Zhetu Town of Guangnan County in Wenshan Prefecture
Geographic Location
Zhetu Township (者兔乡) is located in the northwest of Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Nalen Township (那伦乡) to the east, Jiumo Township (旧莫乡) to the south, Zhulin Town (珠琳镇) and Pingzhai Township (平寨乡) of Qiubei County (丘北县) to the west, and Dixiang Township (底圩乡) to the north. The township government is located 43 kilometers from the county seat of Guangnan (广南县), with a total area of approximately 528 square kilometers.
History and Culture
Zhetu Township (者兔乡) has a long and rich history. In the fifth year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1825), the area was divided into Zhetu Battalion (者兔营) and Zhezhong Battalion (者中营). During the Republic of China period, administrative divisions changed frequently. In 1949, the area was renamed Cangcui Township (苍翠乡). In 1951, it merged into Zhetu to form the Seventh District Office (第七区公所). In 1958, it was reorganized into the July 1st Commune (七一公社). In 1961, it became a district again, and in 1988, it was officially renamed Zhetu Township (者兔乡).
Local Customs
Zhetu Township (者兔乡) is predominantly inhabited by the Zhuang ethnic group and boasts rich cultural traditions. It is home to 11 nationally recognized traditional villages and 5 provincially designated historical and cultural villages. One of the most unique festivals is the “Third of March” Flower Street Festival (三月三花街节), a celebration of love and courtship among Zhuang youth. Other traditional performances include the Nongyawei Show (弄娅歪表演), Paper Horse Dance (纸马舞), and Handkerchief Dance (手巾舞).
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Zhetu Township (者兔乡) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 16°C and annual rainfall of about 1011 millimeters. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Admission
Millennia-Old Zhuang Village, Mabi Village (马碧村):
Experience traditional Zhuang village culture. Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours. Free admission.
Bojijin (博吉金, Jiulong Mountain 九龙山) National Forest Park:
Enjoy the natural environment and fresh air. Recommended visiting time: 3–4 hours. Admission fees vary; please check locally.
Traditional Villages in Zhetu Township (者兔乡):
Explore stilted wooden houses and rice farming culture of the Zhuang people. Recommended visiting time: 2 hours. Free admission.
Transportation
Public Transportation:
Take a bus from the county seat of Guangnan (广南县) to Zhetu Township (者兔乡). The ride takes approximately 1 hour.
Self-Driving:
Depart from Guangnan County (广南县) via the Yan-Guang Highway (砚广公路). The total distance is about 43 kilometers and takes around 1 hour by car.
Local Cuisine
Zhetu Township (者兔乡) and the surrounding areas offer a variety of local specialties, including 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 purchase local agricultural products such as tea (茶叶), star anise (八角), and sugarcane (甘蔗). Traditional crafts such as Yao embroidery (瑶族刺绣) and silver jewelry (银饰) are also available.
Accommodation
Zhetu Township (者兔乡) and its surroundings have several farmhouse inns and guesthouses that are affordable, typically priced between 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodation, hotels in Guangnan County (广南县) are recommended.
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages or attending cultural activities.
- Protect the environment by avoiding littering.
- If you plan on hiking or outdoor exploration, check the weather forecast in advance and take necessary safety precautions.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart from Guangnan County (广南县) and travel to Zhetu Township (者兔乡). Visit the millennia-old Zhuang village, Mabi Village (马碧村), to experience Zhuang culture and natural scenery. Stay overnight in a local farmhouse inn.
Day 2:
Visit Bojijin (博吉金, Jiulong Mountain 九龙山) National Forest Park to enjoy nature. Return to Guangnan County (广南县) in the afternoon to conclude your trip.
Zhetu Township (者兔乡) is a vibrant ethnic minority region filled with both natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re strolling through ancient villages or soaking in majestic landscapes, you’ll be immersed in authentic ethnic traditions. We hope your journey here will be a truly memorable one.
