Wadie Town of Yuanjiang County, Yuxi

Wadie Township (洼垤乡) is located in the southeastern part of Yuanjiang Hani, Yi and Dai Autonomous County (元江哈尼族彝族傣族自治县), Yuxi City (玉溪市). It sits at the junction of Yuanjiang, Shiping (石屏), and Honghe (红河) counties. To the east, it is bordered by the Xiaohedi River (小河底河), facing Niujie Township (牛街乡) and Maohe Township (冒合乡) of Shiping County. In the southwest, it is adjacent to Lijiang Subdistrict (澧江街道) and Langdi Township (浪堤乡) of Honghe County, while to the north it borders Longtan Township (龙潭乡).

History and Culture

Wadie Township has a long history and is home to the Sani branch of the Yi ethnic group (彝族撒摩人). It played a significant role in the revolutionary movement in southern Yunnan. The former site of the Southern Yunnan Prefecture Committee of the Communist Party of China (中共滇南地委), also the former site of the Yuanjiang County Committee (中共元江县委), is located in Wadie Village (洼垤村), Wadie Community (洼垤社区). In 2023, it was recognized as one of Yuxi City’s first group of municipal-level revolutionary sites.

Another historical landmark is Wenchang Palace (文昌宫), built in 1853 during the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty. It later became the campus of Wadie Central Primary School and has a history of over 170 years in education.

Local Customs

Wadie Township is predominantly inhabited by the Yi ethnic group (彝族), with a strong cultural presence. The unique Yi script, traditional clothing, and wine and tobacco customs reflect the area’s ethnic heritage.

The traditional “Ali Cultural Festival” (阿哩文化节) is an important holiday for the Sani people of the Yi ethnic group. It showcases Yi culture through songs, music, and dance performances. Additionally, the Yi love song tradition known as “Ali” (阿哩) was listed as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage in 2017.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Wadie Township has a temperate monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.5°C and annual rainfall of about 980 mm. The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

• Former Site of the Southern Yunnan Prefecture Committee of the CPC (中共滇南地委旧址): Learn about revolutionary history and feel the spirit of red culture.
  Recommended visiting time: 1 hour
• Podie Village (坡垤村): A traditional Chinese village where you can explore the lifestyle and customs of the Sani people, including visiting traditional earth houses (土掌房).
  Recommended visiting time: 2 hours
• Wenchang Palace (文昌宫): Discover the cultural and educational legacy of a century-old school.
  Recommended visiting time: 1 hour

Transportation

• Public Transportation: Take a local bus or minibus from Yuanjiang County town to Wadie Township. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.
• Self-Driving: Navigate to the Wadie Township Government (洼垤乡政府) in Wadie Village (洼垤村); the drive takes about 40 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Wadie Township and its surrounding areas are rich in traditional flavors:

• Sani “Eight Bowls” (土八碗): A traditional banquet meal including dishes like stewed pork and chicken.
• Yi-style Roast Meat (彝族烤肉): A festive delicacy enjoyed during traditional celebrations.

Shopping

• Local Handicrafts: Yi embroidery and bamboo weaving can be found in local markets or craft shops.
• Agricultural Products: Fresh mangoes, dragon fruits, and other fruits can be purchased at the township’s farmers’ market.

Accommodation

• Hotels: Numerous hotel options are available in Yuanjiang County, only a short drive from Wadie Township.
• Guesthouses: Some unique local homestays are available in and around Wadie Township, providing a chance to experience authentic local life.

Travel Tips

• Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of cultural practices when visiting historical sites and participating in ethnic events.
• Protect the Environment: Avoid littering and help preserve the natural surroundings.
• Safety First: Follow safety guidelines when engaging in outdoor activities.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Yuanjiang County, head to Wadie Township, and visit the former site of the Southern Yunnan CPC Committee to learn about red history.
Day 2: Explore Podie Village and experience the folk customs of the Sani people; in the afternoon, visit Wenchang Palace.
Day 3: Return to Yuanjiang County for shopping and food tasting before concluding your trip.

Wadie Township (洼垤乡) captivates visitors with its rich historical heritage, vibrant ethnic customs, and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re walking through the historic revolutionary sites or immersing yourself in the traditional life of the Sani people, this land offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. May your journey through Wadie Township be filled with discovery and delight.