population. Many unique cultural traditions have been preserved, such as the Zhuang people’s “Third of March” Flower Street Singing Festival (三月三花街对歌), bronze drum dance (铜鼓舞), and handkerchief dance (手巾舞).
Banggu Village (蚌古村) is an ancient Zhuang village in Zhetai Township (者太乡). Its Drum Tower (鼓楼), built during the Qing Dynasty, has a history of more than 200 years and serves as a place for social gatherings and festival celebrations.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Zhetai Township (者太乡) experiences a subtropical continental monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 16.8°C, an extreme high temperature of 34.7°C, an extreme low temperature of -0.2°C, and an average annual rainfall of 1200 millimeters. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its best.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Admission
Banggu Village (蚌古村):
An ancient Zhuang village featuring traditional stilted wooden houses and rich cultural heritage. It has been listed in the fifth batch of nationally protected traditional villages. Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours. Free admission.
Geduo Fairy Cave (革夺仙人洞) and Qingshui River Gorge (清水江峡谷):
Beautiful natural scenery ideal for hiking and photography. Recommended visiting time: 3–4 hours. Free admission.
Transportation
Public Transportation:
Take a bus from the county seat of Guangnan (广南县) to Zhetai Township (者太乡), with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Self-Driving:
Depart from Guangnan County (广南县) and drive along the county road for about 83 kilometers, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Local Cuisine
Zhetai Township (者太乡) and its surrounding areas offer many local specialties, such as sticky rice cakes (糯米粑), flower rice (花米饭), roasted shredded meat (烤肉丝), and cold chicken (凉鸡).
Shopping
Visitors can buy local specialty agricultural products such as tea leaves (茶叶), star anise (八角), and sugarcane (甘蔗). Additionally, local handicrafts like Yao embroidery (瑶族刺绣) and silver jewelry (银饰) are available for purchase.
Accommodation
Zhetai Township (者太乡) and its surroundings offer several farmhouse inns and guesthouses with affordable prices, typically ranging from 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodations, hotels in Guangnan County (广南县) are a good alternative.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages and participating in folk activities.
- Protect the environment by not littering.
- If planning to hike or engage in outdoor activities, check the weather forecast in advance and take appropriate safety precautions.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart from Guangnan County (广南县) and head to Banggu Village (蚌古村) in Zhetai Township (者太乡), visit the traditional village, and experience the Zhuang culture and natural scenery. Stay overnight at a local farmhouse inn.
Day 2:
Visit Geduo Fairy Cave (革夺仙人洞) and Qingshui River Gorge (清水江峡谷) to enjoy the natural beauty. Return to Guangnan County (广南县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.
Zhetai Township (者太乡) is a charming ethnic minority settlement offering not only unique natural landscapes but also rich ethnic culture. Whether strolling through ancient villages or admiring magnificent natural scenery, you will experience a strong sense of ethnic atmosphere. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here.
