Donggan Town of Malipo County in Wenshan Prefecture

Donggan Town (董干镇) is located in the northeastern 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 faces Muyang Town (木央镇) of Funing County (富宁县) across the river to the east, borders Tongwen County (同文县), Vietnam (越南) to the south, connects with Tiechang Township (铁厂乡) to the west, and adjoins Heizhiguo Township (黑支果乡) of Guangnan County (广南县) to the north. The town government is located 113 kilometers from the county seat, and the total area is approximately 454 square kilometers.

History and Culture

Donggan Town (董干镇) has a long history. Its name originates from the Zhuang language, meaning “valley of yellow fruit trees.” From 1950 to 1954, it was known as the Fourth District of Malipo City (麻栗坡市第四区). From 1955 to 1957, it became Donggan District (董干区) of Malipo County (麻栗坡县). Between 1970 and 1983, it was Donggan Commune (董干公社), later renamed Donggan District (董干区) in 1984, and officially designated as Donggan Town (董干镇) in 1988. In April 2005, Xinzai Township (新寨乡) was merged into Donggan Town (董干镇).

Local Customs

Donggan Town (董干镇) is a multi-ethnic community, mainly inhabited by Yao (瑶族), Miao (苗族), and Zhuang (壮族) ethnic groups, which make up the majority of the population. Each ethnic group preserves rich cultural traditions, such as:

  • Yao Panwang Festival (盘王节): An important festival of the Yao people to worship their ancestor Panwang and pray for peace and harvest.
  • Miao Huashan Festival (花山节): A traditional Miao festival held between the 3rd and 9th days of the first lunar month, featuring lusheng dancing, antiphonal singing, and horse racing.
  • Zhuang Bronze Drum Dance (铜鼓舞): A traditional Zhuang dance performed during rituals and blessing ceremonies.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Donggan Town (董干镇) enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with clear vertical climate zones. The average annual temperature is 14.7°C, with January averaging 9.4°C and July averaging 25.5°C. It has an average frost-free period of 340 days per year. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entry Fees

Donggan Martyrs’ Cemetery

  • Visiting Time: 1–2 hours
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: A memorial honoring the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the border self-defense war; it serves as an important patriotic education base.

Donggan Winter Pear Orchard

  • Visiting Time: 2 hours
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: The Donggan winter pear is a famous local specialty. The orchard offers beautiful scenery ideal for a leisurely walk.

Punong Village

  • Visiting Time: 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: A village rich in ethnic charm, where visitors can experience local customs and traditions.

Transportation

External Transportation

  • Public Transport: Shuttle buses from Malipo County (麻栗坡县) to Donggan Town (董干镇) take about 2 hours.
  • Self-Drive: Drive along the Mafu Road (麻富公路) for approximately 113 kilometers on well-maintained roads.

Internal Transportation

  • Within the town, travel primarily relies on rural roads. Motorbikes or local vehicles can be rented to visit different attractions.

Local Cuisine

Local specialties in Donggan Town (董干镇) include:

  • Donggan Winter Pear (董干冬梨): A crisp and juicy pear known for its sweet flavor.
  • Tuorou (坨肉): A local braised pork dish known for its rich taste.
  • Cardamom Chicken Stew (草果炖鸡): A flavorful dish made with local cardamom, a regional specialty.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local agricultural products and handicrafts such as Donggan winter pears (董干冬梨), cardamom (草果), Yao ethnic clothing (瑶族服饰), and silver jewelry (银饰).

Accommodation

There are several farm stays and guesthouses in Donggan Town (董干镇), offering affordable prices and comfortable environments where visitors can enjoy local hospitality.

Travel Tips

  • Some attractions are in mountainous areas, so wear comfortable sports shoes and prepare for sun protection and insect repellent.
  • Respect local customs, especially in ethnically diverse villages.
  • Protect the environment by not littering and preserving natural landscapes.

Suggested Itinerary (From Small to Major Attractions)

Day 1:
Arrive in Malipo County (麻栗坡县), then travel by public transport or drive to Donggan Town (董干镇). Visit Donggan Martyrs’ Cemetery (董干烈士墓) to experience patriotic culture.

Day 2:
In the morning, explore Donggan Winter Pear Orchard (董干冬梨园) and taste the local fruit while enjoying the scenic views. In the afternoon, visit Punong Village (普弄村) to immerse yourself in ethnic traditions.

Day 3:
Enjoy local dishes at a rural guesthouse, shop for souvenirs such as pears or silver crafts, and conclude your enjoyable journey.

Donggan Town (董干镇) is a place full of natural beauty and cultural charm. Whether you’re exploring scenic landscapes or experiencing rich ethnic traditions, your visit will be rewarding. We hope you have a memorable time here.