Yiwanshui Village (一碗水村) is located in the northeastern part of Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡), Yuanyang County (元阳县), within the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies 10 kilometers from the township government and 62 kilometers from the county seat. The total area of the village is 3.54 square kilometers, with an elevation of 1,640 meters. The village enjoys an average annual temperature of 18°C and annual rainfall of approximately 1,650 mm.
History and Culture
Yiwanshui Village (一碗水村) has a long history. Its name originates from a bowl-shaped spring that once existed in the village. In 1956, it was part of Yiwanshui Township (一碗水乡) under Yuanyang’s Fifth District. After several administrative adjustments, the village was incorporated into Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡) in 1988. In November 2014, it was listed in the third batch of China’s Traditional Villages.
Folk Customs
Yiwanshui Village (一碗水村) is home to both Hani (哈尼族) and Yi (彝族) ethnic groups, whose rich cultures are still well-preserved. Hani festivals such as “Kuzhaza Festival (矻扎扎节)” and the “Worship of Village Sacred Forest (祭寨神林)” are celebrated with joy and harmony. The Yi people also bring cultural diversity, especially through the unique “Haicai Tune (海菜腔)” folk songs.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Yiwanshui Village (一碗水村) experiences a subtropical mountain monsoon climate, characterized by its “one mountain with four seasons, different weather every ten miles” microclimate. The best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities.
Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time
- Traditional Yiwanshui Village (一碗水村传统村落): Preserves many Hani-style traditional buildings and folk culture.
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours - Hani Terraced Fields (哈尼梯田): Magnificent terraced landscapes surrounding the village, an integral part of the Yuanyang Terraces (元阳梯田).
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours - Yakou Village (垭口村): A well-preserved Hani settlement under the administration of Yiwanshui Village, listed as a traditional village in China.
Recommended visiting time: 1 hour
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take a bus from Yuanyang County (元阳县) to Panzhihua Township (攀枝花乡), then transfer to local transportation to reach Yiwanshui Village (一碗水村).
- Self-Drive: Drive from Yuanyang County to Panzhihua Township, then continue to Yiwanshui Village. Total distance is approximately 62 km.
Cuisine
- Hani Bamboo Tube Rice: Rice steamed inside bamboo tubes, aromatic and flavorful.
- Yi Specialty Dishes: Notably “Tuotuo Meat (坨坨肉)”, a traditional Yi dish with rich and savory flavor.
Shopping
Local specialties and handicrafts are available for purchase, including Hani embroidery (哈尼族刺绣), Yuanyang red rice (元阳梯田红米), and other agricultural products.
Accommodation
Yiwanshui Village (一碗水村) offers a limited number of rural guesthouses and homestays with basic amenities. It’s advisable to book in advance. For a more comfortable stay, hotels in Yuanyang County or nearby scenic areas are recommended.
Travel Tips
- Respect the customs and traditions of local ethnic minorities, especially when visiting villages or joining in on festivals.
- Help protect the environment—do not litter.
- Some paths in the terraced fields are steep, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Yuanyang County (元阳县), check into a hotel, and travel to Yiwanshui Village (一碗水村) to explore the traditional village.
- Day 2: Visit the surrounding Hani Terraced Fields (哈尼梯田) and enjoy the spectacular views.
- Day 3: Explore Yakou Village (垭口村), experience the local Hani rural culture, then return to Yuanyang County to conclude your trip.
Yiwanshui Village (一碗水村) is a destination rich in ethnic culture and natural beauty. Whether you are exploring the traditions of the Hani and Yi peoples or admiring the grandeur of the terraced landscapes, this village offers an unforgettable experience. May your journey here be filled with joy and lasting memories．
