Huangmaoling Town of Yuanyang County, Honghe
Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡) is located in the southern 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 Ganiang Township (嘎娘乡) and Laomeng Township (老勐乡) of Jinping Miao, Yao and Dai Autonomous County (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县) to the east, Laomeng Township (老勐乡) of Jinping County (金平县) to the south, Ezhaxiang Township (俄扎乡) and Huangcaoling Township (黄草岭乡) to the west, and Azhahe Township (阿扎河乡) of Honghe County (红河县) to the north. It is approximately 60 kilometers from Nansha Town (南沙), the county seat of Yuanyang (元阳县).
History and Culture
Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡) has a long history and is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Hani (哈尼族) and Yi (彝族) peoples. The area preserves many traditional cultural customs and architectural styles and is regarded as an important region for ethnic cultural heritage in Yuanyang County (元阳县).
Folk Customs
Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡) is culturally rich with diverse ethnic customs from the Hani (哈尼族) and Yi (彝族) communities. Traditional festivals include “Mo Aina” (莫埃纳), “Zhalele” (扎勒勒), and more. Wrestling competitions are a customary event during Hani festivals. Local villagers also operate “Common Prosperity Courtyards” (共富庭院), where visitors can experience ethnic dining, homestays, embroidery workshops, and folk culture.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡) features a subtropical mountain monsoon climate with a distinctive vertical climate characterized by “four seasons on one mountain, different weather in each village.” The average annual temperature is around 16°C, and annual rainfall ranges from 1,200 to 2,000 millimeters. The best time to visit is from November to March when the weather is cooler and ideal for outdoor activities.
Recommended Attractions and Visit Duration
Huangmaoling Terraces
The spectacular terraces of Huangmaoling are a testament to the ingenuity of the Hani people.
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Geta Village
This village retains many traditional Hani-style houses and customs, making it a great place to experience local ethnic culture.
Recommended visit duration: 1–2 hours
Shimen Village
Located in the Shimen Village Committee (石门村民委员会), it offers beautiful natural scenery and a relaxing atmosphere.
Recommended visit duration: 1 hour
Transportation
Public Transport: Take a bus from Nansha Town (南沙), Yuanyang County (元阳县) to Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡), which takes about 1.5 hours.
Self-driving: Drive from Nansha Town (南沙), covering a distance of approximately 60 kilometers on well-maintained roads.
Local Cuisine
Hani-style Barbecue (哈尼族烤肉): Made with local ingredients, rich in flavor and aroma.
Yi Ethnic Dishes (彝族特色菜肴): Such as “Tuotuo Meat” (坨坨肉), a traditional dish known for its tender and savory taste.
Shopping
Local handmade crafts and agricultural products are available in Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡) and its surroundings, such as Hani embroidery (哈尼族刺绣), tea leaves (茶叶), and more.
Accommodation
Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡) offers various lodging options including ethnic-style guesthouses and farm stays. These are affordable and rich in local cultural elements.
Travel Tips
- Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities, especially when visiting villages or attending traditional festivals.
- Protect the environment—do not litter.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as some sections of the terrace areas can be steep.
Itinerary Suggestion
Day 1: Arrive in Nansha Town (南沙), check into a hotel, then travel to Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡) and visit Geta Village (戈它村) to explore Hani folk culture.
Day 2: Visit the Huangmaoling Terraces (黄茅岭梯田), followed by a trip to Shimen Village (石门村) to enjoy the natural scenery.
Day 3: Return to Nansha Town (南沙) and conclude your journey.
Huangmaoling Township (黄茅岭乡) is a destination full of ethnic charm and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the rich traditions of the Hani and Yi peoples or admiring the majestic terraces, this place promises a truly memorable experience. May your journey here be enjoyable and inspiring．
