Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

Located in southeastern Yunnan Province, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture borders Yunnan, Guangxi, and Vietnam with a 438-kilometer border. Covering 31,500 square kilometers, it administers one county-level city (Wenshan) and seven counties (Yanshan, Xichou, Malipo, Maguan, Qiubei, Guangnan, and Funing), with a permanent population of approximately 3.372 million (end of 2024). As China's only autonomous prefecture for Zhuang and Miao ethnic groups, Wenshan boasts a long history with human activity dating back 50,000 years. Established as a commandery during Emperor Wu of Han's reign, it was known as Guangnan and Kaihua Prefectures during the Ming and Qing dynasties before officially becoming an autonomous prefecture in 1958. Must-Visit Attractions Puzhehei Scenic Area (Qiubei County) Famous for karst peaks, lakes, and caves, this site gained fame as a filming location for "Eternal Love." Boat tours through "water terraces" are magical, especially when lotus flowers bloom in summer. Unique experiences: Lotus flower banquet, cave exploration, stargazing camping. Bamei Scenic Area (Guangnan County) The real-life "Peach Blossom Spring" described by Tao Yuanming. Visitors enter the village by boat through a dark water cave, experiencing preserved Zhuang farming culture and pristine rural landscapes. Shede Grassland (Qiubei County) A 2,000-meter-high plateau meadow dubbed "Little Shangri-La," featuring grazing livestock and wildflowers, perfect for hiking and photography. Sanla Waterfall (Guangnan County) Meaning "where three streams converge" in Zhuang language, this 70-meter waterfall roars so loudly it can be heard miles away. Liulang City·Herbal Wonderland (Guangnan County) Features a millennium-old dendrobium corridor and Song Dynasty battlefield ruins. Enjoy health-boosting dendrobium banquets and stargazing from forest lodges. Malipo Cizhuba Cloud Tribe Offers sea of clouds, starry skies, and primeval forests, ideal for alpine hiking and ethnic culture experiences. Food Map: From Spicy to Savory Wenshan cuisine blends Zhuang, Miao, and Han flavors, renowned for its "sour, spicy, fresh, and fragrant" profile: Prefecture Classics Sanqi Steamed Pot Chicken: Wenshan's "king of medicinal cuisine," slow-cooked with pseudoginseng roots for golden, nourishing broth. Sour Hotpot: Spicy-sour broth with free-range chicken or beef, refreshed with mint leaves. Mala Chicken: Marinated in Sichuan pepper and chili, a must-try late-night snack. Wild Mushroom Rice Noodles: Simmered with termite mushrooms and porcini for rich umami flavors. County Specialties Yanshan: Hand-shredded chicken, beef hotpot, fish with fermented bean sauce. Xichou: Soft-finned carp (Molong No.1), black-bone chicken with bamboo shoots. Qiubei: Lotus banquet (tempura, lotus leaf wraps), Qiubei chili chicken salad. Maguan: Lakor ham (agate-colored), Laji fermented black beans (pungent aroma). Funing: Black sticky rice cakes, chewy rice rolls, pickled river fish. Night Markets & Snacks Wenshan City: BBQ (beef, tofu), cold dishes (rice rolls, noodles), Pingba stinky tofu. Festival Foods: Zhuang colorful rice, Dalian cakes, Yao ethnic oil tea. Travel Tips Best seasons: March-April for Puzhehei peach blossoms, June-August for wild mushrooms, September-November for Bamei countryside. Transport: 2-hour high-speed rail from Kunming to Wenshan; most attractions accessible by car. Cultural experiences: Join Zhuang "March 3rd" and Miao "Flower Mountain" festivals; explore Poya Song Book (pictographic writing heritage).