Pingtanzi Village of Longquan Residential District in Yimen County, Yuxi
Pingtanzi Village (平滩子村) is located in Zhongtun Community (中屯社区), Longquan Subdistrict (龙泉街道), Yimen County (易门县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is situated 32 kilometers from the county seat of Yimen. The village belongs to Zhongtun Community and is a typical Yi ethnic settlement.
History and Culture
Pingtanzi Village (平滩子村) is one of Yunnan’s recognized ethnic tourism villages. It consists of 91 households with a total population of 396 residents, all of whom belong to the Yi ethnic group and share the same surname, Li (李). The villagers maintain the enthusiasm and simplicity characteristic of Yi people. Pingtanzi Village has been recognized by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission as a Chinese Ethnic Minority Characteristic Village.
Folk Customs
The village preserves a rich Yi cultural heritage. It features a Yi Folk Culture Museum housed in a traditional Yi residence. The museum displays traditional items such as fire pits, stone mills, water jars, weaving looms, and farming tools, evoking a strong sense of history and nostalgia. During the Torch Festival, visitors can enjoy melodious Yi songs, lively Yi dances, and experience the vibrant and warm atmosphere of the Yi ethnic group.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Longquan Subdistrict (龙泉街道) in Yimen County enjoys a favorable climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with a distinct dry spring and wet summer. Rainfall coincides with the warmer months. The best seasons to visit Pingtanzi Village are spring and autumn, when the weather is most pleasant and the natural scenery is at its peak.
Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time
- Yi Folk Culture Museum (彝族民俗馆): Learn about Yi culture and experience ethnic customs.
Suggested duration: 1 hour. - Surrounding Natural Scenery: The village is nestled between mountains and rivers, offering picturesque rural landscapes.
Suggested duration: 2–3 hours.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take a bus within Yuxi City (玉溪市) to Yimen County (易门县), then transfer to local transport to reach Pingtanzi Village (平滩子村) in Zhongtun Community (中屯社区), Longquan Subdistrict (龙泉街道).
- Self-driving: From downtown Yuxi, follow the signs to Pingtanzi Village. The total distance is approximately 32 kilometers.
Cuisine
Local cuisine highlights Yi specialties such as roasted whole lamb, hand-pulled meat, and chicken with dipping sauce.
Shopping
The village features shops selling distinctive agricultural products and handicrafts, where visitors can purchase local souvenirs.
Accommodation
- Local Farm Stays: Offer lodging and a chance to experience rural Yi life.
- Nearby Hotels: Hotels in Yimen County (易门县) are close by and offer convenient access to the village.
Travel Tips
- Environmental Protection: Please keep the environment clean and avoid littering during your visit.
- Respect Local Customs: When participating in local folk activities, respect the cultural traditions and customs of the Yi people.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning: Arrive at Pingtanzi Village and visit the Yi Folk Culture Museum to learn about Yi heritage.
Noon: Enjoy local specialty dishes.
Afternoon: Take a walk through the surrounding natural landscape, enjoy hiking and photography.
Evening: Stay at a local farmhouse.
Day 2:
Morning: Shop for local specialty souvenirs in the village center.
Noon: Lunch at a farmhouse.
Afternoon: Return to Yimen County or Yuxi City to conclude the trip.
Pingtanzi Village (平滩子村) attracts visitors with its unique natural beauty and rich Yi ethnic culture. Whether wandering through the ancient village or joining in traditional customs, you’ll experience the distinctive charm of this hidden gem. We hope your visit to Pingtanzi Village is a memorable one.