Bailang Village of Baxin Town in Shiping County, Honghe

Bailang Village, located in Baxin Town, Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, is a traditional village that blends natural ecology, historical culture, and modern tourism. With the scenic beauty of Yilong Lake and the unique charm of the Yi ethnic group’s “Hai Pai San Dao Hong” culture, it has become a notable rural tourism destination in southern Yunnan through integrated agricultural, cultural, and tourism development. Here’s a detailed travel guide:

I. Core Tourist Attractions

1. Ecological Beauty of Yilong Lake

  • White Wave Fisherman’s Song: As one of the “Twelve Scenes of Pingyang,” the village is famed for its fishing culture on Yilong Lake. At dawn, fishing boats glide through mist while fishermen sing Haicai folk songs, creating a poetic “Fisherman’s Evening Song” scene.
  • Migratory Bird Paradise: From October to March, over 50 bird species, including black-headed gulls, spoonbills, and grey-headed lapwings, winter here. The sight of flocks soaring over the lake is a photographer’s dream.
  • Lakeside Trails: Cycle or stroll along the colorful lakeside paths, dotted with viewing platforms and rest areas. The route offers stunning views of the lake and wetland ecosystems, perfect for family outings.

2. Historical Charm of the Traditional Village

  • Ming and Qing Architecture: Founded during the Hongwu Period of the Ming Dynasty (over 600 years ago), the village preserves numerous civil houses with traditional Yi architectural features—grey tiles, white walls, and carved windows. Ancient temples like Shuiyue Temple and Guangyin Temple reflect its long history.
  • Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Yi “Hai Pai San Dao Hong” villagers excel in Haicai Folk Songs (loud, melodious folk songs) and Cigarette Box Dance (a rhythmic dance), both national intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can join festivals like the Torch Festival or learn Yi embroidery from locals.

3. Agricultural-Tourism Integration Experiences

  • Bailang Happy Farm: A popular spot developed through Shanghai-Yunnan cooperation, offering activities like train rides through flower fields and rice paddies, soybean milk grinding, barbecue making, and fruit picking (yangmei bayberries and blueberries). Lakeside camping and parent-child activities are also available.
  • Fruit Picking: From May to July, enjoy picking early-season yangmei and blueberries. Sample 深加工 products like bayberry wine and blueberry jam.
  • Traditional Crafts: Visit tofu workshops to make Shiping tofu, or try pottery and tie-dye classes to experience ancient craftsmanship.

II. Special Events & Experiences

1. Seasonal Themes

  • Spring (March–May): Rape flowers bloom around Yilong Lake; join the “Yilong Lake Country Marathon” amidst floral scenery.
  • Summer (June–August): Yangmei and blueberry harvest season; attend the “Yangmei Cultural Festival” with fruit feasts and bonfire parties.
  • Autumn (September–November): Taste Yilong Lake hairy crabs, admire rice paddy art, and celebrate harvest festivals.
  • Winter (December–February): Watch migratory birds and participate in black-headed gull feeding for a serene lakeside experience.

2. Cultural Immersion

  • Haicai Songs & Cigarette Box Dance: Villagers perform spontaneous Yi dances and songs in the cultural square or farmhouses—join in to feel the vibrant ethnic art.
  • Agricultural Education: Kids can learn farming skills like rice planting and harvesting in the farm’s “Little Farmer” program.
  • Heritage Workshops: Tour tofu-making facilities, from grinding soybeans to curdling—sample fresh tofu hot off the stove.

III. Nearby Attractions

  • Yilong Lake National Wetland Park (2km away): Take a boat to explore islands and the ancient “Little Water City” ruins, immersing in wetland ecology.
  • Baxin Railway Station: A century-old meter-gauge railway site with retro trains and 3D murals; the Nostalgia Museum showcases railway history.
  • Guangyin Temple in Longgang Village (Ming Dynasty): Climb the temple for panoramic lake views and experience the “Guangyin Frost Bell” historical scene.

IV. Travel Tips

1. Transportation

  • By Car: From Kunming, take Kunmo or Kaihe Expressway to Shiping County, then local roads to Bailang (3.5 hours total).
  • Public Transit: Take a bus from Kunming South Bus Station to Shiping (3 hours), transfer to a Baxin Town bus (30 minutes), then taxi to the village (10 minutes).

2. Accommodation

  • Homestays: Options like “Fisherman’s Song Courtyard” and “Lakeside Inn” offer Yi-style meals and lake-view rooms (150–300 RMB/night).
  • Town Hotels: “Yilong Lake Hotel” in Baxin Town (10km away) provides modern comforts for luxury seekers.

3. Cuisine

  • Shiping Tofu Feast: Must-try dishes include grilled tofu, tofu brain, and tofu dumplings, paired with fresh lake fish.
  • Yi Cuisine: Sample buckwheat cakes, cured pork with red beans, sour bamboo shoot fish, and fruit products like bayberry preserves.

4. Best Time to Visit

  • Year-Round: Spring/autumn for mild weather, summer for cooling off and picking, winter for bird-watching. Avoid crowds by visiting on weekdays.

5. Notes

  • Sun Protection & Warmth: High UV radiation—bring sunscreen; winters are chilly, so pack layers.
  • Cultural Respect: Dress modestly during Yi activities and ask before taking photos of locals.
  • Eco-Friendliness: Protect Yilong Lake’s environment—no littering or feeding wild animals.

 

With its harmonious blend of lake scenery, ancient villages, farming experiences, and ethnic culture, Bailang Village stands as a new benchmark for rural tourism in southern Yunnan. Whether strolling by the lake, trying farm work, or embracing Yi traditions, it offers a serene escape to “see the mountains, admire the water, and recall nostalgic memories.”