Nanyou Village of Mali Town in Malipo County, Wenshan
Geographic Location
Nanyou Village (南油村) is located in Mali Town (麻栗镇), Malipo County (麻栗坡县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is about 14 kilometers away from the county seat of Malipo (麻栗坡县城). Situated in the southwestern part of Malipo County (麻栗坡县), it borders Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡) to the east, Vietnam (越南) to the south, Tianbao Town (天保镇) to the west, and Xichou County (西畴县) to the north.
History and Culture
Nanyou Village (南油村) is a multi-ethnic settlement mainly inhabited by the Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), Hani (哈尼族), and Han (汉族) peoples. The name “Nanyou” originates from the local language, where “Nan” means water and “You” refers to fertile soil, collectively meaning “a place with fertile soil and abundant water.” In recent years, Nanyou Village (南油村) has developed characteristic industries such as Brazilian mushroom cultivation, konjac planting, and macadamia nut farming through the “Four-in-One” pilot construction project, becoming a model village for the integration of ethnic culture, agriculture, and tourism in Mali Town (麻栗镇).
Folk Customs
Nanyou Village (南油村) retains many unique ethnic customs. Zhuang embroidery is a significant cultural highlight, with some pieces presented as “national gifts” to the United Nations. The village also regularly holds ethnic cultural festivals showcasing traditional songs, dances, and costumes of the Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), and other ethnic groups.
Weather and Best Visiting Time
Malipo County (麻栗坡县) has a southern subtropical plateau monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.6°C. The coldest month averages 10.1°C, and the hottest month averages 23°C, with a frost-free period of 330 days. The best time to visit is from May to October when the weather is cool and ideal for outdoor activities.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entrance Fees
- Nanyou Village (南油村) Ethnic Tourism Village: Experience the folk culture and specialty agriculture of the Zhuang people.
Suggested visiting time: Half a day.
Entrance fee: Free. - Nearby Attractions: Hero Laoshan Sacred Site Scenic Area (英雄老山圣地景区) and Malipo Martyrs’ Cemetery (麻栗坡烈士陵园) are great places to further understand local history and culture.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take a bus from Malipo County (麻栗坡县城) to Mali Town (麻栗镇), about a 20-minute ride, then transfer to local transport or walk to Nanyou Village (南油村).
- Self-Driving: Drive from Malipo County (麻栗坡县城) via local roads to Mali Town (麻栗镇), and continue to Nanyou Village (南油村), approximately 14 kilometers in total.
Food
- Local Specialties: Traditional Zhuang dishes such as Malipo Braised Pork (麻栗坡坨肉), Rice Flowers (米花), and Sand Cake (沙糕).
- Farmhouse Meals: Farm inns in Nanyou Village (南油村) offer fresh vegetables and poultry, perfect for experiencing rural cuisine.
Shopping
- Ethnic Handicrafts: Purchase traditional Zhuang embroidery, Miao silver jewelry, and other ethnic crafts.
- Local Specialties: Brazilian mushrooms, macadamia nuts, and other agricultural products.
Accommodation
- Homestays: Stay at local farmhouse inns to experience authentic rural life.
- Hotels: Various hotels are available in Malipo County (麻栗坡县城).
Travel Tips
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting villages or participating in cultural activities, please respect the customs and traditions of the ethnic minorities.
- Protect the Environment: When visiting natural scenic areas, please take care to protect the environment and avoid littering.
Itinerary from Small to Large Destinations
- Day 1: Arrive at Malipo County (麻栗坡县城), check into a hotel, head to Nanyou Village (南油村), visit the ethnic tourism village, and experience Zhuang folk culture.
- Day 2: Visit the Hero Laoshan Sacred Site Scenic Area (英雄老山圣地景区) or Malipo Martyrs’ Cemetery (麻栗坡烈士陵园) to learn about local history and culture.
Nanyou Village (南油村) is a place full of ethnic charm and natural beauty. Here, you can experience the hospitality of the Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), and other ethnic groups, enjoy unique natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in rich cultural traditions. Wishing you a joyful and unforgettable journey.