Chuanfang Lisu and Dai Ethnic Town of Huaping County in Lijiang
I. Location
Huaping County Chuangfang Lisu and Dai Nationality Township (华坪县船房傈僳族傣族乡) is located in the northeastern part of Huaping County (华坪县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). The township government is situated in Chuangfang Street (船房街), 52 kilometers away from the county town. It borders Yibian County (盐边县), Panzhihua City (攀枝花市), Sichuan Province (四川省) to the east and northeast, Xingquan Town (兴泉镇) of Huaping County (华坪县) to the south, and Yongxing Township (永兴乡) and Zhongxin Town (中心镇) of Huaping County (华坪县) to the northwest. The township covers an area of 173.6 square kilometers, and includes four village committees: Chuangfang (船房), Huarong (华荣), Huiwo (灰窝), and Gaju (嘎苴), with a total of 78 villagers’ groups.
II. Ethnic Characteristics
A. Ethnic Composition
Chuangfang Township (船房乡) is home to 10 ethnic minorities, including Lisu (傈僳族), Dai (傣族), Hui (回族), Yi (彝族), etc., among which Lisu and Dai are the main ethnic minorities. The ethnic minority population accounts for 32.3% of the total population of the township, making it a typical ethnic township in Huaping County (华坪县).
B. Ethnic Culture
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Lisu: The Lisu people have a rich and colorful culture, including Lisu songs and dances, traditional costumes, etc. Tourists can participate in traditional Lisu festivals, such as the Knife-Pole Festival (刀杆节), to experience the unique culture of the Lisu people.
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Dai: The Dai people attract numerous tourists with their unique ethnic charm. Visitors can stroll through Dai villages, admire traditional bamboo houses, listen to ancient ethnic legends, and immerse themselves in the charm of ethnic culture. In addition, the exciting Water-Splashing Festival allows tourists to feel the enthusiasm of the Dai people amidst the splashing water.
III. Tourist Attractions
A. Natural Scenery
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Natural Scenery of Wumu River: The Wumu River is one of the most beautiful sections in Chuangfang Township (船房乡). With clear waves like mirrors and dense shades dripping with greenery, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Wumu River here.
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Gasa Nisa Rural Tourism Project: Located by the river in Gazo Village (嘎佐村), Chuangfang Township (船房乡), this project mainly features river drifting. It also offers catering services, sales of agricultural and special products, and provides services for sightseeing, leisure, entertainment, dining, shopping, and accommodation. The project has built large ponds and flat roads. The dining area’s restaurant is bright and spacious, capable of accommodating hundreds of people for dining at the same time.
B. Cultural Attractions
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Historical Culture of Huarong Village: Huarong Village (华荣) has a long history and is one of the important cultural resources of Chuangfang Township (船房乡).
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Ethnic Festivals: Chuangfang Township (船房乡) develops rural tourism through festivals and has launched unique festivals such as the Mulberry-Picking Water-Splashing Festival. These activities not only attract a large number of tourists but also promote local economic development.
IV. Transportation
To get to Chuangfang Township (船房乡) from the county town of Huaping (华坪县), you can choose to drive or take public transportation. If you drive along the Huayong Line (华永线), the total distance is about 52 kilometers, which will take approximately 1.5 hours. If you choose public transportation, you can take a bus to Chuangfang Township (船房乡) at the Huaping County Passenger Station (华坪县客运站), with a journey time of about 2 hours.
V. Travel Tips
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Best Travel Time: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Chuangfang Township (船房乡), when the climate is pleasant and the natural scenery is the most charming.
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Local Specialties: Visitors can taste local specialties such as Lazha Wine (腊渣酒) and Huaping Mangoes (华坪芒果).
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Accommodation Recommendations: The Gasa Nisa Rural Tourism Project provides accommodation services, where visitors can experience local folk customs.
Chuangfang Township (船房乡) has become an attractive rural tourism destination with its rich natural scenery and unique ethnic culture. Here, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature, and experience the unique culture and lifestyle of ethnic minorities.
