Shizijie Village of Yiwu Town in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna

Shizijie Village (十字街村) belongs to Yiwu Town (易武镇), Mengla County (勐腊县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Located in the southern part of Yiwu Town (易武镇), it is 1 km from the Yiwu Township government. The village lies at 21°51′–22°05′ N latitude and 101°21′–101°37′ E longitude, with an altitude of 1,345 meters. The average annual temperature is 17.5°C, and the annual precipitation is 1,850 mm.

Cultural History

From the mid-Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China era, Shizijie Village (十字街村) served as a center for Pu’er tea processing, production, and trade. It was the starting point of the Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) and once the political, economic, and cultural hub of Zhenyue County (镇越县, now Mengla County 勐腊县). Artifacts such as the Tea Mountain License (茶山执照), Tea Case Stele (茶案碑), and Tribute to the Imperial Court (瑞贡天朝) bear witness to the village’s historical prosperity. In 2012, Shizijie Village (十字街村) was listed among the first batch of China’s Traditional Villages.

Folk Culture

Shizijie Village (十字街村) is a multi-ethnic settlement inhabited mainly by Han, Dai, and Yi people. The fusion of different ethnic cultures is reflected in architecture, clothing, and festivals. On the eighth day of the second lunar month, the Yi people celebrate a grand festival featuring pig slaughtering, cattle butchering, rice wine brewing, and folk singing. The village also preserves historical relics such as the Qing Dynasty post office, customs house, and county government office.

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Shizijie Village (十字街村) has a tropical humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.5°C and annual precipitation of 1,850 mm. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Recommended Attractions & Visiting Time

• Ancient Tea Houses & Tea Horse Road (茶马古道): Visit historic tea houses like Cheshunhao Tea House (车顺号茶庄) and the flagstone-paved Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) to experience Pu’er tea culture. Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours.
• Gongjia Dayuan (公家大园): The departure point for tribute tea sent to Beijing during imperial times, where grand ceremonies were held. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.
• Museum of Ancient Six Tea Mountains Culture (中国普洱茶古六大茶山茶文化博物馆): Displays 364 artifacts, including the Tea Mountain License (茶山执照) and Tribute to the Imperial Court (瑞贡天朝), showcasing profound tea history. Recommended visit time: 1–2 hours.

Transportation

From Kunming (昆明), drive along the Kunmo Expressway (昆磨高速公路) to Jinghong City (景洪市), then take the Xiaomo Highway (小磨公路) to Yiwu Town (易武镇). The total distance is about 400 km (5 hours). From Yiwu Town (易武镇), take a local bus or taxi to Shizijie Village (十字街村).

Food

Local specialties include tea-based snacks and farmhouse dishes:

• Pu’er Tea (普洱茶): The origin of premium Pu’er tea.
• Tea-Scented Chicken (茶香鸡): Chicken cooked with Pu’er tea leaves, infused with a unique aroma.

Shopping

Local products like Pu’er tea (普洱茶) and handicrafts are available at village markets.

Accommodation

The village offers simple guesthouses. For better lodging, consider hotels in Yiwu Town (易武镇) or Jinghong City (景洪市).

Travel Tips

• Respect local ethnic customs, especially when visiting villages.
• Carry mosquito repellent for mountain areas.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Shizijie Village (十字街村), check in, and explore ancient tea houses and the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道).
Day 2: Visit Gongjia Dayuan (公家大园) and the Museum of Ancient Six Tea Mountains Culture (中国普洱茶古六大茶山茶文化博物馆).
Day 3: Shop for local products before departure.

Shizijie Village (十字街村) blends stunning landscapes with rich ethnic traditions. Here, you can experience borderland charm and the timeless lifestyle of tea culture. May your journey be unforgettable.