Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Town in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡) is located in the central part of Qiubei County (丘北县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies at the heart of the Puzhehei National AAA Scenic Tourist Area (普者黑国家AAA级风景旅游区). The township is 16 kilometers from the county seat of Qiubei (丘北县城) and 270 kilometers from the provincial capital, Kunming (昆明). It borders Jinping Town (锦屏镇) and Shuanglongying Town (双龙营镇) to the east, Shupi Township (树皮乡) to the south, Nijiao Township (腻脚乡) to the west, and Yuezhé Town (曰者镇) and Shuanglongying Town (双龙营镇) to the north. The township government is located in Badaoshao Village (八道哨村).

Cultural History

The history of Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡) dates back to 1936 during the 25th year of the Republic of China when it was established as Bada Township (八达乡). In 1949, it became Qingyuan Township (清源乡) under Qinglong District (清龙区). In 1950, it merged with Shuanglongying (双龙营) to form Qingyuan District (清源区) with administrative villages. In 1952, it was reorganized under District 1. In 1958, it became a management area, and in 1961, Badaoshao Commune (八道哨公社) was established. It was later reclassified as a smaller commune in 1962. In 1984, it became Badaoshao District (八道哨区), and in January 1988, it was officially renamed Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡).

Folk Customs

Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡) is home to seven ethnic groups, including the Yi, Miao, Han, Zhuang, Hui, Bai, and Mongol peoples. The local folk culture is rich and colorful. Traditional Yi festivals such as the Torch Festival (火把节) and Yi New Year (彝族年) are widely celebrated. Other cultural highlights include the Miao’s Lusheng Dance (芦笙舞) and the Zhuang people’s “San Yue San” (三月三) festival.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡) enjoys a mild mid-subtropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 15.8°C, an average annual rainfall of 1,215 millimeters, and an average annual sunshine duration of 2,056.2 hours. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its finest.

Recommended Attractions, Visit Duration, and Tickets

  • Puzhehei National AAA Scenic Tourist Area (普者黑国家AAA级风景旅游区): Located near Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡), this famous karst landscape area is ideal for leisure sightseeing. Recommended visit duration is 3–4 hours, with a ticket price of around 100 RMB.
  • Traditional Villages of Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡传统村落): Visitors can explore well-preserved traditional architecture and experience the unique ethnic culture and natural beauty. Recommended visit duration is 2–3 hours, and entry is free.

Transportation

  • Public Transportation: Take a bus from Qiubei County (丘北县城) to Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡), with a travel time of about 30 minutes.
  • Self-Driving: From Qiubei County (丘北县城), drive along the provincial “Qijiang” Highway (“七江”公路) for about 16 kilometers, taking approximately 20 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡) and its surrounding areas offer a variety of local specialties, including sticky rice cakes, flower rice, grilled shredded meat, and cold chicken. You can also enjoy local fruits such as grapes and lotus roots.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local agricultural products such as flue-cured tobacco, chili peppers, grapes, and rapeseed. Traditional crafts like Yi embroidery and silver jewelry are also popular choices.

Accommodation

There are several farm stays and guesthouses in and around Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡) offering affordable accommodation, typically priced at 50–100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable options, hotels in Qiubei County (丘北县城) are available.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages and participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment and do not litter.
  • If planning to hike or engage in outdoor activities, check the weather forecast in advance and take necessary safety precautions.

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from Qiubei County (丘北县城) and head to Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡). Visit the traditional villages and experience the ethnic culture and natural landscapes. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
  • Day 2: Visit the Puzhehei National AAA Scenic Tourist Area (普者黑国家AAA级风景旅游区) to enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Return to Qiubei County (丘北县城) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Badaoshao Yi Ethnic Township (八道哨彝族乡) is a charming ethnic minority settlement, offering not only unique natural landscapes but also rich cultural heritage. Whether wandering through ancient villages or admiring the magnificent karst landscapes, visitors can fully experience the vibrant ethnic atmosphere. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here.