Mazhelong Village of Longying Town in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Location

Mazhelong Village (马者龙村) is located in Shuanglongying Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It lies to the south of Shuanglongying Town, 3.5 kilometers from the town’s government office, and 20 kilometers from the county seat of Qiubei. The village is adjacent to the Puzhehei Scenic Area in the west, connecting with the national-level 4A scenic area of Puzhehei’s mountains and waters.

Cultural History

Mazhelong Village is named after the peaks of the Jiulian Mountains that encircle it, resembling galloping horses and flying dragons. The Mazhelong Township People’s Government was established in 1955, followed by the formation of the Mazhelong Commune in 1966. In 1984, the Mazhelong Township People’s Government was reinstated, and in 1987, Mazhelong Administrative Village was established. On August 1, 2000, the Mazhelong Village Committee was founded, and the name has been used ever since.

Customs and Traditions

Mazhelong Village is a settlement primarily inhabited by the Bai ethnic group, preserving many unique Bai customs and cultural traditions. Every year, on the 9th day of the first lunar month, the village holds the “Taiping Festival,” a traditional Bai festival with a history of over 500 years. During the festival, villagers dress in traditional clothing, perform sacrifices, sing, and dance to pray for a good harvest and favorable weather in the coming year. Additionally, Mazhelong is renowned for Bai wooden masks, which are used in traditional ceremonies and performances, holding great artistic value.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Mazhelong Village has a subtropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 16.2°C and annual rainfall of 1215 mm. The best time to visit is between May and October, when the weather is cool and ideal for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Tickets

  • Mazhelong Village: Experience Bai ethnic culture and traditional architecture. Recommended visit time: Half a day. Entrance fee: Free.
  • Puzhehei Scenic Area: Located near Mazhelong Village, this national-level 4A scenic area offers further exploration of the region’s natural beauty.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a bus from Qiubei County to Shuanglongying Town, about 30 minutes, then walk or take local transport to Mazhelong Village.
  • By Car: From Qiubei County, drive along Provincial Road 206 to Shuanglongying Town, then proceed to Mazhelong Village. The entire journey is approximately 20 kilometers.

Local Cuisine

  • Local Specialties: Taste traditional Bai dishes such as roasted whole lamb and “ni jiao” wine.
  • Farmhouse Cuisine: Local farm-style restaurants offer fresh vegetables and poultry.

Shopping

  • Ethnic Handicrafts: You can purchase Bai traditional clothing, embroidery, wooden masks, and other local handicrafts.
  • Local Products: Specialty items like Qiubei chili peppers and Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) are available.

Accommodation

  • Guesthouses: Stay in local farm-style guesthouses to experience rural life.
  • Hotels in the County: There are several hotels in Qiubei County to choose from.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: Please respect local customs when visiting and participating in cultural activities.
  • Environmental Protection: While touring natural scenic areas, please protect the environment and refrain from littering.

Sample Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive at Qiubei County, check-in at the hotel, and visit Mazhelong Village to explore traditional architecture and experience the local culture.
  • Day 2: Visit the Puzhehei Scenic Area to enjoy the natural beauty and learn about the local ecological culture.

Mazhelong Village is a place full of ethnic charm and cultural heritage. Here, you can experience the warm hospitality of the Bai people, admire unique natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in rich ethnic traditions. We hope your journey is filled with joy and unforgettable memories.