Yiwu Town of Mengla County in XishuangBanna

Yiwu Town (易武镇) is located in the northern part of Mengla County (勐腊县), bordering Laos to the east with a 100.4-kilometer boundary. To the south, west, and north, it adjoins Yaoshan Yao Ethnic Township (瑶区瑶族乡), Menglun Town (勐仑镇), Xiangming Yi Ethnic Township (象明彝族乡), and Zhengdong Town (整董镇) of Jiangcheng County (江城县), Pu’er City (普洱市). The town covers an area of 938.46 square kilometers and administers six village committees: Yiwu (易武), Nameitian (纳么田), Mahei (麻黑), Manla (曼腊), Mannai (曼乃), and Luode (倨德).

Cultural History

Yiwu Town (易武镇) boasts a rich history as a shining pearl on the Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), a renowned historical and cultural town, and a distinctive small town. As early as 1570 during the Ming Dynasty, Yiwu, along with Yibang (倚邦) and Zhengdong (整董), formed a single administrative division known as Banna Zhengdong (版纳整董). In 1729 during the Qing Dynasty, Yiwu was incorporated into Pu’er Prefecture (普洱府). In 1953, it became the seat of Banna Yiwu (版纳易武). In 2015, Yiwu Township was upgraded to a town.

Ethnic Customs

Yiwu Town (易武镇) is home to 13 ethnic groups, including the Dai (傣族), Yao (瑶族), Yi (彝族), and Han (汉族). Each group has unique traditions, such as the Dai’s Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节), where people sprinkle water to convey blessings, and the Yi’s Torch Festival (火把节), where torches are lit at night to symbolize light and hope.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Yiwu Town (易武镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.7°C and annual rainfall of 1,800–2,100 mm. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is cool and ideal for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions

Yiwu Ancient Town (易武古镇): Preserving many architectural relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties, it offers a deep dive into Yiwu’s history and culture. Recommended stay: 1 day.

Madaozi Stone Cave (马道子石洞) (White Cloud Cave (白云洞)): Divided into water and dry caves, it features stone carvings of poems, lyrics, and travelogues from the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty. It is a key cultural relic under protection in Mengla County (勐腊县). Recommended stay: half a day.

Transportation

Public Transport: Take a bus from Mengla County (勐腊县) to Yiwu Town (易武镇), covering approximately 110 km. The journey is lengthy, so plan ahead.

Self-Driving: Drive from Mengla County (勐腊县) to Yiwu Town (易武镇) via well-maintained roads, though the distance is considerable.

Cuisine

Yiwu Soy Sauce (易武酱油): A local specialty with a rich, savory flavor.

Wind-Dried Fermented Beans (风吹豆豉): A unique traditional delicacy.

Shopping

Pu’er Tea (普洱茶): Yiwu is a major producer of Pu’er tea, offering authentic products as souvenirs.

Handicrafts: Local ethnic handicrafts include Dai brocade (傣族织锦) and Yi embroidery (彝族刺绣).

Accommodation

Farm Stays: Affordable lodging with an authentic rural experience.

Homestays: Converted residential houses offering cozy stays with strong ethnic charm.

Travel Tips

Respect local ethnic customs and religious beliefs.

Protect the environment by avoiding littering and damaging vegetation.

Observe border regulations and refrain from crossing boundaries in border areas.

Itinerary Suggestions

Day 1: Travel from Mengla County (勐腊县) to Yiwu Town (易武镇), explore Yiwu Ancient Town (易武古镇), and stay overnight at a farm stay.

Day 2: Visit Madaozi Stone Cave (马道子石洞), enjoy the natural and historical sights, and return to Mengla County (勐腊县) in the afternoon.

Yiwu Town (易武镇) is a place brimming with ethnic charm and historical heritage, offering rich tea culture, ancient tea mountain resources, and unique folk traditions. Here, you can escape urban noise, embrace nature’s tranquility, and experience the warmth of ethnic hospitality. May your journey to Yiwu Town (易武镇) be filled with unforgettable memories.