Baozhu Town of Wenshan City in Wenshan Prefecture
Bozhu Town (薄竹镇) is located in the western part of Wenshan City (文山市), Yunnan Province (云南省), situated at the junction of two prefectures and three counties: Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Wenshan City (文山市), Mengzi City (蒙自市), and Pingbian County (屏边县). It borders Matang Town (马塘镇) to the east; Baxin Township (坝心乡), Xiaojie Town (小街镇), and Heping Township (和平乡) of Pingbian County to the south; Laozhai Township (老寨乡) of Mengzi City to the west; and Dehou Town (德厚镇) to the north. The town government is located in Laohuilong Village (老回龙村), 42 kilometers from the urban center of Wenshan. Bozhu Town covers a total area of 295.65 square kilometers.
Cultural History
Bozhu Town (薄竹镇) has a long history. During the Qing Dynasty, it was part of Wangnong Li (王弄里) in Wenshan County. In 1910 (the 2nd year of Emperor Xuantong’s reign), it belonged to the Outer North District. In 1939, during the Republic of China period, it became Huilong Township (回龙乡). In 1950, it belonged to the Third District. In 1958, it was reorganized as Tuanjie Commune (团结公社), and in 1966, it reverted to Laohuilong Commune (老回龙公社). In 1999, it was upgraded from a township to a town. In May 2006, Laohuilong Town (老回龙镇) and Leshichong Township (乐诗冲乡) were merged to establish Bozhu Town (薄竹镇).
Local Customs
Bozhu Town (薄竹镇) is home to various ethnic groups, including Han, Zhuang, Miao, and Yi. It is rich in cultural festivities, such as the Zhuang people’s “San Yue San (三月三),” the Miao people’s “Flower Mountain Festival (踩花山),” and the Yi people’s “Torch Festival (火把节).” In Baiyizhai Village (摆依寨村), Miao residents have preserved the traditional custom of pounding sticky rice cakes (舂粑粑) during the New Year.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Bozhu Town has a subtropical monsoon climate with mild winters and cool summers. The average annual temperature is 17.1°C, with extremes ranging from -3°C to 34.2°C. The best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is most pleasant.
Recommended Attractions, Visit Duration, and Ticket Information
Bozhu Mountain
- Visit Duration: 3 hours recommended
- Ticket: Free
- Description: The highest peak in southeastern Yunnan with an elevation of 2,991 meters. It includes 22 mountain ridges, 21 valleys, 7 streams, and 2 spring-fed pools, covering a total area of 76 square kilometers. The misty landscape makes it ideal for hiking and photography.
Moha Ji Village
- Visit Duration: 2 hours recommended
- Ticket: Free
- Description: Under the jurisdiction of Baizu Ge Village Committee (白租革村委会), this village has 77 households from four ethnic groups: Han, Miao, Zhuang, and Yi. With its open views, it is a great spot for hiking and photography.
Laowuji Village
- Visit Duration: 1 hour recommended
- Ticket: Free
- Description: Close to scenic sites like Junlong Lake Water Conservancy Scenic Area (君龙湖水利风景区) and Wenshan Xihua Park (文山西华公园).
External and Internal Transportation
External Transportation
Public buses to Bozhu Town are available from Wenshan City, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour. Driving from the city center to Bozhu Town covers a distance of about 42 kilometers.
Internal Transportation
Transportation within the town mainly relies on rural roads. Motorcycles and local vehicles are available for rent to reach various attractions.
Local Cuisine
Special local dishes include:
- Wenshan Sanqi Steamed Chicken (文山三七汽锅鸡): Made with the local medicinal herb Sanqi, this dish is both flavorful and nutritious.
- Miao-style Pounded Rice Cake (苗族舂粑粑): A traditional New Year delicacy found in Baiyizhai Village (摆依寨村).
Shopping
Visitors can purchase local specialties such as Wenshan Sanqi (文山三七) and handcrafted items like Yi embroidery (彝族刺绣).
Accommodation
Several farmhouse inns and guesthouses are available in Bozhu Town. These options are affordable and offer a comfortable environment, allowing guests to experience authentic local life.
Travel Tips
- Some attractions are located in mountainous areas; wear comfortable sports shoes and prepare for sun and insect protection.
- Respect local customs, especially in villages inhabited by ethnic minorities.
- Protect the environment by not littering and preserving the natural landscape.
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Wenshan City and travel by public transport or self-driving to Bozhu Town. Visit Bozhu Mountain to admire the grandeur of southeastern Yunnan’s highest peak.
Day 2
In the morning, explore Moha Ji Village to experience the charm of a multi-ethnic community. In the afternoon, visit Laowuji Village and nearby scenic attractions.
Day 3
Enjoy a local meal at a farmhouse inn, purchase some regional specialties as souvenirs, and conclude your pleasant journey.
Bozhu Town (薄竹镇) is a place rich in natural beauty and cultural charm. Whether you’re here to enjoy the scenery or experience diverse folk traditions, your visit will be truly rewarding. We hope you have a memorable time here.
