Butuo

Introducing Butuo

Butuo County, part of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, is located in the Daliangshan Mountains in the southeastern part of Liangshan Prefecture. Its geographical coordinates are 102°43′–103°04′ east longitude and 27°16′–27°56′ north latitude, 114 kilometers from the prefecture's capital, Xichang. It borders Zhaojue, Puge, Ningnan, and Jinyang counties, and faces Qiaojia County in Yunnan Province across the Jinsha River. Established in March 1955, Butuo County is a semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral county in a high-altitude mountainous area inhabited by the Yi ethnic group. The county covers an area of ​​1,685 square kilometers, with 316,500 mu of cultivated land, 840,000 mu of forest land, and 1.18 million mu of grassland. Butuo County administers three towns, 27 townships, and 189 administrative villages. As of 2010, the county had a population of approximately 140,000, with Yi ethnic minority members comprising 94% of the total.

Butuo, also known as Jilabute, is a transliteration of the Yi word "bute," where "bute" means hedgehog and "te" means pine. The name means "a place with hedgehogs and pine trees." It is home to the Adu people of the Yi ethnic group and the birthplace of the Yi Torch Festival. It is known as the "Hometown of China's Yi Torch Culture," the "Hometown of China's Yi Torch Festival," and the "Holy Land of the Torch Festival."

Climate and best time to travel

Butuo County belongs to the subtropical northern Yunnan plateau climate zone, characterized by a three-dimensional climate with four seasons within the mountain and varying weather patterns within ten miles. Its characteristics are long winters and short summers, cold weather, abundant rainfall, distinct dry and wet seasons, ample sunshine, and frequent disasters. The average annual temperature near the county seat is 10.1°C, with a maximum annual average of 10.7°C and a minimum annual average of 9.4°C. The hottest month is July, with an average monthly temperature of 17.3°C, and the coldest is January, with an average monthly temperature of 1.4°C. The average annual precipitation is 1,114.7 mm, concentrated between June and September. The average annual sunshine hours are 1,996 hours, with a maximum temperature of 30.3°C and a minimum temperature of -25.4°C. Natural disasters include heavy rain, mudslides, hail, drought, cold waves, and cold, rainy weather.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Torch Festival

The folk customs of Butuo County are simple and honest, and the Yi people are warm and hospitable. Every July, the county holds the Yi Torch Festival with Yi beauty pageants, bullfighting, sheep fighting, horse racing and other activities as the main contents. The Yi people in their best costumes cheer, jump, sing and dance in the fire, showing the simple Yi customs and traditional Yi culture. The Torch Festival here is famous for its simplicity and primitiveness. In 2008, Butuo County was awarded the title of "Hometown of China's Yi Torch Festival" by the China Folk Literature and Art Association.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Butuo

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Butuo is a county in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. It is known for being a center of Yi ethnic culture, traditions, and festivals. The area also has historical significance related to local governance and Yi heritage.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Butuo is located in southern Sichuan, within Liangshan Prefecture. Access is mainly by road via buses from Xichang or other regional cities. Local transport includes taxis and walking within town and villages.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Most cultural sites and markets are open 8:00–18:00.
• Best months to visit: April to October for mild weather and festival events.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Many cultural and village sites do not have an entrance fee. Certain festivals or guided cultural tours may require a small fee. Tickets are usually purchased offline locally.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is generally not required unless attending special festival events. For guided tours, 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

• 1 day for town and nearby villages.
• 2–3 days to attend festivals and explore surrounding areas fully.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Traditional Yi villages and cultural centers
• Local markets with handicrafts and textiles
• Temples and religious sites
• Scenic surrounding hills for hiking

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours may be arranged locally, mainly in Mandarin. Limited English-speaking guides are available through travel agencies.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Hills overlooking the town and villages
• Yi festival events and cultural performances
• Traditional village streets and markets

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the town center and markets, then visit nearby Yi villages, local temples, and finish with a hillside viewpoint for panoramic photos.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are limited. Cultural events or festival performances may offer special evening programs.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The area is generally quiet. Festivals attract crowds, while weekdays outside major holidays are least crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Basic public toilets and rest areas in town and villages
• Local restaurants and street food stalls
• Shops for handicrafts and daily necessities

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Town and markets are mostly accessible. Village visits and hillside hikes may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is commonly used in rural areas. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted in larger town shops.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Local Sichuan and Yi cuisine restaurants in town
• Street food vendors and small cafes
• Some guesthouses provide meals

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at some restaurants; Halal food may be limited.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Local budget hotels and guesthouses in Butuo town
• Homestays in Yi villages for cultural immersion

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Nearby Yi villages and cultural centers
• Hiking trails in surrounding hills
• Markets and temples in nearby towns within Liangshan Prefecture

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Yi ethnic textiles and handicrafts
• Traditional jewelry and decorative items
• Local food products and herbs

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Buses to other towns in Liangshan Prefecture
• Private car hire for regional travel
• Taxi services within the county