Tashi Yao and Shui Ethnic Town in Rongjiang County, Qiandongnan
Tashi Yao and Shui Ethnic Township黔东南苗族侗族自治州榕江县塔石瑶族水族乡 is located in the northwest of Rongjiang County, within the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou Province, China. It borders Pingyong Town to the east and southeast, Sanjiang Shui Township to the south and southwest, Dadi Town in Leishan County to the west, and Yongle Town in Leishan County to the northwest. To the north, it neighbors Pingyang Township, and to the northeast, it connects with Pingyong Town. The township government is situated 65 kilometers away from the Rongjiang County seat. The township covers a total area of 89.72 square kilometers, with a population of 10,372 as of 2019.
Originally under the jurisdiction of Dujang Prefecture during the Qing Dynasty, Tashi became a designated ethnic township for the Yao and Shui peoples in 1984. By June 2020, Tashi Yao and Shui Township governed 9 administrative villages, with the township government based in the Xinchangzhai area of Tashi Village.
Historical Evolution
Early History
During the Qing Dynasty, Tashi Yao and Shui Township was part of Dujang Prefecture. In 1913, after the establishment of the Republic of China, Dujang was reorganized as Dujang County, and Tashi fell under Zaiyong Township. In 1941, Dujang County merged with Sanhe County to form Sandu County, only to reestablish Zaiyong Township in 1942.
In 1947, the township was renamed Panshi Township under the jurisdiction of Dujang District in Sandu County. From the 1950s onwards, Tashi underwent various administrative changes, transitioning from a township to a people’s commune during the collectivization period of the People’s Republic of China, eventually becoming a designated ethnic township for the Yao and Shui peoples in 1984.
Recent Administrative Changes
By 2020, Tashi Yao and Shui Township governed 9 administrative villages, including Tashi, Zaidong, Zaiyong, Dangdiao, Zenbei, Qiaoyang, Tongliu, Dangxiang, and Dangxi. Each village contains several natural hamlets and village groups, preserving their traditional cultural and social structures.
Geography and Climate
Location and Boundaries
Tashi Yao and Shui Township is nestled in the hinterland of the Leigong Mountain range. It is surrounded by Pingyong Town to the east, Sanjiang Shui Township to the south, and several other townships and towns in Leishan County and Rongjiang County. The township’s largest east-to-west distance is 14 kilometers, and the north-to-south distance is 9 kilometers.
Terrain and Topography
The township lies on the southern slope of Leigong Mountain’s main peak. The terrain is characterized by high mountains to the west, northwest, and northeast, while the southern and southeastern areas have lower elevations. The landscape is dominated by high and mid-mountain terrains, including river valleys. The highest point in the township is Paizhu Mountain, with an altitude of 1,630 meters, while the lowest point is at the mouth of Xiangpeng Creek, at 500 meters above sea level.
Climate
Tashi Yao and Shui Township enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 16.3°C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 5.8°C, while July is the hottest, averaging 25.1°C. The area experiences an average of 320 frost-free days per year, with an annual rainfall of 1,400 millimeters.
Hydrology
The township is part of the Pearl River Basin. The main river is the Dangxiang River, which flows through the township, along with several tributaries such as the Wuniao River, Qiaosang Creek, and Ganhegou Creek.
Historical and Cultural Highlights
Origin of the Name
The name “Tashi” comes from the towering peaks of Benlongpo, Qinggangling, and Paizhushan, which resemble a pagoda (“ta”) in shape. The slopes of these mountains are covered with stones and sparse soil, giving the area its name.
Ethnic Culture
Tashi Yao and Shui Township is rich in ethnic culture, with a deep-rooted heritage that reflects the customs of the Yao, Shui, and Miao peoples. The Yao people celebrate the Panwang Festival and perform the traditional Chongchu Dance. The Shui people have unique customs such as the Reed Pipe Dance, the Watermelon Festival, and the preservation of ancient tombs. Additionally, the Miao people are known for their wax dyeing and embroidery, preserving these artistic traditions to this day. Visitors can experience the authentic and vibrant ethnic culture through these festivals and crafts, which offer a glimpse into the ancient lifestyles of these ethnic groups.
How to Get There
Tashi Yao and Shui Township is located 65 kilometers from Rongjiang County. The nearest city with better transportation access is Kaili, where travelers can take buses or arrange private transportation to reach Tashi. The area is best accessed by car or organized tours due to the remote and mountainous terrain. If you’re traveling from Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou, you can take a long-distance bus or train to Rongjiang and then make your way to the township.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The township has a temperate climate with an average yearly temperature of 16.3°C. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when temperatures are mild. Visitors during local festivals like the Yao’s Panwang Festival or the Shui’s Reed Pipe Dance Festival can witness vibrant ethnic celebrations.
- What to Bring: The region is mountainous and has a variety of terrains, so it’s important to bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and rain gear, especially during the rainy season.
- Local Transportation: Since the area is remote, local transportation options might be limited. Hiring a local guide or arranging for private transport can be helpful to navigate the hilly roads and ensure smooth travel between villages.
