The scenic area of Puzhehei is located in Qiubei County, Whenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Region, which is one of the eight autonomous regions of ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province. It consists of eight counties, Wenshan, Yanshan, Qiubei, Guangnan, Funing, Xizhou, Maguan, and Malipo. The region lies in the southeast of Yunnan, and it borders Honghe and Qujing prefectures and Guangxi Province. It also shares a 438-kilometer boundary with Vietnam, which brings a diverse range of topography and an incredible array of animals and plant species. 

    Puzhehei Scenic Area covers an area of 165 square kilometers. The whole scenic area consists of three parts—Puzhehei, Chongtou, and Wenliu; as well as other scenic spots. Altogether there are about 109 scenic spots in this area. Of the three parts in the area, Puzhehei is the major and well-developed part and is noted for its karst landscape with abundant lakes, mountain peaks, caves, and valleys. Some people say it is a miniature of Guilin topography in Guangxi Province. 

    Indeed, there is a lake group in the scenic region. The major water route is about 21 kilometers long, consisting of three lakes. As the water supply is from underground sources, the lake water is clear and free from industrial pollution. 

    In the area, there are numerous mountain peaks, an estimated number of more than 300. Some low, some high, some thin, some fat, some close, some far, all stand compactly in the lake. Some of them look like cones, others like Chinese steamed bread, wearing plants and flowers as their hats and clothes. Their images reflect and wave slightly in the clear lake water. The beautiful scenery is available nowhere else other than in Guilin, Guangxi Province. 

        In such beauty of nature, people could boat, get close to the bosom of the clear water and green mountain peaks. The traditional canoe of the local Sani people is no more than 3-feet wide, merely spacious enough for 5 people. But it sails fast in the water. As the canoe sails forward and makes its turns, varied views come to meet visitors' eyes. The water is so clear that one feels like giving it a light touch and taking a sip. Or one would like to leave the canoe lingering amidst the expanse of clear water or green lotus leaves, fishing or simply lying down and enjoying oneself. Joyful and relieved, the visitor is surrounded by the fragrance of lotus flowers and all nature. 

    In Puzhehei, tourists are also able to experience the local ethnic cultures and customs. Of the various Sani customs, Blackening Faces with Soot may be more interesting and funny for visitors. It is a yearly traditional ceremony for local people.  On that occasion, young men and girls would mix soot with lard, and try to put them on others' faces, the more the better. Some young men and girls do that on purpose. They take that occasion to choose their loved ones and express their love to each other. The ceremony is important for local people to keep their way of life and to maintain their ethnic community. 

    The ceremony today is also held as a special welcoming ceremony for tourists. The other thing a visitor needs to try is the local delicacy. The name of the place, Puzhehei, is from the Yi language, meaning a pond full of fish and shrimps. There are many kinds of fish and shrimp in the lake. They are not only fresh but also free from pollution. Local Sani people cook a kind of porridge with lotus leaves. It has a special flavor and can relieve one's thirst and fatigue. 

Photo Resource: Internet

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