Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town in Jinning County, Kunming 

Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town is located in the southwest of Jinning County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, about 65 kilometers away from Kunming’s main urban area. It is bordered by Yuxi Hongta District to the east, Eshan County to the south, Yimen County to the west, and Jinning County to the north.

Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town has a long history and is one of the two ethnic minority towns in Jinning County. It is named after the Yi ethnic group residing in the area. During the Qing Dynasty, it belonged to Kunming County. In 1950, it was under the jurisdiction of Kunming County’s Third District. In 1953, it was incorporated into Kunming City’s Sixth District. In 1956, it became part of Jinning District. In 1958, it was established as Xiyang Commune. In 1984, it was renamed Xiyang Office, and in 1987, it was officially designated as Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town.

The Yi people in Xiyang have a rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals such as the Torch Festival and the Insect King Festival. Yi women’s traditional attire is distinctive, featuring elements like the “rooster comb hat,” which symbolizes good fortune and happiness. Traditional dances include the Flat Drum Dance and Bamboo Stick Dance, and they are known for their folk songs and handicrafts.

Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town has a diverse economy, with agriculture and industry as the mainstays. The agricultural sector focuses on crops like rice, corn, and chili peppers, while the industrial sector has developed rapidly in recent years. The town is home to several industrial parks and enterprises, contributing significantly to the local economy. In recent years, the town has also seen growth in the service industry, particularly in tourism and cultural industries.

Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town has a well-developed transportation network, with convenient access to major highways and railways. The town is connected to Kunming’s main urban areas by multiple bus routes, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town is rich in tourism resources, featuring unique Yi ethnic culture and natural scenery. Attractions include the Yi Folklore Exhibition Hall, where visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Yi people. The town also hosts vibrant ethnic festivals such as the Torch Festival and the Insect King Festival, which attract numerous visitors each year. Additionally, the town’s natural landscapes and rural experiences offer visitors a chance to connect with nature and local culture.

Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town features a complex terrain with significant altitude differences, ranging from the highest point at Leida Mountain (2,563 meters) to the lowest at Xiaoshiban River (1,340 meters). This creates a unique microclimate, with fertile soil in the river valleys due to the lower altitude, longer sunshine, and shorter frost periods. The area is known for its high-quality agricultural products such as glutinous rice, sunflower seeds, and red chili peppers.

Xiyang Yi Ethnic Town is home to several traditional villages that have been listed in the Chinese Traditional Villages Directory. These villages, such as Muzha Village, Yizige Village, and Duhe Village, preserve traditional Yi ethnic architecture and cultural heritage. The villages are characterized by their well-preserved traditional houses, stone walls, and cultural decorations, reflecting the rich Yi ethnic traditions.

In recent years, the town has made significant efforts to protect and restore its traditional villages. Infrastructure improvements, public environmental enhancements, and the preservation of ancient buildings have been implemented. These efforts have helped maintain the historical environment and traditional style of the town, ensuring its sustainable development.