Gasa Huayao Dai Town
戛洒镇
A Huayao Dai town on the banks of the Gasa River. Its market, held once every five days, along with the Huayao Dai costumes and food, are the main attractions.
Gasa Town lies in the valley of the Gasa River, an upper stretch of the Red River, on the eastern foothills of the Ailao Mountains. It sits at about 600 meters above sea level, with a hot, dry valley climate and mild winters. The town is home to a mix of Huayao Dai and Yi people. The big market is held on the 1st and 6th of each month, that is, on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 26th. Huayao Dai women wear embroidered waist belts and bamboo hats as they shop. Visitors can try Dai-style barbecue, duck-foot congee, pickled duck eggs, and tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango. The traditional Flower Street Festival is held in the first month of the lunar calendar. Entry to the town is free, and it makes a good base for exploring the Ailao Mountains and Huayao Dai villages. Getting there: about 4 hours by car from Kunming via the Yu-Yuan Expressway and Xinping County town.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Dabinglangyuan Village
- Longxi Clan Manor
- Chu Orange Manor
- Shimen Gorge (Xinping)
- Ailao Tea Horse Road
- Jinshan Primeval Forest
- Nan'en Waterfall
- Damuyu Village (Mosha)