Overview

Yanshan County lies in the northeastern part of Wenshan Prefecture, serving as a cultural and transportation hub between Wenshan City and the broader southeastern Yunnan region. Covering 3,888 km², it supports a population of approximately 440,000, making it one of the more densely settled counties in the prefecture (≈110 people/km²)

 

Geography & Climate

Topography: Situated on the northern edge of the Yunnan–Guangxi karst plateau, Yanshan’s terrain varies from 1,200 m to 1,700 m above sea level, with rolling hills, plateau lakes, and fertile basins.

 

Climate: It experiences a north subtropical plateau monsoon climate, with mild, short winters and warm, humid summers. Temperatures range from a low of –7.8 °C to a high of 33.4 °C, and annual rainfall averages 800–1,200 mm, concentrated May–October

 

Administrative Divisions

Yanshan administers 4 towns—Jiangna (江那镇), Pingyuan (平远镇), Jiayi (稼依镇), Ameng (阿猛镇)—and 4 Yi ethnic townships: Ashe (阿舍彝族乡), Weimo (维末彝族乡), Panlong (盘龙彝族乡), Ganhe (干河彝族乡)

 

Demographics & Ethnic Composition

Total Population: ~440,000

 

Ethnic Minorities: Comprise about 64.8% of residents (≈306,000 people), including Yi, Bai, Zhuang, Miao, Yao and Muslim Hui, with smaller communities of Dai, Lisu, Lahu, Buyi, Wa, Naxi, Yao, Bulang, and others

 

Languages: The Dai Zhuang (Wen-Ma Southern Zhuang) language is spoken by a significant Zhuang minority here

 

Economy & Agriculture

Farming: Rice and maize dominate the uplands; tobacco, tea, and vegetables thrive in the valleys.

 

Aquaculture: Plateau lakes support fisheries of carp and shrimp.

 

Industry & Services: Light food processing, handicrafts, and growing eco-tourism around plateau lakes and cultural sites.

 

Key Attractions

Yuxian Lake (浴仙湖): A 2.27 km² highland lake (avg. depth 7 m) with three central islets, framed by forested ridges—ideal for boating and birdwatching

 

Tinghu Lake (听湖): A nearby scenic water body offering panoramic plateau views and walking trails

 

Luduke Catholic Church (鲁都克天主教堂): A historic missionary-era church set against karst hills

 

Jiayi Martyrs Cemetery (稼依烈士宫) and Site of Ameng Meeting (阿猛会议旧址): Revolutionary heritage landmarks commemorating local contributions to China’s modern history

 

Numerous Mosques (e.g., Tianxin, Maoli, Sanjiacun): Reflecting the county’s Hui Muslim population and architectural diversity

 

Culture & Festivals

Yanshan’s multiethnic fabric gives rise to vibrant events:

 

Sanyuesan Festival (三月三) of the Zhuang—songs, boat races, traditional games

 

Torch Festival of the Axi Yi—bonfire dances and livestock shows

 

Panwang Festival of the Yao—ancestor worship and communal feasts

 

New Rice (Changxin) Festival of the Zhuang—harvest rituals celebrating the year’s first grain

 

Transportation

Expressway: The G8013 Yanwen Expressway links Yanshan to Wenshan City in under 30 minutes, winding through lush karst scenery

 

Highway: National Highway 323 traverses the county, connecting to Kunming and Guangxi.

 

Rail: Nearby Wenshan–Guangzhou railway stations at Wenshan City and Yanshan Airport link to Kunming and beyond.

 

Air: Wenshan Yanshan Airport (WNH) sits just 6 km from Yanshan’s center, serving over 268,000 passengers in 2021

 

 

Conclusion

Yanshan County blends plateau lakes, ancient churches, revolutionary sites, and colorful ethnic traditions into a compact, accessible county. Whether exploring highland waters, attending age‑old festivals, or tracing minority crafts and cuisines, visitors gain a deep encounter with southeastern Yunnan’s living heritage.