Zhela Town of Yanshan County in Wenshan Prefecture

Zhela Township (者腊乡) is located in the eastern part of Yanshan County (砚山县), within Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). The township government is situated 22 kilometers from the county seat. It borders Bang’e Township (蚌峨乡) to the east, Panlong Township (盘龙乡) to the south, Jiangna Town (江那镇) to the west, and Ameng Town (阿猛镇) to the north. The Yanguang Expressway (砚广高速公路) passes through the township, providing convenient transportation.

History and Culture

The name “Zhela” (者腊) comes from the Zhuang language: “zhe” means “middle,” and “la” refers to “ridge,” together meaning “the place on the ridge.” In 1958, the area of present-day Zhela Township (者腊乡) was part of the Qianjin Commune (前进公社). In 1961, it became Zhela Commune (者腊公社) under Ameng District (阿猛区), was renamed as a district in 1965, and officially became Zhela Township (者腊乡) in 1988.

Local Customs

Zhela Township (者腊乡) is inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, including Han, Zhuang, Yi, Miao, Hui, and Dai. The Zhuang people celebrate traditional festivals such as the “March 3rd Festival” (三月三) and the “Qilang Festival” (七郎节), the latter held annually on the first day of the seventh lunar month. This festival is considered solemn and significant in the local Zhuang culture.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Zhela Township (者腊乡) enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by hot and rainy summers, ample sunshine, and a long frost-free period. The average annual temperature is about 16°C, and the average annual rainfall is approximately 1,050 mm, mostly concentrated between June and August. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Time, and Entry Fees

Zhela Village

  • Visiting Time: 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: The central area of Zhela Township (者腊乡), ideal for experiencing local customs and rural life.

Liuzhao Village

  • Visiting Time: 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: Named after the “chonghe” stream and tung trees in the village, it offers beautiful natural scenery.

Keqiu Village

  • Visiting Time: 1 hour
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Description: The name means “green water pond” in the Zhuang language; one of the most important villages in the township.

Transportation

External Transportation

Passenger buses run from Yanshan County (砚山县) to Zhela Township (者腊乡), taking about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive along the Yanguang Expressway (砚广高速公路) for approximately 22 kilometers on well-maintained roads.

Internal Transportation

Transportation within the township relies mainly on rural roads. Motorcycles or local vehicles can be rented to reach scenic areas.

Local Cuisine

Zhela Township (者腊乡) features several distinctive local dishes:

  • Yanshan Tianqi Steamed Chicken (砚山三七汽锅鸡): Made with the local herb “tianqi” (三七), known for its nutritional benefits.
  • Luokezhe Chili (倮可者辣椒): A locally grown chili variety with a unique flavor.

Shopping

Visitors can purchase local specialty agricultural products and handicrafts such as tianqi (三七), chili peppers, and Zhuang embroidery (壮族刺绣).

Accommodation

Several farmhouse inns and homestays are available in Zhela Township (者腊乡), offering affordable prices, comfortable environments, and the chance to experience local life.

Travel Tips

  • Some attractions are in mountainous areas; comfortable sports shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.
  • Respect local customs, especially in ethnic minority villages.
  • Protect the environment by not littering and preserving natural landscapes.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Yanshan County (砚山县), then take public transportation or drive to Zhela Township (者腊乡). Visit Zhela Village (者腊村) to experience traditional rural culture.

Day 2:
In the morning, explore Liuzhao Village (六诏村) and admire its natural beauty; in the afternoon, visit Keqiu Village (克丘村) for a taste of rural life.

Day 3:
Enjoy local specialties at a farmhouse, shop for regional products, and conclude your journey on a delightful note.

Zhela Township (者腊乡) is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to its scenic landscapes or its ethnic customs, you’ll find the experience rewarding. We hope you have a memorable and enriching stay.