Daping Town of Malipo County in Wenshan Prefecture

Daping Town (大坪镇) is located in the northwestern part of Malipo County (麻栗坡县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Malipo Town (麻栗镇) to the northeast, Tianbao Town (天保镇) to the southwest, and Xinmajie Township (新马街乡) of Xichou County (西畴县) to the northwest. The town government is located in the Daping Village Committee area, approximately 11.5 kilometers from the county seat of Malipo (麻栗坡县城), about 380 kilometers from the provincial capital Kunming (昆明), and around 80 kilometers from the prefecture capital Wenshan (文山).

History and Culture

Daping Town (大坪镇) has a long history. Before the liberation, it was part of the First District of the Malipo Special Area (麻栗坡特别区第一区). It was designated a town in 1950 and underwent multiple administrative changes including township, commune, and district, before reverting to town status in 1988. From the Song Dynasty to the early Qing Dynasty, this area was governed by the Niuyang Tusi (牛羊土司). In 1930 (Year 19 of the Republic of China), a subdistrict was established in Daping, and in 1949, the People’s Government of Daping (大坪人民政府) was founded.

Local Customs

Daping Town (大坪镇) is home to a diverse ethnic population, including Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yi, and others—totaling nine ethnic groups. Each group preserves rich traditional customs, such as:

  • Zhuang “Flirtatious Street” (风流街): A traditional festival involving singing and dancing.
  • Miao Huashan Festival (花山节): A celebration of youth, beauty, and nature.
  • Yao Panwang Festival (盘王节): A significant ancestral worship festival of the Yao people.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Daping Town (大坪镇) features a subtropical monsoon climate with mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, and long frost-free periods with ample sunshine. The average annual temperature is around 15°C. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entry Fees

Daping Village (大坪村)

  • Visiting Time: Around 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: Located at the heart of the town, the village is named for its flat terrain amidst the mountains. Visitors can explore local customs and rural life.

Mada Village (马达村)

  • Visiting Time: Around 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: Named after its location near Mada Street (马达街), this village is a primary settlement of the Yi (Meng sub-group) people and offers an authentic Yi cultural experience.

Xindifang Village (新地房村)

  • Visiting Time: Around 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: Named for its location at the upper end of the upper Xindifang area (上新地房村), this village is known for its beautiful natural scenery, ideal for leisurely walks.

Transportation

External Transportation

  • Public Transport: Shuttle buses from Malipo County (麻栗坡县) to Daping Town (大坪镇) take about 20 minutes.
  • Self-Drive: The drive is approximately 11.5 kilometers along a well-maintained road from Malipo County to Daping Town.

Internal Transportation

  • Transportation within the town relies mainly on rural roads. Motorbikes or local vehicles can be rented for visiting attractions.

Local Cuisine

Local specialties in Daping Town (大坪镇) include:

  • Tuorou (坨肉): A traditional braised pork dish with rich flavor.
  • Cardamom Chicken Stew (草果炖鸡): A savory dish made with locally grown cardamom.

Shopping

Local products such as cardamom (草果), corn (玉米), and peanuts (花生) are available and make excellent gifts or souvenirs.

Accommodation

Daping Town (大坪镇) offers several farm stays and guesthouses at affordable prices. These provide comfortable lodging and a chance to experience the local lifestyle.

Travel Tips

  • Some attractions are located in mountainous areas, so wear comfortable sneakers and be prepared with sun protection and insect repellent.
  • Respect local customs, especially in ethnically diverse villages.
  • Protect the environment by not littering and preserving natural surroundings.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Malipo County (麻栗坡县), then travel by public transport or drive to Daping Town (大坪镇). Visit Daping Village (大坪村) to experience local customs and rural charm.

Day 2:
In the morning, visit Mada Village (马达村) to explore Yi ethnic culture. In the afternoon, head to Xindifang Village (新地房村) to enjoy its natural beauty.

Day 3:
Enjoy local dishes at a rural guesthouse, shop for special products like cardamom or peanuts, and conclude your pleasant journey.

Daping Town (大坪镇) is a place filled with natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re exploring the landscape or immersing yourself in local customs, your visit will be rewarding. We hope you enjoy an unforgettable experience here.