Xiajinchang Town of Malipo County in Wenshan Prefecture

Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡) is located in the southwestern part of 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 borders Guanba County (官坝县) in Vietnam (越南) to the southeast, Malipo Town (麻栗镇) to the southwest, Bolin Township (柏林乡) of Xichou County (西畴县) to the northwest, and Babu Township (八布乡) to the northeast. It is about 12 kilometers from the county seat and covers a total area of approximately 204 square kilometers.

History and Culture

The name Xiajinchang (下金厂) originated in the Qing Dynasty, when gold panning and processing factories were established in the area. It was designated as Jinchang Township (金厂乡) in 1950, became a commune in 1971, changed to a district in 1984, and was officially renamed Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡) in 1988. The township was once home to the offices of the CPC Guangxi-Yunnan Border Committee (中共桂滇边工委), the CPC Southeast Yunnan Committee (中共滇东南工委), and the People’s Democratic Government of Malipo County (麻栗坡县人民民主政府). It is now a third-batch prefecture-level cultural relics protection site in Wenshan Prefecture (文山州).

Local Customs

Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡) is a multi-ethnic area, home to Han (汉族), Yao (瑶族), and Miao (苗族) communities, who make up 24.34% of the population. These ethnic groups preserve a rich variety of traditional folk customs, including:

  • Yao Panwang Festival (盘王节): An important festival among the Yao people, dedicated to ancestor worship and praying for peace and harvest.
  • Miao Huashan Festival (花山节): A traditional Miao celebration held from the 3rd to 9th day of the first lunar month, featuring lusheng dancing, singing contests, and horse racing.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡) features a subtropical monsoon climate, with great elevation variation and uneven distribution of heat and rainfall. The area is known for its unique microclimates—“ten miles, different weather; one mountain, four seasons.” The annual average temperature is 16.5°C, with an average frost-free period of 290 days. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is most pleasant for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entry Fees

Former Site of the CPC Guangxi-Yunnan Border Committee Office

  • Visiting Time: 1–2 hours
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: A significant historical site that bears witness to the revolutionary efforts of early Communist leaders.

Dahei Mountain

  • Visiting Time: 2 hours
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: The highest point in Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡), standing at 2,288 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the township.

Xiajinchang Village

  • Visiting Time: 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: The central village of the township, ideal for exploring local folk traditions and rural life.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Shuttle buses are available from Malipo County (麻栗坡县) to Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡), with a travel time of around 30 minutes.
  • Self-Drive: Travel via the Ma-Ba Highway (麻八公路), covering approximately 12 kilometers on well-maintained roads.

Local Cuisine

Popular local dishes in Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡) include:

  • Chicken Stewed with Tsaoko (草果炖鸡): A specialty made with locally grown tsaoko fruit.
  • Corn Cakes (玉米粑粑): A traditional snack with a sweet and fragrant flavor.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local agricultural products such as tsaoko (草果), corn (玉米), and rice (稻谷), which are not only delicious but also make for excellent souvenirs.

Accommodation

Several family-run inns and guesthouses are available in Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡), offering affordable prices and a comfortable environment for an authentic local experience.

Travel Tips

  • Some attractions are located in mountainous areas, so wear comfortable sneakers and prepare for sun and insect protection.
  • Respect local customs, especially in ethnically diverse villages.
  • Help protect the environment by not littering and preserving natural landscapes.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Malipo County (麻栗坡县), then take public transport or drive to Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡). Visit the former site of the CPC Guangxi-Yunnan Border Committee Office (中共桂滇边工委办公地旧址).

Day 2:
In the morning, hike Dahei Mountain (大黑山) and enjoy scenic views. In the afternoon, visit Xiajinchang Village (下金厂村) to experience local folk culture.

Day 3:
Taste specialty cuisine at a local family inn and shop for regional products before wrapping up your enjoyable journey.

Xiajinchang Township (下金厂乡) is a place full of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re admiring its scenic landscapes or exploring its traditional customs, your visit will be both memorable and rewarding. We hope you have a wonderful time here.