Xinjie Town Scenic Area in Yuanyang County, Honghe

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Xinjie Scenic Area (新街景区) is located in the central part of Yuanyang County (元阳县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is 30 kilometers from Yuanyang County seat (Nansha Town 南沙镇) and 303 kilometers from Kunming (昆明). The town of Xinjie (新街镇) lies between 102°0’–102°49’ E and 23°05’–23°14’ N.

History and Culture

Xinjie (新街) used to be the political, economic, and cultural center of Yuanyang County (元阳县). After the county seat moved in 1991, it became Xinjie Town (新街镇). This area has long been a place where multiple ethnic groups including the Hani (哈尼族), Yi (彝族), Han (汉族), and Dai (傣族) coexisted, giving rise to a vibrant and diverse cultural heritage.

Local Customs

Xinjie Town (新街镇) is one of the core areas for experiencing Hani Terraced Fields culture and tourism in Yuanyang County (元阳县). It preserves many traditional customs. Hani festivals such as “October New Year” (十月年) and “Village Forest Worship” (祭寨神林) are filled with joy and harmony. The Hani Long Street Banquet (长街宴) is another major folk event where visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine and community celebration.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Xinjie Town (新街镇) has a subtropical mountain monsoon climate, with mild temperatures and abundant rainfall. The annual average temperature is around 16.5°C. The best time to visit is from November to April, when cloud seas are frequent, the terraces are filled with water, and light and shadow effects are at their best.

Recommended Attractions and Visiting Time

Cloud-Shrouded Mountain City (云雾山城)
Named for its year-round misty scenery, this is a great spot to view clouds, terraced fields, and mountain town landscapes.
Recommended visiting time: 1 hour

Qingkou Hani Folk Village (箐口哈尼民俗村)
A place that showcases Hani ethnic customs and terraced field culture, representing the essence of Hani Terraced Fields culture.
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Longshuba Terraced Fields (龙树坝梯田)
Famous for its sunset views, this area offers colorful terraced landscapes and ethnic countryside scenery.
Recommended visiting time: 1 hour

Tuguozhai Sunrise Terraces (土锅寨日出梯田景)
A prime location to witness breathtaking sunrises over the terraced fields.
Recommended visiting time: 1 hour

Jinzhuzhai Countryside Scenery (金竹寨田园风光景)
Experience the idyllic rural life of the Hani people.
Recommended visiting time: 1 hour

Banana Ridge Wanshi Mo Fortress (芭蕉岭山土司万氏嫫工事)
A historical site that provides insights into the local lordship economy and history.
Recommended visiting time: 1 hour

Transportation

Public Transportation:
Take a long-distance bus from Kunming South Bus Station (昆明南部客运站) to Yuanyang (元阳), which takes around 5–6 hours. From there, take a local minibus to Xinjie Town (新街镇).

Self-Driving:
From Kunming (昆明), take the Kunming–Mojiang Expressway (昆磨高速 G8511) to Yuanyang (元阳), then drive to Xinjie Town (新街镇). The total distance is about 332 kilometers.

Cuisine

• Hani Bamboo Rice (哈尼族竹筒饭): Rice steamed in bamboo tubes with a fresh and fragrant taste.
• Hani Barbecue (哈尼族烤肉): Made with local ingredients, aromatic and savory when grilled.

Shopping

You can find various local handicrafts and agricultural products in Xinjie Town (新街镇) and nearby areas, such as Hani embroidery (哈尼族刺绣) and red rice from the terraces (梯田红米).

Accommodation

There are some rural inns and homestays available near Xinjie Town (新街镇), though facilities may be basic. It’s advisable to book in advance. For a more comfortable stay, consider hotels in Yuanyang County seat (元阳县城) or Xinjie Town (新街镇).

Travel Tips

• Respect local ethnic customs, especially when visiting villages or participating in traditional festivals.
• Protect the environment; do not litter.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as some parts of the terraced area have steep paths.

Itinerary Suggestions

Day 1:
Arrive in Yuanyang County (元阳县), check into your hotel, travel to Xinjie Town (新街镇), and visit Cloud-Shrouded Mountain City (云雾山城) and Qingkou Hani Folk Village (箐口哈尼民俗村).

Day 2:
Visit Longshuba Terraced Fields (龙树坝梯田) for the sunset view, then go to Tuguozhai (土锅寨) early morning for the sunrise.

Day 3:
Tour the countryside scenery at Jinzhuzhai (金竹寨), and explore the historical Banana Ridge Wanshi Mo Fortress (芭蕉岭山土司万氏嫫工事) to learn about local history.

Xinjie Scenic Area (新街景区) is rich in natural beauty and ethnic charm. Whether you want to explore the traditional culture of the Hani people or admire the breathtaking terraced landscapes, this area promises a memorable experience. We hope you enjoy your time here．