Tongchang Yi Ethnic Town in Yimen County, Yuxi
History and Culture
Ethnic Customs
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time
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Bidi Village (碧多村): Known for its traditional Yi culture and the “Tiao Ya Ba” (跳哑巴) dance performed every three years on the fourth day of the first lunar month. Suggested visiting time: 2 hours.
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Wato Mountain Village (歪头山村): A picturesque village with beautiful natural scenery and traditional Yi architecture. Suggested visiting time: 2 hours.
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Luoxi River (洛溪河): A beautiful river with scenic views, ideal for a leisurely walk or picnic. Suggested visiting time: 1.5 hours.
Transportation
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Public Transport: Take a local bus or minibus from the county seat of Yimen to Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡). The journey takes about 1 hour.
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Self-Drive: Navigate to the Tongchang Yi Nationality Township People’s Government (铜厂彝族乡人民政府) on Tongchang Road (铜厂路). The drive takes about 40 minutes.
Cuisine
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Yi Ethnic Group’s Traditional Dishes: Such as “ba ba” (粑粑), a traditional snack made from glutinous rice.
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Local Specialties: Including “bai hua yan” (百花宴), “huang niu tang guo” (黄牛汤锅), and “you zha niu pai” (油炸牛排).
Shopping
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Local Specialty Products: Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) is known for its agricultural products such as walnuts, citrus fruits, and various types of mushrooms. These can be purchased at local farmers’ markets.
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Handicrafts: Traditional handicrafts such as bamboo weaving and ethnic embroidery are also available.
Accommodation
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Hotels: There are several hotels in Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) with basic facilities.
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Homestays: Experience local ethnic culture by staying in a traditional homestay.
Travel Tips
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Respect Local Culture: When visiting historical sites and participating in ethnic activities, be mindful of and respect local cultural customs.
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Protect the Environment: Do not litter during your visit to preserve the local natural environment.
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Safety First: Pay attention to personal safety and follow relevant regulations when engaging in outdoor activities.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive in Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) and visit Bidi Village (碧多村) to experience traditional Yi culture and the “Tiao Ya Ba” dance.
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Day 2: Explore Wato Mountain Village (歪头山村) to enjoy the natural scenery and traditional Yi architecture.
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Day 3: Visit Luoxi River (洛溪河) for a leisurely walk and scenic views. Shop and enjoy local cuisine in Tongchang Yi Nationality Township (铜厂彝族乡) before concluding your trip.