Mabai Town of Maguan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Geographical Location

Mabai Town (马白镇) is located in the central-eastern part of Qiubei County (马关县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Nanlao Township (南捞乡) to the east, Dulong Town (都龙镇), Jiahanqing Town (夹寒箐镇), and Renhe Town (仁和镇) to the south, Dalishu Township (大栗树乡) to the west, and Pojao Town (坡脚镇) to the north. The town government is 54 kilometers from the prefecture capital, Wenshan (文山), and is the political, economic, and cultural center of the county.

Cultural History

Mabai Town (马白镇) has a long history. During the Western Han Dynasty (西汉), it was part of Jinsang County (进桑县); during the Eastern Han Dynasty (东汉), it belonged to Jinsheng County (进乘县); and during the Shu Han period (蜀汉), it was part of Xinggu County (兴古郡). During the Yuan (元) and Ming (明) Dynasties, it was under the rule of the Long clan (龙氏土司). In the sixth year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (1667), it became part of Kaihua Prefecture (开化府). In the Republic of China era (民国), Mabai Town (马白镇) underwent several administrative changes. In 1940, it was renamed Mawan Town (马文镇), and in 1945, it became Anping Town (安平镇). In 1988, Anping Town was incorporated into the Mabai District and renamed Mabai Town (马白镇).

Folk Customs

Mabai Town (马白镇) is home to 12 ethnic groups, including Han (汉族), Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), Yi (彝族), Dai (傣族), and Bouyei (布依族). Notably, Masai Village (马洒村), inhabited by the Nong branch of the Zhuang (壮族), is rich in intangible cultural heritage, with Nong people’s ancient music (侬人古乐) and paper horse dance (纸马舞) being the most representative. Additionally, Mabai Town (马白镇) celebrates various ethnic festivals, such as the Miao “Huashan Festival” (花山节) and the Zhuang “San Yue San” (三月三).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Mabai Town (马白镇) has a subtropical low-latitude mountain monsoon climate with distinct vertical climatic variation. The average annual temperature is 16.5°C. The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to August), when the climate is cool and ideal for escaping the heat.

Recommended Scenic Spots, Visit Duration, and Ticket Prices

Masai Village (马洒村)
Description: A settlement of the Nong branch of the Zhuang (壮族), known for its rich intangible cultural heritage, including Nong people’s ancient music (侬人古乐) and paper horse dance (纸马舞).
Recommended visit time: 2 hours
Ticket price: Free

Mabai Diaolou (马关碉楼)
Description: Includes the Shiyakou Diaolou (石丫口碉楼) and Longbanpo Diaolou (龙半坡碉楼), built in 1901 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu (光绪帝). It is a provincial-level cultural heritage site.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Park Lakeside (公园湖畔)
Description: Located in Mabai Town (马白镇), near the S206 auxiliary road and Wendu Line auxiliary road, it is a great spot for leisure walks.
Recommended visit time: 1 hour
Ticket price: Free

Transportation

Mabai Town (马白镇) is the transportation hub of the entire county, with a well-developed road network radiating out from the county seat. All villages (社) are accessible via paved roads. From the county seat of Qiubei (马关县), it is about 19 kilometers to Mabai Town (马白镇), which takes about 30 minutes by car.

Cuisine

Mabai Town (马白镇) offers local specialties, including:

  • Zhuang Glutinous Rice (壮族糯米饭): Soft and sticky rice, paired with local dishes, offering a unique flavor.
  • Smoked Cured Meat (烤烟腊肉): Made using traditional local smoking methods, offering a distinctive taste.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase Zhuang (壮族) embroidery, handicrafts, and local agricultural products such as smoked tobacco (烤烟) and Sanqi (三七).

Accommodation

Mabai Town (马白镇) offers several homestays, providing affordable prices and comfortable environments. For more luxurious accommodations, it is recommended to return to Qiubei County (马关县) for your stay.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local ethnic customs, especially when participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment by not littering.
  • Be cautious of safety, especially when visiting mountainous areas and ancient buildings.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Qiubei County (马关县), head to Mabai Town (马白镇), visit Masai Village (马洒村) to experience Zhuang (壮族) culture, and stay at a local homestay.
Day 2: Visit Mabai Diaolou (马关碉楼) to explore historical sites, then head to the Park Lakeside (公园湖畔) for a relaxing afternoon. Return to Qiubei County (马关县) in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Mabai Town (马白镇) is a charming place, rich in both historical culture and unique natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in folk culture or natural landscapes, you will find something to enjoy here. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Mabai Town (马白镇).