Xisa Town of Xichou County in Wenshan Prefecture
Xisa Town (西洒镇) is located in the central-northern part of Xichou County (西畴县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the county. The town lies between 104°37′07″E to 104°46′35″E and 23°22′09″N to 23°31′54″N. It spans 22.4 kilometers east to west and 20.3 kilometers north to south. It borders Jijie Township (鸡街乡) to the east, Fadou Township (法斗乡) to the south, Banggu Township (蚌谷乡) to the west, and Bagua Township (八嘎乡) and Bang’e Township (蚌峨乡) of Yanshan County (砚山县) to the north.
History and Culture
Xisa Town (西洒镇) has a long and rich history. Formerly called Dongbuna (董布那), it was renamed “Xisa” during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty when a market was relocated there, with “Xi” (西) meaning west and “Sa” (洒) derived from the local dialect. In 1939, during the 28th year of the Republic of China, 21 small townships were merged into 13, and it officially became Xisa Town. The name continued from 1950 to 1951. In October 1961, it was reorganized as Xisa Commune (西洒公社), and in 1981, Xisa Brigade (西洒大队) was separated to form Xisa Town. In May 1983, Xisa Town came under the jurisdiction of Xisa District (西洒区), and in August 1987, it was officially restored as Xisa Town.
Local Customs
Xisa Town (西洒镇) is a multi-ethnic area with populations of Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yi, and Mongolian ethnic groups. The region celebrates a variety of traditional festivals, including the Zhuang people’s “San Yue San” (三月三) and the Yi people’s Torch Festival (火把节). It is also known for its local embroidery craft and star anise (八角) cultivation culture.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Xisa Town (西洒镇) has a southern subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by mild temperatures and abundant rainfall. The average annual temperature is 15.9°C, and the annual precipitation is about 1,297.6 mm. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is comfortable and ideal for outdoor activities.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entry Fees
Southern Frontier Martyrs’ Cemetery
- Visiting Time: 1–2 hours
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Description: Located in Huaguoshan (花果山) on the northern outskirts of Xisa Town (西洒镇), the cemetery was built in 1983 and covers 20 mu (about 1.3 hectares). It features a martyrs’ memorial tower, stele, pavilion, and 156 graves honoring revolutionary heroes.
Guanyin Cave
- Visiting Time: 1 hour
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Description: Situated 1.5 kilometers southeast of Xisa Town (西洒镇), Guanyin Cave is a natural stone cave nestled in the forested slopes of Guanyin Cliff (观音崖). Inside are numerous clay statues with varied expressions and poses.
Xisa Immortal Cave Paleolithic Site
- Visiting Time: 1 hour
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Description: This site marks the location where Homo sapiens fossils known as “Xichou Man” (西畴人) were discovered, dating back to the late Paleolithic period. It holds significant archaeological value.
Transportation
External Transportation
From the Xichou County seat (西畴县城), buses to Xisa Town (西洒镇) take about 30 minutes. Self-driving via Provincial Roads S201 (广马线) and S323 (砚铁线) covers a distance of around 15 kilometers, with good road conditions.
Internal Transportation
Within the town, transportation is mainly reliant on rural roads. Visitors can rent motorcycles or local vehicles to access various attractions.
Local Cuisine
Xisa Town (西洒镇) is known for several local specialties:
- Xichou Mountain Black-Boned Chicken (西畴山地乌骨鸡): A local delicacy known for its tender and flavorful meat.
- Xingjie Oranges (兴街桔子): Sweet and juicy, a regional fruit favorite.
Shopping
Popular local products include star anise (八角), embroidery, and other handmade crafts and agricultural goods.
Accommodation
A number of rural inns and homestays are available in Xisa Town (西洒镇), offering affordable prices and comfortable lodging with an opportunity to experience local hospitality and traditions.
Travel Tips
- Some attractions are located in hilly areas—comfortable walking shoes are recommended, along with sun protection and insect repellent.
- Show respect for local customs, particularly in ethnic minority villages.
- Protect the environment by not littering and preserving natural landscapes.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Xichou County (西畴县) and travel to Xisa Town (西洒镇) by public transport or self-driving. Visit the Southern Frontier Martyrs’ Cemetery (南疆烈士陵园) to honor the memory of fallen heroes.
Day 2:
Explore Guanyin Cave (观音洞) to experience the harmony of nature and spirituality. In the afternoon, visit the Xisa Immortal Cave Paleolithic Site (西洒仙人洞旧石器时代遗址) for a glimpse into ancient human history.
Day 3:
Enjoy local cuisine at a rural guesthouse, shop for regional specialties as souvenirs, and conclude a fulfilling journey.
Xisa Town (西洒镇) is a place full of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re admiring scenic landscapes or exploring ethnic traditions, your visit will be enriching and memorable. We hope you have an unforgettable experience here.
