Jijie Town of Xichou County in Wenshan Prefecture

Jijie Township (鸡街乡) is located in the northeastern part of Xichou County (西畴县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Majie Township (马街乡) of Malipo County (麻栗坡县) to the east, Dongma Township (董马乡) and Fadou Township (法斗乡) to the south, Xisa Town (西洒镇) to the west, Bange Township (蚌峨乡) of Yanshan County (砚山县) to the northwest, and Guangnan County (广南县) to the north. The township government is located 27 kilometers from the Xichou County seat, covering a total area of approximately 248.51 square kilometers.

History and Culture

Jijie Township (鸡街乡) was named after Jijie Village (鸡街村), where the township government is located. It was established as a township in 1952, became a commune in 1958, converted to a district in 1983, and was re-established as a township in 1987. The area is rich in ethnic cultural heritage, including the Manlong Hulusheng Dance (曼竜葫芦笙舞), listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the Xiaba Fish Drum Ballad (下坝渔鼓说唱), a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage.

Local Customs

Jijie Township (鸡街乡) is home to a diverse ethnic population, primarily Zhuang and Miao people, with vibrant and colorful cultural traditions. The annual Bayberry Festival (杨梅节) draws many visitors eager to taste the township’s fresh bayberries. Cultural highlights include the Manlong Hulusheng Dance (曼竜葫芦笙舞) and the Xiaba Fish Drum Ballad (下坝渔鼓说唱), both treasured forms of local folk art.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Located along the Tropic of Cancer, Jijie Township (鸡街乡) has a mild climate, with an average annual temperature of approximately 13.6°C, highs around 30°C, and lows near 4°C. Annual rainfall reaches about 1,100 millimeters. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor exploration.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entry Fees

Longlao Immortal Cave

  • Visiting Time: Around 2 hours
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: Located 1 kilometer southeast of Jijie Township (鸡街乡), this is the largest karst cave group in the county.

Ten-Thousand-Mu Bayberry Orchard

  • Visiting Time: Around 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: This vast orchard is best visited between May and June during the bayberry harvest season, when fresh fruit is available for tasting.

Jijie Village

  • Visiting Time: Around 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: The central area of Jijie Township (鸡街乡), where visitors can experience authentic local culture and rural life.

Transportation

External Transportation

From the Xichou County (西畴县) seat, visitors can take a bus to Jijie Township (鸡街乡), with a travel time of about 30 minutes. Self-driving is also an option via a well-maintained 27-kilometer road.

Internal Transportation

Transportation within the township primarily depends on rural roads. Visitors can rent motorcycles or hire local vehicles to reach different attractions.

Local Cuisine

Specialty foods in Jijie Township (鸡街乡) include:

  • Bayberry Wine (杨梅酒): A local specialty with a rich, mellow flavor.
  • Zhuang Five-Color Sticky Rice (壮族五色糯米饭): Made with natural plant dyes, this colorful sticky rice is fragrant and sweet.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local agricultural products and handicrafts such as bayberries (杨梅), Zhuang embroidery (壮族刺绣), and hulusheng (葫芦笙), a traditional reed-pipe instrument.

Accommodation

There are several rural inns and homestays in Jijie Township (鸡街乡), offering affordable prices and comfortable environments where guests can experience local hospitality.

Travel Tips

  • Some attractions are located in mountainous areas—comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent are recommended.
  • Respect local customs, particularly in ethnic minority villages.
  • Help preserve the environment by not littering and protecting natural resources.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Xichou County (西畴县), then take public transport or drive to Jijie Township (鸡街乡). Visit Longlao Immortal Cave (龙老仙人洞) to experience its natural wonders.

Day 2:
Head to the Ten-Thousand-Mu Bayberry Orchard (万亩杨梅园) to taste fresh bayberries. In the afternoon, explore Jijie Village (鸡街村) and immerse yourself in local traditions.

Day 3:
Enjoy local specialties at a countryside guesthouse, shop for regional products as souvenirs, and conclude your memorable trip.

Jijie Township (鸡街乡) is a place filled with natural beauty and cultural depth. Whether you’re marveling at its landscapes or engaging in traditional customs, your visit is sure to be enriching. We hope you enjoy a truly unforgettable experience here.