Huangcaoling Town of Yuanyang County, Honghe

Huangcaoling Township is located in the southern part of Yuanyang County, between 102°34’ to 102°47’ east longitude and 22°50’ to 22°59’ north latitude. It is adjacent to Laomeng Township and Laojizhai Township of Jinping County to the southeast, Pinghe Township of Luchun County to the southwest, Ezhaxiang Township of Yuanyang County to the northwest, and Huangmaoling Township to the northeast. The township covers an area of 229.6 square kilometers and is 102 kilometers away from the county seat of Yuanyang. It is situated in the Honghe River valley and part of the river alluvial areas, with the terrain characterized by “one river and two slopes.” The Wula River flows through the middle, dividing the township into northern and southern slopes. The river has eight major tributaries and numerous streams within the township, creating 12 major ridges and many smaller hills. The highest altitude reaches 2,418 meters, while the lowest is 640 meters, with a relative elevation difference of 1,778 meters. The climate is frost-free throughout the year, with an average annual sunshine of 1,800 to 2,000 hours. The lowest temperature is 8℃, the highest is 36℃, and the average annual temperature ranges from 21 to 22℃. The average annual rainfall is 1,500 millimeters, featuring a subtropical and temperate climate with typical mountainous立体climate characteristics.

Huangcaoling Township is home to a population of 31,348, with agricultural population accounting for 98% and non-agricultural population for 2%. The ethnic minorities make up 99.9% of the total population, with the Hani people being the majority at 88% and the Yi people at 11.9%. The township is a multi-ethnic settlement where people of different ethnicities live in harmony, creating a unique ethnic culture and atmosphere. Tourists can experience a variety of colorful ethnic festivals here, such as the Hani Water-Splashing Festival and the Yi Torch Festival. They can also taste various local specialties, including Hani-style barbecue, bamboo rice, Yi-style roast meat, and feel the strong ethnic atmosphere.

Huangcaoling Township has a long history. Before liberation, the local people lived under the jurisdiction of the Sishu, with low productivity and poor living conditions. The township was named after the Huangcaoling Village, where the township government is located. The village got its name due to its location on a long, strip-shaped ridge surrounded by yellow grasslands. Over the long course of history, Huangcaoling Township has undergone several administrative divisions changes, witnessing its development and transformation. Here, tourists can visit some historically significant buildings and cultural sites, learn about local historical stories and cultural heritage.

Huangcaoling Township boasts rich natural resources, with 243,400 mu (about 16,226.7 hectares) of uncultivated land and other types of land, including 21,000 mu (about 1,400 hectares) of tropical land. It is suitable for growing food, Amomum tsao-ko, tea, rubber, and more. The township also has abundant hydropower resources and mineral resources such as gold, lead, zinc, and iron. The unique combination of gardenias, hot springs, and Hani culture offers great potential for special industrial development. The area is known for its pristine natural beauty, with vast grasslands dotted with yellow flowers, creating a picturesque landscape. The air is filled with the fresh scent of earth, and the sight of cattle and sheep grazing leisurely adds to the serene atmosphere. The township’s rugged terrain and deep valleys offer a sense of isolation from the outside world, making it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.

Huangcaoling Township is well-connected by transportation, with the Jinsi Highway running through it and the Wula River flowing longitudinally across the entire area. The transportation network of Huangcaoling Township connects with many surrounding areas, providing convenient travel conditions for tourists. Whether by private car or public transportation, tourists can easily reach Huangcaoling Township and start an unforgettable journey.