Pingdian Town of Xinping County, Yuxi

Pingdian Township (平甸乡) is located west of Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County (新平彝族傣族自治县) seat, bordering Guishan Subdistrict (桂山街道) and Tadian Town (塔甸镇) of Eshan County (峨山县) to the east, Yangwu Town (扬武镇) to the south, Mosha Town (漠沙镇) to the west, and Xinhua Township (新化乡) to the north. The township government is located in Xinhua Community (新化社区), only 1.5 kilometers from the county seat.

Cultural History

Pingdian Township (平甸乡) has a long history, once belonging to the ancient Xi’e Tribe (嶍峨部) and Xi’e Qianhu Territory (嶍峨千户地). It was later established as Pingdian County (平甸县) and Pingdian Township (平甸乡), becoming part of Xinping County when it was founded. After 1909 in the Qing Dynasty, Pingdian was successively designated as Central District, First District, and Chengguan Commune, officially becoming Pingdian Township in 1987.

Folk Customs

Pingdian Township (平甸乡) is predominantly inhabited by the Yi ethnic group with rich folk culture. The Yi “Flower Wine Ceremony” (吃花酒) in Mopi Village (磨皮村), a coming-of-age ritual of the Niesu branch, has been listed as Yunnan Province’s fifth batch of intangible cultural heritage. Other local folk arts include the Cigarette Box Dance (烟盒舞), Four-string Dance (四弦舞), Selilu Dance (色哩噜舞), and Mopi Yi Flower Drum Dance (磨皮彝族花鼓舞).

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Pingdian Township (平甸乡) has a subtropical plateau monsoon climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The annual average temperature is 17.5°C with 320 frost-free days annually. The best visiting periods are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant and scenery beautiful.

Recommended Attractions & Suggested Visit Duration

Mopan Mountain Forest Park

One of Xinping’s two famous mountains, located 25km south of the county seat with an elevation of 2,614m and covering 107,000 mu.
Suggested visit duration: 2 hours.

Mopi Village

Experience Yi folk culture including the “Flower Wine Ceremony”.
Suggested visit duration: 1.5 hours.

Lovers Valley Scenic Area

Beautiful natural landscape ideal for leisure.
Suggested visit duration: 1 hour.

Transportation

Public Transport

Take local buses or minibuses from Xinping County (新平县) to Pingdian Township (平甸乡), about 20 minutes.

Self-Driving

Navigate to Pingdian Township Government (平甸乡人民政府, Xinhua Community), about 15 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Yi-style Hot Pot

Authentic Yi hot pot available in Mopi Village (磨皮村).

Ecological Agricultural Products

Pingdian produces rice, corn, wheat, tobacco, sugarcane and other crops.

Shopping

Handicrafts

Purchase Yi embroidery, bamboo weaving and other souvenirs at local markets.

Local Agricultural Products

Fresh produce available at local farmers’ markets.

Accommodation

Hotels

Various hotels in Xinping County (新平县), a short drive from Pingdian.

Homestays

Experience local culture at characteristic homestays around Pingdian.

Travel Tips

• Respect local customs during cultural activities
• Protect the environment by not littering
• Follow safety regulations for outdoor activities

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Xinping, visit Mopan Mountain Forest Park (磨盘山森林公园)
Day 2: Explore Mopi Village (磨皮村), then Lovers Valley (情人谷风景区)
Day 3: Shopping and dining in Xinping before departure

Closing Remarks

Pingdian Township (平甸乡) attracts visitors with its profound history, rich folk culture and beautiful landscapes. Whether hiking in Mopan Mountain (磨盘山) or experiencing Yi traditions, you’ll discover this land’s unique charm. We wish you a memorable journey in Pingdian.