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Bamei Village is located at the junction of Bada and Ake Townships in the northern part of Guangnan County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Surrounded by mountains and inaccessible by road, the village is primarily accessible through two natural limestone caves in front and behind the village. Villagers must traverse the several kilometers of dark caves, traversing the rock face, paddling bamboo rafts, canoes, or boats. Due to its remote location and inconvenient transportation, Bamei Village has long been isolated from the outside world, remaining in a semi-enclosed state. The village presents an idyllic scene of agrarian life, where men farm and women weave, chickens and dogs coexist, and neighbors live in harmony. It is a rare "paradise" in 21st-century China.
Subtropical monsoon climate, best in spring and autumn.
Bamei Village is home to the Zhuang ethnic group. "Bame," a transliteration of the Zhuang language, means "cave in the forest." With its beautiful scenery and rich ethnic flavor, it's a favorite destination for photography enthusiasts. The sunrises at Bamei are also breathtaking, so getting up early to admire them is definitely worth the trip.
free
All day
Bamei is a small village in the Wenshan region of Yunnan, known for its unique landscape of karst peaks and rice terraces. It is home to the Hani ethnic group, who have been farming in the area for centuries, creating some of the most stunning terraced rice fields in China.
Bamei is located in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in southern Yunnan, China. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from the Wenshan city center, approximately a 2-hour drive away. There is no metro in this region, so taxis or local transport are your best options.
Bamei can be visited year-round, but the best times are from April to October when the weather is mild and the rice terraces are green. The winter months can be colder, and some areas may be inaccessible due to rain or snow. Most attractions in Bamei are open from 8 AM to 6 PM.
The entrance fee to the Bamei Village and surrounding areas typically ranges from 50 to 100 CNY, depending on the specific sites you visit. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through local tour operators. Online booking options may be available through travel agencies or platforms like Ctrip.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance during peak travel seasons (spring and autumn). Booking 1-2 days ahead should be sufficient, but for group tours or specific activities like boat rides, it’s better to book a week in advance.
A 1-2 day visit is ideal for exploring Bamei Village and its main attractions. For a more relaxed experience and to enjoy trekking or additional activities, consider spending 2-3 days in the area.
Guided tours are available in Bamei, and some guides speak English. It's best to book a tour in advance for a better experience, especially if you're looking for an English-speaking guide. Audio guides may be available in Chinese, and certain tour agencies might offer multilingual guides.
Night visits are not common in Bamei, as it is a rural area. However, some cultural performances or events may be organized during the peak tourist season. The main activities are best enjoyed during the day.
Bamei is generally not as crowded as other major tourist destinations in Yunnan. Weekdays and off-season months (November to March) are the least crowded times to visit, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Bamei has basic facilities including public toilets, local food stalls, and small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. It’s advisable to bring water and snacks, especially if you plan on trekking or exploring the countryside.
Bamei is a rural area with uneven terrain, so access for elderly or disabled visitors may be challenging, especially in the countryside and during hikes. However, the main village and certain attractions are accessible for children and the elderly with some effort.
Cash is still widely accepted in Bamei, although mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are becoming more common in the area. It’s a good idea to carry cash, especially for smaller transactions or rural shops.
Bamei offers a few small local eateries serving traditional Yunnan cuisine, including rice and vegetable dishes, as well as Hani specialties. For more variety, you may want to travel to nearby towns such as Wenshan, which has more dining options.
Vegetarian food options are available in Bamei, particularly with rice, vegetables, and tofu dishes. Vegan and halal options are more limited but can be found in nearby towns like Wenshan.
Bamei has basic accommodations, such as guesthouses and small inns, offering a cozy, local experience. For more luxury options, you may need to stay in Wenshan or larger towns nearby.
You can find local handicrafts such as woven textiles, pottery, and wooden carvings in Bamei. These items make for excellent souvenirs representing the local Hani culture.
Buses and taxis can take you from Bamei to Wenshan, which has more transport options for onward travel to other cities in Yunnan or southern China. The nearest airport is in Wenshan, offering flights to major cities.
