Hekou Yao Autonomoous County(河口瑶族自治县), Hekou County for short, is an autonomous county under the administration of Honghe Prefecture. It is the only Yao autonomous county in Yunnan. Its county seat is Hekou Town. Hekou County is located in the southern part of Yunnan Province, the southeastern part of Honghe Prefecture, and borders the northern Vietnamese city of Lao Cai. Since the opening-up to the world, Hekou county has vigorously developed port economy and trade, and has established good economic cooperation relations with Lao Cai of Vietnam.
- Location: Hekou is situated in the southern part of Yunnan Province, bordering Vietnam to the south. It is approximately 470 kilometers southeast of Kunming, the provincial capital.
Top Attractions:
- Hekou Port: As a major border crossing between China and Vietnam, Hekou Port is a bustling hub of activity, offering a glimpse into cross-border trade and cultural exchange. Visitors can observe the flow of goods and people between the two countries and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the port.
- Hekou Yao Autonomous County: Explore the Hekou Yao Autonomous County, home to the Yao ethnic minority. Discover the unique culture, traditions, and architecture of the Yao people, and visit local villages to experience their way of life firsthand.
- Honghe Hekou National Gate Scenic Area: Visit the Honghe Hekou National Gate Scenic Area, a natural attraction renowned for its stunning landscapes and scenic viewpoints. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and lush vegetation.
Highlights of Hekou County
1. The Frontier County: It borders Lao Cai of Vietnam. It is an important passage from Yunnan to Vietnam, which is suitable for cross-border tourism.
2. Ethnic Groups: Ethnic minorities in Hekou County make up 61.58% of population. Main ethnic minority groups are Yao, Miao, Yi, Zhuang, Dai, Buyi. It is the only Yao autonomous county in Yunnan Province.
3. Historical Sites: Enjoying the long and profound history and culture, historical sites in Hekou can help you learn more about the past, such as Gushan Paleolithic Site and Site of the Former Custom.
4. Ethnic Culture: Hekou County is the principle habitation of Yao in Yunnan province, Panwang Festival is the grandest festival of Yao ethnic group.