Xiaoxinjie Town of Yuanyang County in Honghe Prefecture

Xiaoxinjie Township (小新街乡) is located in the eastern part of Yuanyang County (元阳县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Fengchunling Township (逢春岭乡) to the east, shares its southern boundary with Yingpan Township (营盘乡) of Jinping Miao, Yao, and Dai Autonomous County (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县), neighbors Shangxincheng Township (上新城乡) to the west, and faces Manhao Town (蔓耗镇) of Gejiu City (个旧市) across the Honghe River (红河) to the north. The township government is located 30 kilometers from Nansha (南沙), the county seat of Yuanyang.

History and Culture

Xiaoxinjie Township is an important part of Yuanyang County, which has a long history. Ethnic minorities such as the Hani people (哈尼族) have lived here for generations and created the unique terraced field culture. The Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces (元阳哈尼梯田) have a history of over 1,300 years and are considered a masterpiece left by generations of Hani people. The township boasts rich ethnic culture, preserving many traditional customs and architectural styles.

Folk Customs

The folk culture of Xiaoxinjie Township is mainly centered around the Hani ethnic group, known for its strong ethnic flavor. Traditional Hani festivals such as “Opening the Rice Seedling Gate” (开秧门), “June New Year” (六月年), and the “Torch Festival” (火把节) are filled with joy and harmony. Another highlight is the traditional Hani “Long Street Banquet” (长街宴), where visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional delicacies.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Xiaoxinjie Township experiences a subtropical mountain monsoon climate, characterized by a vertical climate pattern described as “four seasons on one mountain, different weather every mile.” The best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is cooler and the terraced landscapes are at their most spectacular.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

Laohuzui Rice Terraces:
Located 50.5 kilometers south of Yuanyang County, this is one of the core scenic spots of the Hani Rice Terraces, famous for its breathtaking views.
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours

Qingkou Hani Ethnic Cultural and Ecological Tourism Village:
About 35 kilometers from the county seat, this village is a significant part of the Honghe Hani Terraces Scenic Area and preserves traditional Hani architecture and customs.
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Mengnong Official Residence:
Built in the 13th year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1735), this site is a testament to Hani history and culture.
Recommended visiting time: 1 hour

Transportation

Public Transportation:
Take a bus from Nansha (南沙), the county seat of Yuanyang, to Xiaoxinjie Township. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.

Self-Drive:
From Nansha, drive in the direction of the Honghe River for about 30 kilometers. The road is in good condition.

Local Cuisine

Hani Dried Beef (哈尼牛干巴):
Made from high-quality beef that is marinated and smoked, resulting in a unique flavor.

Bitter Orchid Root (苦兰芨):
A wild vegetable specialty of Xiaoxinjie, slightly bitter in taste, often paired with Hani fermented beans or sticky rice, and known for its cooling and detoxifying effects.

Shopping

Local handicrafts and agricultural products are popular in Xiaoxinjie and surrounding areas, such as Hani embroidery (哈尼族刺绣) and red rice from the terraces (梯田红米).

Accommodation

There are a variety of lodging options in and around Xiaoxinjie Township, including local homestays and farm stays. These accommodations are affordable and rich in ethnic charm.

Travel Tips

• Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities, especially when visiting villages or participating in traditional festivals.
• Protect the environment—do not litter.
• Some paths in the terraced areas are steep; wearing comfortable shoes is recommended.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Nansha, the county seat of Yuanyang, visit Mengnong Official Residence to experience Hani history and culture.

Day 2:
Head to Qingkou Hani Ethnic Cultural and Ecological Tourism Village to immerse yourself in traditional Hani life and sample local cuisine.

Day 3:
Visit Laohuzui Rice Terraces to admire the magnificent terraced landscape.

Xiaoxinjie Township is a place full of ethnic charm and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the traditional culture of the Hani people or marveling at the stunning terraced fields, your journey here will be truly unforgettable. We hope you have a wonderful trip.