Gasa Town of Xinping County, Yuxi

Gasa Town (戛洒镇) is located in the western part of Xinping County (新平县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), at the foot of the Ailao Mountains (哀牢山脉) in the middle section to the east, on the banks of the Gasa River (戛洒江), an upper tributary of the Red River (红河). It serves as a transportation hub for three prefectures—Yuxi City (玉溪市), Chuxiong Prefecture (楚雄州), and Pu’er City (普洱市)—and five counties: Xinping County (新平县), Shuangbai County (双柏县), Zhenyuan County (镇沅县), Mojiang County (墨江县), and Yuanjiang County (元江县). The town government is based in Gasa Street (戛洒街), 65 kilometers from the county seat of Xinping and 245 kilometers from Kunming City (昆明市).

History and Culture

Gasa Town (戛洒镇) has a long history and has been a significant commercial and transportation hub since ancient times. The name “Gasa” (戛洒) is derived from the Dai language, meaning “a street on the sandy beach.” It was once an important node on the ancient Tea Horse Road, with a history traceable to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Gasa Town (戛洒镇) is home to the largest community of Hua Yao Dai (花腰傣) people in China, a sub-branch of the Dai ethnic group, named for the colorful sashes worn around the waists of women.

Ethnic Customs

Gasa Town (戛洒镇) is known as the “Hometown of the Hua Yao Dai (花腰傣).” The town is rich in ethnic customs and cultural traditions. It hosts several major annual festivals, including the “Flower Street Festival” (花街节), “Bathing Festival” (沐浴节), “Soup Pot Festival” (汤锅节), “Costume Festival” (服饰节), and “Music Festival” (音乐节). The Hua Yao Dai (花腰傣) people are renowned for their vibrant and colorful costumes and passionate singing and dancing, which are unique features of Gasa Town (戛洒镇).

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Gasa Town (戛洒镇) has a diverse climate with distinct vertical climatic zones, with an annual average temperature ranging from 17°C to 23°C. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

  • Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve (哀牢山国家级自然保护区): Explore the primeval forest and observe rare flora and fauna. Suggested visiting time: 3 hours.
  • Nan’en Waterfall (南恩瀑布): Admire the 20-meter-high waterfall and experience the grandeur of nature. Suggested visiting time: 2 hours.
  • Shimen Gorge (石门峡): Enjoy the canyon scenery, suitable for hiking. Suggested visiting time: 2 hours.
  • Longxi Clan Manor (陇西世族庄园): Learn about the local history and culture. Suggested visiting time: 1 hour.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a local bus or minibus from the county seat of Xinping to Gasa Town (戛洒镇). The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
  • Self-Drive: Navigate to the Gasa Town People’s Government (戛洒镇人民政府) on Gasa Street (戛洒街). The drive takes about 1 hour.

Cuisine

  • Hua Yao Dai Soup Pot (花腰傣汤锅): A local specialty made by stewing fresh meat and vegetables.
  • Chu Orange (褚橙): Gasa Town (戛洒镇) is famous for its Chu Oranges, known for their sweet and fragrant taste.

Shopping

  • Local Specialty Products: Gasa Town (戛洒镇) is known for its bananas, mangoes, and lychees. These can be purchased at local farmers’ markets.
  • Handicrafts: Purchase unique handicrafts of the Hua Yao Dai (花腰傣), such as embroidery.

Accommodation

  • Hotels: Several hotels are available in Gasa Town (戛洒镇) with complete facilities.
  • Homestays: Experience the local ethnic风情 by staying in a Hua Yao Dai (花腰傣)-themed homestay.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Culture: When visiting historical sites and participating in ethnic activities, be mindful of and respect local cultural customs.
  • Protect the Environment: Do not litter during your visit to preserve the local natural environment.
  • Safety First: Pay attention to personal safety and follow relevant regulations when engaging in outdoor activities.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Gasa Town (戛洒镇) and visit the Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve (哀牢山国家级自然保护区) to experience the charm of the primeval forest.
  • Day 2: Visit Nan’en Waterfall (南恩瀑布) to enjoy the waterfall scenery; in the afternoon, head to Shimen Gorge (石门峡) to experience the canyon scenery.
  • Day 3: Visit Longxi Clan Manor (陇西世族庄园) to learn about local history and culture; shop and enjoy local cuisine in Gasa Town (戛洒镇) before concluding your trip.

Gasa Town (戛洒镇) attracts numerous visitors with its rich natural landscapes and unique ethnic culture. Whether you are exploring the Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve (哀牢山国家级自然保护区) or immersing yourself in the ethnic culture of the Hua Yao Dai (花腰傣), you will surely be captivated by the unique charm of this land. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Gasa Town (戛洒镇).