Manlai Town of Yuanjiang County, Yuxi

Manlai Town (曼来镇) is located in the northwest of Yuanjiang Hani, Yi, and Dai Autonomous County (元江哈尼族彝族傣族自治县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is bordered by Ganzhuang Subdistrict (甘庄街道办事处) across the river to the east, Lijiang Subdistrict (澧江街道办事处) to the south, Dafengyakou Gold Mine and Mojiang County (墨江县) to the west, and Xinping County (新平县) to the north. The town government is seated in Manlai Community (曼来社区), which is about 16 km from the county seat. Manlai Town covers a total area of approximately 414.78 square kilometers.

History and Culture

Manlai Town (曼来镇) was officially established in August 2011 through the merger of Dong’e Town (东峨镇), Yangchajie Township (羊岔街乡), and Hongguang Farm (红光农场). The region has a long history and was traditionally inhabited by the Hani ethnic group and other minorities, boasting rich cultural heritage. In July 2014, Manlai was designated a National Key Town by seven ministries including the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

Local Customs

The majority of the population in Manlai Town (曼来镇) is Hani (哈尼族), and the town maintains a colorful and diverse cultural landscape. Traditional festivals such as the “October New Year” (十月年) are still widely celebrated. The town is also known for its traditional Hani embroidery and ethnic music and dance performances.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Manlai Town (曼来镇) features a subtropical monsoon climate with mild temperatures and distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is most attractive.

Recommended Attractions and Suggested Visit Durations

• Manlai Terraced Fields (曼来梯田): Spectacular Hani rice terraces, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
  Suggested visit duration: 2–3 hours
• Manlai Community (曼来社区): Experience local life and Hani ethnic customs.
  Suggested visit duration: 1–2 hours
• Hongguang Farm (红光农场): Learn about local agriculture and historical development.
  Suggested visit duration: 1 hour

Transportation

• Public Transport: Take a local bus or minibus from Yuanjiang County (元江县城) to Manlai Town (曼来镇); the trip takes around 30 minutes.
• Self-Drive: Navigate to Manlai Town People’s Government (曼来镇人民政府) in Manlai Community (曼来社区); the drive takes about 20 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Manlai Town (曼来镇) and surrounding areas offer various local delicacies:

• Hani Long Street Banquet (哈尼族长街宴): A feast during traditional Hani festivals with a wide variety of dishes.
• Wild Mushrooms: Local specialties include fragrant mushrooms (香蕈) and black fungus (木耳).

Shopping

• Ethnic Handicrafts: Purchase Hani embroidery, bamboo weaving, and other souvenirs at local markets or handicraft shops.
• Local Agricultural Products: Fresh mangoes, dragon fruit, and other seasonal fruits are available at the farmers’ markets.

Accommodation

• Hotels: There are multiple hotels in Yuanjiang County (元江县城), a short drive from Manlai Town (曼来镇).
• Guesthouses: Unique guesthouses in and around Manlai Town provide an immersive cultural experience.

Travel Tips

• Respect Local Culture: When visiting heritage sites or participating in cultural activities, be mindful of local customs.
• Environmental Protection: Do not litter and help preserve the natural environment.
• Safety Awareness: Stay safe during outdoor activities and follow local regulations.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Yuanjiang County (元江县城), travel to Manlai Town (曼来镇), and explore Manlai Terraced Fields (曼来梯田) to experience Hani agricultural heritage.
• Day 2: Visit Manlai Community (曼来社区) in the morning for cultural immersion; in the afternoon, head to Hongguang Farm (红光农场) to learn about local farming history.
• Day 3: Return to Yuanjiang County (元江县城) for shopping and sampling local cuisine before concluding the trip.

Manlai Town (曼来镇) captivates visitors with its rich historical background, vibrant ethnic traditions, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re wandering through the terraced fields or engaging with Hani cultural heritage, this region offers a unique and memorable travel experience. We hope your journey to Manlai Town is unforgettable.