Jiayi Town of Yanshan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Jiayi Town (稼依镇) is located in the northwestern part of Yanshan County (砚山县), Wenshan Prefecture (文山州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Weimo Township (维摩乡) to the east, Hongdian Township (红甸乡) of Wenshan City (文山市) to the south, Pingyuan Town (平远镇) to the west, and Shupi Township (树皮乡) of Qiubei County (丘北县) to the north. The town government is located at No. 20 Wenxin Road (文新路), Dajiayi Community (大稼依居民委员会), approximately 58 kilometers from the Yanshan county seat, with a total area of about 230.62 square kilometers.

History and Culture

Jiayi Town (稼依镇) was formerly known as “Jiayi (架依),” and was renamed due to the local people’s reliance on farming (“稼” meaning “crops”). Its history dates back to 1930 (the 19th year of the Republic of China), when it was part of Liushan Town (六山镇) of Kaiyuan County (开远县). In 1950, it was transferred to Yanshan County (砚山县), merged into Wenshan County (文山县) in 1958, and reestablished under Yanshan in 1961 as the Jiayi Commune (稼依公社) of Pingyuan District (平远区). In 1984, it became Jiayi District (稼依区), and in 1988, it was officially renamed Jiayi Town (稼依镇).

Local Customs

Jiayi Town (稼依镇) is home to several ethnic groups, including Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yi, and Hui. The Yi people maintain a vibrant cultural heritage. Their traditional “Torch Festival (火把节)” is held annually on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. The town is also known for unique ethnic handicrafts, such as Yi embroidery (彝族刺绣).

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Jiayi Town (稼依镇) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with warm winters, cool summers, and spring-like conditions year-round. The average annual temperature is 16.8°C, and the frost-free period lasts around 314 days per year. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is most pleasant.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entry Fees

Jiayi Martyrs’ Shrine

  • Visiting Time: 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: Located within the Northwest Middle School (西北中学), 59 kilometers northwest of the county seat. Covering 20 mu (approximately 1.3 hectares), it was built in 1952 and displays the lives and belongings of 236 martyrs from the Liberation War.

Niujia Mountain

  • Visiting Time: 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: Situated 2.5 kilometers southwest of Xiaoshiqiao (小石桥) in Jiayi Town (稼依镇), Niujia Mountain (扭甲山) stands at 1,590 meters elevation and covers about 300 mu (20 hectares). It is named after the nearby Niujia Village (扭甲村).

Jinzhong Mountain

  • Visiting Time: 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: Located 1.5 kilometers southeast of Dianfang (店房), Jinzhong Mountain (金钟山) rises to 1,591.5 meters and spans 150 mu (10 hectares). The mountain is named for its bell-like shape.

Transportation

External Transportation

From Yanshan County (砚山县城), travelers can take a bus to Jiayi Town (稼依镇), with a journey time of approximately 1 hour. For those driving, follow the Yanping Expressway (砚平高速公路) for about 58 kilometers.

Internal Transportation

Transportation within the town relies mainly on rural roads. Motorcycles and local vehicles can be rented to reach scenic spots.

Local Cuisine

Special dishes in Jiayi Town (稼依镇) include:

  • Sanqi Steamed Chicken in a Pot (三七汽锅鸡): A nourishing dish featuring the local medicinal herb sanqi (三七).
  • Yi-style Roast Suckling Pig (彝族烤乳猪): Known for its crispy texture and aromatic flavor.

Shopping

Visitors can buy local specialty agricultural products and handicrafts, including sanqi (三七), chili peppers, and Yi embroidery (彝族刺绣).

Accommodation

Several farmhouse inns and homestays are available in Jiayi Town (稼依镇), offering budget-friendly prices, a comfortable environment, and the chance to experience local hospitality.

Travel Tips

  • Some attractions are located in mountainous areas; it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection and insect repellent.
  • Respect local customs, especially in ethnic minority communities.
  • Protect the environment by disposing of waste properly and preserving natural landscapes.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Yanshan County (砚山县), then take public transportation or drive to Jiayi Town (稼依镇). Visit the Jiayi Martyrs’ Shrine (稼依烈士宫) to honor revolutionary heroes.

Day 2:
In the morning, hike Niujia Mountain (扭甲山) and enjoy the natural scenery. In the afternoon, visit Jinzhong Mountain (金钟山) for more mountain views.

Day 3:
Have a meal at a local farmhouse inn, taste traditional foods, and purchase local products before concluding your journey.

Jiayi Town (稼依镇) is rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re here to explore scenic landscapes or immerse yourself in local traditions, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories. We hope your visit is both enjoyable and inspiring.