Xiangche River Ethnic Village

Xiangche River Ethnic Village

Xiangche River is located in Getang Town, over 30 kilometers northwest of Anlong County. By the beautiful and mystical Xiangche River, as the small waterwheels by the river turn, local people grind camphorwood into pulp, filter out the water, dry it, and mix it with other ingredients to make yellow, shiny incense sticks. During festivals, the local villagers light the incense sticks to worship the deities, praying for the prosperity of livestock, a bountiful harvest, and peace for the country and its people. The fragrance lingers ceaselessly over the villages along both banks of the river, which is why people call it Xiangche River (Fragrant Cart River).

Xiangche River is also known as "Dongguang River," and is referred to as "Lugou River" by the local ethnic minorities. It originates from the hinterlands of Ma’an Mountain in the Wumeng Mountain Range, flows through Getang Town, and eventually joins the Beipan River before flowing into the Hongshui River. The upper section starts from Donggua Village in Dongcun Village, where the Chahe River and Zhamo River meet, and extends to Longlu Village in Nali Village downstream, covering a river length of 7 kilometers. Along the river are 12 natural villages across two villages—Dongguang and Nali—home to ethnic minorities such as the Miao, Buyi, and Yi, who make up 72% of the total population. Though living along the same river, these groups differ in ethnicity, language, clothing, and customs, forming a rich and colorful ethnic culture. Notably, Dongguang and Nali stand out. The upstream Dongguang Village is predominantly Buyi, preserving traditional incense-making craftsmanship that has been passed down for thousands of years. Meanwhile, the downstream Nali Village is home to the Miao people, renowned both in China and abroad for their lusheng (reed pipe) dance, bench dance, Miao embroidery, and folk performing arts.

Xiangche River has not only nurtured the hardworking and simple Miao and Buyi peoples along its banks, but has also produced many skillful folk artisans with extraordinary talents. Ban Anfen created the “Yangsang’ou” brand of hand-embroidered ties, which have not only been worn by central leaders but have also gone abroad and been sold internationally. The master of stunts, Yang Guanghe, has further captivated audiences at home and abroad with his breathtaking performances. They are all sources of pride for the Miao people by the Xiangche River.

The beautiful Xiangche River has not only witnessed the development and changes of the villages along its banks, but has also recorded the magical and picturesque rural scenery on both sides, as well as the vibrant ethnic customs of the Buyi and Miao peoples. Xiangche River earned its name from the traditional incense-making craftsmanship passed down through generations by the villagers along the river. The long history and well-preserved incense culture of Dongguang, along with the rich ethnic customs, hold significant potential for rural tourism development.

Anlong County — Xiangche River Ethnic Village. Accessible via Provincial Highway 313; approximately a one-hour drive by car. No admission fee.

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