Bapai Village of Hehua Town in Tengchong City, Baoshan
Chinese Name: 保山市腾冲市荷花镇民团村坝派村
English Name: Bapai Village of Hehua Town in Tengchong City, Baoshan
“Bapai/坝派” means “a place covered with hemp and pine trees” in the Dai language. Bapai Village is located south of Hehua Town in Tengchong City. The village, situated amidst mountains and rivers, boasts well-preserved residences and temples dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Some of these structures still retain traditional Dai cultural elements, exuding a strong rural architectural charm. The renowned Bapai Village Jiuquan Spring within the area is widely known far and wide.
Bapai Village is located in the southern part of Hetai Town, Tengchong City, within the Min Tuan community. It serves as an important junction on the Tenglong Secondary Highway, situated 27 kilometers from downtown Tengchong. The village covers an area of 1.19 square kilometers and is positioned at 24°56′ N latitude and 98°23′ E longitude, with an average altitude of 1,210 meters.
Climate and Geography:
- Average Temperature: 16.7°C
- Annual Rainfall: 1,450 millimeters
Bapai Giant Spring
Bapai Village is renowned for its unique spring water, home to Yunnan Province’s largest underground low-temperature spring—the Bapai Giant Spring, also known as “Chushui Cave.” This remarkable spring stretches about 500 meters from north to south and 60 meters from east to west, maintaining a constant temperature of around 19°C year-round. It features a total of 56 spring outlets, three of which have a flow rate of 4 to 5 cubic meters per second.
Characteristics of the Giant Spring
The Giant Spring has an impressive discharge rate, with water bursting forth from the cave like a dragon, flowing vigorously downstream at nearly 4 tons per second. The spring’s source is Ma’anshan Mountain near Heshun Town, where two mysterious underground rivers converge. The crystal-clear spring water travels over ten kilometers through volcanic cliffs before reaching Bapai Village, remaining unaffected by geothermal influences. In 2002, it was designated a first-level protected area within the Tengchong Volcanic Geothermal National Geological Park due to its geological significance.
Visiting the Giant Spring
At the entrance of the Giant Spring, marked by a white archway inscribed with “Chushui Cave,” visitors descend stone steps into a breathtaking landscape. The sound of roaring water fills the air, and the rushing water flows into a clear pond, creating a serene and picturesque scene surrounded by lush banana trees. The spring water flows continuously, merging into a river downstream before joining the Daying River, a tributary of the Irrawaddy River.
Water Quality
The quality of the Bapai Giant Spring water is exceptional, remaining stable at 5 to 6 degrees higher than other local springs even in winter. It can be used directly as drinking water. In the 1980s, a sugar factory built nearby connected a water pipeline from Chushui Cave, allowing the spring water to be used without treatment. Local lore suggests that the spring water not only enhances beauty but also improves food flavor.
Cultural Significance
Bapai Village is predominantly inhabited by the Dai ethnic group. The term “Bapai” translates to “a place covered with fragrant herbs” in Dai, reflecting the villagers’ deep connection to water, which nourishes both the land and their livelihoods. The Dai people celebrate the Water Splashing Festival every year in mid-April, gathering near the spring in festive attire to honor water as a vital source of life and fortune.
Culinary Delights of Bapai
Bapai’s rich Dai culture is reflected in its culinary offerings, which include unique dishes made from local ingredients. The village is often referred to as a real-life “Monet’s Garden,” with its picturesque scenery and delicious food attracting numerous tourists.
Must-Try Dishes
- Lemon Fish: A popular dish made from fresh carp, fried until golden and crispy, then drizzled with a secret sauce of chives, lemon, and chili peppers. It’s a refreshing summer dish.
- Crispy Melon Flower: Fresh melon flowers are dipped in egg batter and fried, creating a fragrant treat that captures the essence of the surrounding fields.
- Gui Ji (Ghost Chicken): This dish features hand-shredded chicken mixed with ginger, garlic, small chili peppers, and coriander, offering a sour, spicy, and refreshing flavor that is a summer delicacy in Bapai.
Conclusion
Bapai Village is a charming destination filled with breathtaking scenery and delightful cuisine. The unique natural landscape, coupled with the rich cultural heritage and culinary experiences, makes it a place worth visiting. We eagerly await your arrival for a memorable culinary journey in Bapai!
