Zhetai Village Zhuang Ethnic Culture Protection Area in Guangnan County, Wenshan

Geographical Location

Zhetai Village is located in the northwest of Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province. It serves as the administrative center of Zhetai Township (者太乡) and sits at the junction of Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou provinces.

Adjacent Areas:

  • East: Dixu Township (底圩乡)
  • South: Zhetu Township (者兔乡)
  • West: Qubei County’s Wenliu Township (丘北县温浏乡), separated by the Qingshui River (清水江)
  • North: Xilin County’s Guzhang Town (广西壮族自治区西林县古障镇)

The township government is 83 kilometers from Guangnan County’s urban area.

Cultural History

The name “Zhetai” comes from the Zhuang language:

  • “Zhe” (者) means “place,”
  • “Tai” (太) refers to the chestnut tree, named after the abundance of these trees in the area.

Historical Timeline:

  • Qing Dynasty: Divided into Banggu Camp (蚌古营) and Zhebao Camp (者豹营).
  • Early Republic of China: Part of the Daxi District (大西区).
  • 1940: Established as Cangcui Township (苍翠乡).
  • 1951: Merged into the 7th District Office.
  • 1957: Under Zhetu District Office (者兔区公所).
  • 1958: Became the “August 1st Commune” (八一公社).
  • 1984: Reverted to district office.
  • 1988: Officially named Zhetai Township.

Folk Culture

Zhetai Village is a protected Zhuang ethnic cultural reserve with rich traditions, including:

  • Zhuang Embroidery Techniques (壮族刺绣技艺)
  • Nong Ya Wai (弄娅歪), a traditional performance art
  • Stilted Ganlan-style Architecture (壮族杆栏式建筑): Three-tiered structures—upper floor for grain storage, middle for living, and ground level for livestock or firewood.

In May 2006, it was designated a “Zhuang Ethnic Cultural Reserve” by Yunnan Province and listed in the first batch of provincial intangible cultural heritage protections.

Climate & Best Time to Visit

  • Climate: Subtropical continental monsoon, with an average annual temperature of 16.7°C and rainfall of 1,300 mm.
  • Best Seasons: Spring and autumn for mild weather and scenic landscapes.

Recommended Attractions

Geduo Fairy Cave (革夺仙人洞)

  • Type: Natural landscape
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Ticket: Free

Qingshui River Canyon (清水江峡谷)

  • Type: Natural landscape
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Ticket: Free

Banggu Village (蚌古村)

  • Type: Ancient Zhuang village
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Ticket: Free

Transportation

From Guangnan County, take a bus to Zhetai Township (~2 hours).

Local Cuisine

  • Guangnan Steamed Pork with Red Bean Paste (广南豆沙肉)
  • Guangnan Eight-Treasure Rice (广南八宝米)

Shopping

  • Guangnan Dendrobium (广南铁皮石斛)
  • Dixu Tea (底圩茶)

Accommodation

Limited homestays available, offering basic amenities at affordable prices.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local ethnic customs.
  • Preserve the environment; no littering.
  • Exercise caution in mountainous and riverside areas.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Travel from Guangnan to Zhetai; visit Geduo Fairy Cave; stay overnight.
Day 2: Explore Qingshui River Canyon.
Day 3: Experience Zhuang culture in Banggu Village.
Day 4: Return to Guangnan.

Zhetai Village blends stunning natural beauty with vibrant Zhuang traditions. May your journey here be unforgettable.

For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11111-1185.html