Huisan Village of Mengban Town in Mengla County, XishuangBanna

Huisan Village (回伞村)is located in the southeast of Mengban Town, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is a border village under the jurisdiction of Luohui Village Committee. It is about 5.5 kilometers away from Mengban Town Government and about 43.5 kilometers away from Mengla County. It borders Laos to the east and has unique border scenery.

History and Culture

Mengban Town, where Huisan Village is located, has a long history. Before 1949, it was part of the feudal lord system “Mengya”. In 1953, Mengban Township was established, and after several administrative changes, it was officially changed to a town in 1988. Huisan Village is home to ethnic minorities such as the Yao and Hani, who live in harmony and have formed a unique ethnic culture.

Folk Customs

  • Hani People: The Hani people believe in polytheism and ancestor worship, with rituals presided over by the shaman “Beima”. Their traditional festivals include the October Festival and the June Festival. The October Festival is the Hani New Year, lasting 5 to 6 days, or even half a month. Hani architecture is mostly bamboo stilt houses. Men typically wear right-lapelled jackets, while women wear right-lapelled collarless jackets with short skirts and strings of silver ornaments on their chests.
  • Yao People: The Yao culture is rich and colorful, with unique clothing, songs, dances, and handicrafts. Yao clothing is brightly colored with exquisite patterns. Men often wear headscarves, and women wear embroidered dresses.

Weather and Best Travel Time

Huisan Village has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 19.2℃ and an annual precipitation of 1,600 millimeters. The climate is mild and humid, with distinct seasons. The best travel time is from October to April of the following year. The weather is cool during this period, which is suitable for outdoor activities. You can also experience traditional festivals like the Hani October Festival.

Recommended Attractions

  • Maocao Mountain : Located 32 kilometers from Huisan Village and just about 2 kilometers from the border with Laos, it is a Hani border village. Surrounded by mountains and covered with nut forests, it is a beautiful scenic spot on the border. It is recommended to spend half a day here.
  • Kami Village : Located in the semi-mountainous area of Luohui Village Committee, the village has well-paved roads and a beautiful environment. It is a good place to experience rural life. It is recommended to spend half a day here.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a bus from Mengla County to Mengban Town, and then transfer to a rural bus or taxi to Luohui Village.
  • Self-Driving: Drive from Mengla County along the highway to Mengban Town, and then to Luohui Village. The total distance is about 43.5 kilometers, with good road conditions.

Food

  • Hani Cuisine: Chicken porridge, bamboo tube roasted food, and firewood grilled meat. These dishes have a unique flavor with the fragrance of bamboo.
  • Yao Cuisine: Smoked meat and wild vegetables of the Yao ethnic group. The ingredients are fresh and the taste is delicious.

Shopping

  • Handicrafts: You can buy handicrafts of the Yao and Hani ethnic groups, such as embroidery and silver ornaments, as souvenirs.
  • Agricultural Products: The locally produced nuts and tea are of high quality and make good gifts.

Accommodation

  • Farmhouses: There are farmhouses in the village that offer accommodation at affordable prices. You can also experience local rural life.
  • Homestays: Some villagers have converted their homes into homestays, which are comfortable and have a strong ethnic character.

Travel Tips

  • Respect the customs and religious beliefs of the local ethnic minorities.
  • Protect the environment. Do not litter or damage local vegetation.
  • When traveling in border areas, follow border management regulations and do not cross the border at will.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from Mengla County, travel to Mengban Town, visit Kami Village to experience rural life, and stay overnight at a farmhouse in Kami Village.
  • Day 2: Head to Maocao Mountain to enjoy the border scenery and experience Hani culture. Return to Mengban Town in the afternoon to end the trip.
Huisan Village is a place full of ethnic charm and natural beauty. It not only has unique border scenery but also rich ethnic culture. Here, you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy the tranquility of nature, and experience the warmth and hospitality of ethnic minorities. We hope that during your trip to Huisan Village, you will create unforgettable memories.