Benzhai Shui Ethnic Town in Dushan County, Qiannan

Location and Boundaries

Banzhai Township黔南布依族苗族自治州独山县本寨水族乡 is located in the southeastern part of Dushan County. It is bordered by Sandu County to the east, Libo County to the south, Jichang Town to the west, and Shuiyan Township to the north. Geographically, it lies between longitudes 107°42′ and 107°50′ E, and latitudes 25°37′ and 25°50′ N. The township extends 13.65 kilometers from east to west and 23.70 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 145.30 square kilometers.

Land Use and Terrain

The area has a variety of topographical features:

• The Banzhai area is characterized by high mountains on both its eastern and western sides, with flat plains in the center.
• The Wenquan area has high elevations in the south and lower elevations in the north.
• The Lamang area features a hilly terrain that is higher in the north and lower in the south, stretching from east to west.

Water bodies in the region include the Zhong’an River and Wenquan River, with a combined water surface area of 0.37 square kilometers. The average elevation is 848 meters, with an average annual temperature of 16.2°C and average annual precipitation of 950 mm. The township’s government seat is located in Tangli, 36 kilometers from the county seat. The Ceheng-Sanjiang Highway runs through the area, making transportation convenient.

The township has 20 villages with access to electricity and running water, 16 villages connected by roads and accessible by car, 2 villages with telephone service, 6 villages with mail service, and 20 rural satellite reception stations allowing residents to access multiple television channels.

Population and Ethnic Composition

Banzhai Township administers 20 administrative villages and 176 village groups. As of 2006, the total number of households was 5,766, with a population of 24,619 people. This includes 13,126 males (52%) and 11,493 females (48%), with an average population density of 171 people per square kilometer. The agricultural population numbers 22,732, accounting for 98.96% of the total population. The ethnic composition includes Han, Shui, Buyi, and Dong people, with the Buyi ethnic group numbering 11,172 and the Shui ethnic group numbering 9,779. Banzhai Township is one of the main areas in the county for the Buyi and Shui ethnic groups.

Ethnic Culture

Shui Ethnic Mawei Embroidery

Mawei embroidery is an ancient and distinctive embroidery craft of the Shui ethnic group. The process of creating Mawei embroidery is intricate and elaborate, resulting in products that are both antique and exquisitely crafted. The designs are simple, elegant, abstract, and follow specific frameworks and patterns.

Shui women have developed a keen sense of observation and aesthetics through their interactions with nature. They incorporate natural and folk elements into Mawei embroidery, creating distinctive patterns of flowers, birds, insects, and fish with strong ethnic and artistic appeal.

Mawei embroidery plays a significant role in Shui culture, with items such as embroidered shoulder straps, embroidered pointed shoes, and embroidered hats used in various ceremonies. For example, after a Shui woman marries and has her first child, Mawei embroidered items like shoulder straps and silver Buddha hats are given as gifts, symbolizing wealth and good fortune.

Shui Ethnic Duan Festival

The Duan Festival is the most significant traditional festival of the Shui ethnic group. According to Shui texts, the festival is celebrated in October each year in Banzhai Township. During this time, the township is filled with festive cheer. Houses are thoroughly cleaned, and offerings of fish, chives, tofu, glutinous rice, and fruits are prepared in homes.

Families take turns enjoying the festive wine, and people gather to watch horse races on Duan Slope. Before the races, a ceremonial table with offerings is set up, and esteemed elders conduct rituals. The horse races commence with riders galloping along the designated route amidst cheers and applause.

In the evening, after the races, locals and visitors celebrate together with music, dance, and festivities, enjoying the communal joy of the festival.

Tourist Attractions

Yangchang Hot Springs

Located in Banzhai Township, the Yangchang Hot Springs have a flow rate of 103.68 m³ and a constant temperature of 38°C. It is the only hot spring in Qiannan Prefecture. The hot spring is situated in a scenic valley with clear streams and lush green mountains, offering picturesque views.

Nearby attractions include the Liangdong Spectacular, Shui Ethnic Copper Drum Dance, and various traditional dances such as the Bui’s Rhythmic Dance, Lion Dance, Lu Mao Dance, and folk lantern art. These attractions make the hot springs a stunning feature of southern Guizhou with significant potential for comprehensive development.

How to Get There

To reach Banzhai Township, travel to Dushan County first. From there, you can drive or use local transportation options to get to the township. The Ceheng-Sanjiang Highway facilitates easy access to the area.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The optimal time to visit is from April to October when the weather is generally pleasant.
• Local Attractions: Don’t miss the hot springs and traditional Shui festivals if you are visiting during festival times.
• Weather and Clothing: Be prepared for variable weather; bring appropriate clothing for both warm and cooler conditions. Rain gear is advisable, especially during the rainy season.
• Accommodation: Check local lodging options in advance, as accommodations can fill up quickly during festival periods.
• Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when participating in or observing cultural events and ceremonies.