Babao Town Overview

1.Introduction

Babao Town enjoys unique tourism resources, with favorable climate and picturesque scenery. Being rich in products, it is entitled as “the Hometown of Tribute Rice” and “Little Guilin on the Plateau”. Located in the southeastern quadrant of Wenshan, this rare place is home to the amazing karst topography coupled with rivers, waterfalls, mountains, caverns and forests. The people of this region are lively and friendly and have some of the most unique festivals of any place this part of the world. It’s not the normal stopping place for the average traveler, which makes it all the more special as a unique place to spend a vacation, and well worth the trip.

2.Basic Information

  • Chinese Name: 八宝镇
  • English IPA: Babao Town
  • Nickname: Little Guilin小桂林
  • Location: Southeast Yunnan Province
  • Population (city): 110, 000
  • Language: Zhuang Dialect
  • Zip code: 663300
  • Tel code: 0876
  • Area Coverage: 609 square   kilometers;
  • Annual average temperature: 16.5℃

3.History

Babao town, former Babo, enjoys long and profound history. In Paleolithic period, human being lived here. Babao was the territory of liao (僚) and Pu (濮) tribe in previous Qin Dynasty. The geographical location of Babao was very important and was a battleground in the history. In Tang and Song Dynasty, it was the essential stage of Temo Ancient Road. As a part of Gouding Kingdom, people here created the traditional culture and left many historic sites.

Many a site of ancient civilization has proved that Babao has enjoyed a long history and is one of the cradles of human being. The Paleolithic remains in Baiyu Village, Neolithic remains in Anling and Tianfang Villages and the Neolithic cliff paintings in Tianfang Village have been paid on great attention by archeologists.

4.Geography

The majority of these karst peaks range from 160 feet high to 325 feet high and are very sharp at their pinnacle; although there are a few under 160 feet.  The lazy Babao River winds its way slowly from the Hemei Lake and flows north passing charming villages and farms with plenty of natives along the way.  There are 25 rivers that flow throughout this region that all provide uniquely fascinating scenery.

5.Climate

The climate in Babao is warm and temperate. The is a great deal of rainfall in Babao, even in the driest month. The climate here is classified as Cfa by the Köppen-Geiger system. The average temperature in Babao is 18.1 °C. In a year, the average rainfall is 1258 mm.

6.Transportation

Babao town is under the adminidtration of Guangnan county. There is no bus or train fro Kunming to Babao directly. Travelers can take speed train or bus to Guangnan county, then change bus to Babao Town.

7.Ethnic Culture

There are 8 ethnic groups, covering Zhuang, Miao, Yi, Yao, Muslim, Mongolian , Dai and Gelao. Zhuang is the main ethnic group of Babao. Zhuang people of Babao live at the foot of hill and beside the river generation by generation. They enjoy the splendid rice cultivating culture.Thirteen Villages of Zhang in Babao town enjoys the unique and featured Zhuang village and architectures, forming the unique Zhuang ethnic flavor.

8.Attraction

Babao, Little Guilin on the Plateau, emphasizes on ethnic culture and karst landscape, which is away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Travelers can enjoy the amazing karst landform and feel the unique Zhuang culture. There are also top attractions of Babao like Babao River, Sanla Waterfall, Babao Shuangqiao etc. For those travelers looking for a lush gorgeous place for a vacation with a lot of great places to see and some awesome scenery, the Babao Scenic Spot in Guangnan is a great place for a very unique vacation spot.

9.What to Eat in Babao Town

1.Zhuangs Five-color Glutinous Rice (壮家花糯米)

2.Bahang Chicken (岜夯鸡)

3.Da (褡)

4.Shagao (沙糕)

5.Bacon Trotter Gear (腊猪脚)

10.What to Buy in Babao Town

1.Baoba Rice (广南八宝米)

2.Zhuangs Five-color Glutinous Rice (壮家花糯米)

3.Wenshan Zhuang Brocade And Embroidery (文山壮锦)