Xiya Village of Zhetu Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Xiya Village (西牙村) belongs to the Zhetu Village Committee (者兔村委会), Zhetu Township (者兔乡), Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is located in the southwest of Zhetu Township, just 2 kilometers from the township government and about 44 kilometers from Guangnan County seat. The village lies in a semi-mountainous area, covering approximately 9 square kilometers, with an elevation of 1,426 meters, an average annual temperature of 17.6°C, and an annual rainfall of 1,056 mm.

History and Culture

Xiya Village (西牙村) was founded between the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era. Originally named “Xiya” (西芽), the name derives from the presence of four ravines within the village. In November 2014, Xiya Village was listed in the third batch of Traditional Chinese Villages (中国传统村落). The village architecture is mainly composed of traditional Zhuang stilt houses (“Diaojiaolou” 吊脚楼), many of which have a history of over a hundred years and serve as vital carriers of Zhuang culture.

Folk Customs

Xiya Village preserves many unique Zhuang cultural traditions. The stilt houses are built along the mountains, creating a spectacular layered architectural cluster. Traditional dance activities such as “Yuechangwu” (曰唱舞) and the Men’s Handkerchief Dance (男子手巾舞) are still regularly held. The village is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery: Houlong Mountain (后龙山) to the north, Jiaqian Mountain (夹千山) to the west, and Falun Mountain (法论山) to the south. The Delun River (德论河) flows west to east in front of the village, presenting the classic “back to the mountain, facing the water” landscape pattern.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Xiya Village has a subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 17.6°C and distinct seasons. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the climate is pleasant, and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful — ideal for experiencing Zhuang culture and traditional customs.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Times, and Ticket Prices

  • Traditional Village of Xiya (西牙村传统村落): Visit the well-preserved Zhuang stilt houses and experience the unique architectural style and ethnic culture. Suggested visit time: 2–3 hours. Admission: Free.
  • Nearby Attractions in Zhetu Township (者兔乡周边景点): The nearby Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon (西洋江大峡谷) offers a mix of natural beauty and leisure activities. Suggested visit time: 3–4 hours. Ticket price: approximately 50 RMB.

Transportation

  • Public Transport: Take a bus from Guangnan County to Zhetu Township (about 1 hour). Upon arrival, transfer to a rural bus or hire a car to reach Xiya Village.
  • Self-Drive: Depart from Guangnan County and drive along the Yanguang Highway (砚广公路), now designated as County Road 350 (350县道), covering a distance of about 44 kilometers with a travel time of approximately 1 hour.

Local Cuisine

Xiya Village and surrounding areas offer many local specialties such as Flower Glutinous Rice (花糯饭), Sticky Rice Cakes (粽子粑), Porcini Mushrooms (牛肝菌), and Guangnan Eight-Treasure Rice (广南八宝米). Visitors can also enjoy homemade rice wine, known for its fragrant and mellow flavor.

Shopping

You can purchase local specialties such as Guangnan Eight-Treasure Rice (广南八宝米), Dixu Tea (底圩茶), and Guangnan Dendrobium (广南铁皮石斛). Additionally, handmade Zhuang crafts such as Wenshan Miao Embroidery (文山苗绣) make excellent souvenirs.

Accommodation

There are several farm stays and guesthouses in and around Xiya Village, offering affordable prices generally between 50 and 100 RMB per person per night. For more comfortable accommodations, hotels in Guangnan County are also available.

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting traditional villages and participating in folk activities.
  • Protect the environment and avoid littering.
  • If planning to hike or engage in outdoor activities, check the weather forecast in advance and take necessary safety precautions.

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart from Guangnan County to Xiya Village, Zhetu Township. Visit the traditional village and experience Zhuang culture. Stay overnight at a local farm stay.
  • Day 2: Visit Xiyangjiang Grand Canyon for sightseeing. Return to Guangnan County in the afternoon to conclude the trip.

Xiya Village is a charming traditional village, rich in unique natural landscapes and vibrant ethnic culture. Whether strolling through the ancient village or enjoying traditional Zhuang dances, you will experience the profound atmosphere of ethnic heritage. We hope you have a memorable journey here.