Bamei Town (坝美镇) is often described as a real-life paradise, reminiscent of the idyllic scene depicted in the famous poem “Tao Hua Yuan Ji” by the Eastern Jin poet Tao Yuanming, which begins with the lines: “At the end of the forest, there is a source of water, leading to a mountain. There is a small entrance to the mountain, seemingly illuminated.” For the residents of Bamei Town, this description of a utopia feels like a reflection of their own home.
The name “Bamei” is a transliteration from the Zhuang language, meaning “the entrance to the cave in the forest.” This picturesque village is home to just over 100 households and about 600 villagers, primarily belonging to the Shazhi branch of the Zhuang ethnic group. The community is known for its simple and friendly customs, with villagers welcoming visitors with sincerity and warmth.
To reach Bamei Town, visitors must first navigate through a massive karst cave by boat. As you journey upstream in the dark cave, you eventually emerge into the light, where the beautiful scenery of Bamei Town unfolds before your eyes. A gentle river flows through the village, and wisps of smoke rise from the thatched roofs of homes nestled among bamboo groves. At the village entrance stands a grand banyan tree, with its long branches gracefully draping over a bamboo bridge that spans the river. Standing on this bridge, one can take in the breathtaking rural landscape that surrounds this enchanting village.
Travel Information about Bamei Town
Ticket and Opening Hours
Admission Fee: 100 yuan (includes transportation within the scenic area).
Opening Hours: Open all day, but boats in the caves are generally available only during the daytime.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit is around the Lunar New Year, when the entire village is blanketed in peach blossoms, creating a picturesque landscape. In summer, the village is lush with greenery, where the blue mountains and clear waters harmonize, resembling a paradise on earth.
Getting There
Location: Guangnan County, Wenshan Prefecture.
Public Transport: Although Bamei is a newly developed tourist attraction, Guangnan has opened a well-maintained road leading to Bamei. You can take Bus 3 directly to Bamei.
Attraction Rating
- Cultural: ★★★
- Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
Highlights of Bamei Town
Remote Gographical Location
The homes in Bamei Town are scattered across the southwest-facing hills, sheltered by towering banyan trees. From a distance, only a few houses are visible, with wisps of smoke rising gently from their chimneys, surrounded by a sea of blooming camellia flowers. If you listen closely, you can hear the distant sounds of chickens crowing, dogs barking, and birds singing melodiously. The scenery in Bamei Town is beautifully serene, characterized by majestic peaks and clear waters, with shady trees creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Legend has it that during times of war, bandits coveted Bamei’s advantageous geographical location and its abundance of resources. However, several attempts to invade were thwarted by the town’s natural defenses. No one could access Bamei from the mountains, and the dark karst cave posed a nightmare for the intruders. The people of Bamei were able to live in peace and pursue their lives without disruption, enjoying the simple pleasures of life while tending to their affairs in this idyllic setting.
Due to its remote geographical location, Bamei Town remains isolated from the outside world, and its residents still adhere to farming practices that have been in place for over 300 years. They use wooden plows and harrows for tilling the land and rely on ancient wooden waterwheels for irrigation. The villagers grow their own cotton and weave their own fabrics, while rice milling and flour grinding are done using water mills or stone mills. Cooking is done over wood-fired stoves.
Zhuang Ethnic Group
Bamei is home to over 100 households of the Zhuang ethnic group, and it is said that there has never been a criminal case reported in the village. Each day, the people of Bamei rise with the sun and return home at dusk, leading a simple and carefree life without the need to rush or stress over work obligations. After dark, the activities are limited: women gather to chat and sew, while men congregate in open spaces to smoke and converse. Their discussions typically revolve around the everyday happenings of village life, such as who has welcomed a newborn, which house has been infested with termites, or tales of lightning striking a tree. These small ripples in daily life provide the village’s primary source of amusement.
Self-Contained Little Realm
Bamei is a seemingly isolated world that appears to be untouched by modern civilization. In this self-contained little realm, everything seems to continue in a steady rhythm, year after year and day after day. Life unfolds along ancient, established paths. The residents here move at a leisurely pace, largely unaffected by the advancements of modern civilization, such as airplanes and cars, which have yet to disrupt their daily routines.
The people of Bamei are acutely aware of their natural surroundings; they know precisely when the sun will rise from the gaps between the mountains and when it will cast its light on their rooftops. Although they remain quite distant from modernity, their way of life has been thoughtfully arranged by their ancestors.
The tranquility and peace of Bamei represent the wealth of its people and their shared vision for life. Embracing this environment is not only a form of protection for their culture but also a deep-seated need within themselves.
Visitor Guide for Bamei Town
Accommodation Options
Bamei Town primarily offers farmstay accommodations, which are generally simple. However, it is recommended to spend at least one night here to appreciate the beautiful morning scenery of Bamei.
Moxi Homestay (广南坝美陌溪民宿): Located within the Bamei scenic area, next to the Couple Tree scenic spot. The hotel is clean and tidy, offering a light luxury experience with stylish decorations. Breakfast includes Yunnan-style rice noodles.
Yuanxi Yuan Farmstay (缘溪圆农家乐): Conveniently situated by the river, this homestay serves delicious meals. Vegetarian dishes are reasonably priced, while meat dishes are a bit more expensive. Accommodation is also available.
Food Options
Bamei Town, predominantly inhabited by the Zhuang ethnic group, is known for its self-sufficient green foods and various cured meats. Visitors can also enjoy locally brewed rice wine. A must-try dish in Bamei is the colorful rice, which is unique to the area and reasonably priced. Be sure to visit the homes of local villagers to experience this authentic cuisine.
Important Tips
Bamei is a newly developed tourist destination, and the mobile signal in the village is poor, so be mentally prepared for limited connectivity.
To enter Bamei Town, you must pass through a nearly pitch-black water cave. It’s advisable to bring a flashlight or emergency light for illumination.
Due to the surrounding high mountains, transportation is inconvenient, and supplies are limited. It’s best to prepare some essential living items before your visit.