Huguang Village of Mangka Town in Cangyuan County, Lincang

Chinese Name: 临沧市沧源县芒卡镇湖广村
English Name: Huguang Village of Mangka Town in Cangyuan County, Lincang

Huguang Village (湖广村) is located in Mangka Town (芒卡镇), Cangyuan County (沧源县), Lincang City (临沧市), in the western part of the county, approximately 40 kilometers from the Mangka Town government office. The village covers an area of 25.31 square kilometers with elevations ranging from 1,200 meters to 2,302 meters at its highest point, Huguang Mountain (湖广大山). The village is home to about 950 residents, mostly from the Wa ethnic group (佤族), accounting for 58% of the population.

Huguang Village was added to the Second Batch of Traditional Villages in China in 2013, and in 2021, it was recognized as a Sanitary Village by Yunnan Province (云南省). The village thrives on its unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Geography and Climate

Elevation: The village sits at an elevation of 1,670 meters above sea level.

Average Temperature: The annual average temperature is between 16°C and 18°C, and the village receives 1,600 to 1,700 millimeters of rainfall annually, providing ideal conditions for agriculture.

Natural Resources: The village is rich in agricultural resources with 3,677 acres of farmland, including 780 acres of rice paddies and 20,800 acres of forest land.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Traditional Village

Huguang Village derives its name from the Hunan (湖南) and Hubei (湖北) migrants who arrived during the Ming (明朝) and Qing (清朝) Dynasties. The village has preserved many traditional customs and offers visitors a chance to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Wa ethnic group.

Public and Health Services

The village is well-equipped with modern infrastructure, having achieved access to water, electricity, roads, and telephone services by 2010. The village clinic and nearby town health center (5 kilometers away) provide healthcare services, ensuring a healthy environment for the residents.

Main Attractions and Activities

1. Guanyin Festival (观音会活动)

When: The 29th day of the second lunar month each year

What: Traditional religious ceremonies and ethnic dance performances

Unique Features: The festival blends the Wa people’s traditional beliefs with Buddhist practices, offering visitors a chance to witness natural religious landscapes and ancient rock art (岩画).

Recommendation: Contact local villagers in advance to understand the event schedule. Dress appropriately, and consider offering small gifts such as fruits as a gesture of respect.

2. Natural Scenery

Huguang Mountain (湖广大山): The highest peak in the village at 2,302 meters, offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

Rock Art (石画岩画): Naturally formed rock paintings that showcase the unique geological features of the region.

Terraced Fields (梯田): The village’s terraced fields offer stunning views throughout the year, with each season bringing a unique beauty to the landscape.

How to Get There

Getting to Cangyuan County

By Air: You can fly to Cangyuan Wanshan Airport (沧源佤山机场).

By Road:

• From Lincang to Cangyuan: Approximately 200 kilometers, taking 4-5 hours by car.

• From Kunming to Cangyuan: Approximately 700 kilometers, taking 10-12 hours by car.

From Cangyuan to Huguang Village

Distance: Approximately 90 kilometers.

Road Conditions: Mainly unpaved roads, with some rugged sections.

Suggested Transport:

• Self-Drive: From Cangyuan, take Gengcang Secondary Road (耿沧二级公路) to Mangka Town, then turn onto rural roads to Huguang Village (high-clearance vehicles are recommended).

• Bus: There are no direct buses, but you can take a bus to Mangka Town (about 40 kilometers) and then arrange local transport to Huguang Village.

Accommodation

Currently, there are no official hotels in Huguang Village. However, visitors can stay in nearby Mangka Town or consider homestays with local villagers.

Suggested Accommodation:

Shenghai Hotel (胜海宾馆): Located 100 meters southwest of Cangyuan Mangka Middle School.

Yunxi Homestay (云熙民宿店): Opposite the Mangka Town Middle School.

Homestays: Some local villagers may offer basic accommodation (advanced communication needed).

Dining Recommendations

Huguang Village and the surrounding area offer a variety of traditional Wa cuisine (佤族美食), perfect for those wishing to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Local Delicacies:

Wa King Feast (佤王宴): A traditional banquet featuring roast pig, chicken porridge, and beef jerky.

Chicken Rice Porridge (鸡肉烂饭): Tender chicken served with soft rice and rich broth.

Stir-Fried Banana Cores (爆炒香蕉芯): A dish with a taste similar to lotus root, served with a spicy and sour sauce.

Dining Locations:

Mangka Town Ye Ai Dai Cuisine Restaurant (芒卡镇叶爱傣味饭店): Located near the Mangka Village Committee, offering Dai ethnic cuisine.

Homemade Village Feast: Contact local villagers in advance for traditional Wa family feasts.

Best Time to Visit

Recommended Seasons:

March to April: Enjoy the Guanyin Festival and the blooming of mountain azaleas (山杜鹃).

September to November: Ideal for outdoor activities and photography, with crisp autumn weather.

Avoid the rainy season (June to August) when roads may become muddy and difficult to navigate.

Important Travel Tips

Cultural Etiquette:

Respect Local Traditions: When participating in the Guanyin Festival, avoid wearing revealing clothing and maintain a respectful demeanor.

Seek Permission for Photos: Always ask before photographing villagers, respecting their privacy and customs.

Safety Tips:

Trails and Terrain: Many roads in the village are made of stone slabs, so wear slip-resistant footwear.

Temperature Fluctuations: Bring warm clothing, as the temperature can vary significantly between day and night.

Weak Phone Signal: Some areas may have poor cell service; it’s best to travel in groups.

Photography Tips:

Best Times for Photos: Early morning and late afternoon when the light is soft.

Scenic Spots: The terraced fields, village gates, and totem poles offer fantastic photo opportunities.

Unique Experiences

Agricultural Experience: Participate in local farming activities to learn about Wa traditional agriculture.

Handicrafts: Try your hand at Wa weaving or pottery making.

Ethnic Dance and Songs: Join the villagers for a bonfire party in the evening, where you can experience traditional Wa music and dance.