Tangna Village of Bamei Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan

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Chinese Name：文山壮族苗族自治州广南县坝美镇革乍村委会汤拿村
English Name: Tangna Village of Bamei Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan

Tangna Village (汤拿村) is a charming village located in the Gecha Village Committee (革乍村委会) of Bamei Town (坝美镇), Guangnan County (广南县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), in Yunnan Province (云南省). Surrounded by spectacular Karst mountain landscapes, rivers, and vast farmland, Tangna Village offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and ethnic culture. With its rich history, unique traditions, and stunning environment, Tangna is a hidden gem for travelers looking to explore authentic Zhuang culture in Yunnan.

Location and Accessibility

Tangna Village is situated about 50 kilometers from Guangnan County and 20 kilometers from Bamei Town. The village is easily accessible by road, with a connection to the G214 National Highway and the Niujie Expressway (牛街高速). The village is located in a Karst landscape area, which is characterized by striking rock formations and flowing streams, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Zhuang Culture and Heritage

Ethnic Identity

Tangna Village is predominantly inhabited by the Zhuang people (壮族), an ethnic minority group known for their distinctive culture, language, and customs. The Zhuang community in Tangna Village makes up over 90% of the village’s population, and their rich heritage can be seen in the local architecture, festivals, and daily life. The village’s cultural customs are similar to those of other Zhuang villages in southern China, particularly in the Guangxi region, but Tangna has its own unique expressions of Zhuang culture that are deeply embedded in its way of life.

Key Elements of Zhuang Culture

• Music and Dance: The Zhuang people are known for their traditional songs (山歌), which are passed down through generations. These songs are an essential part of Zhuang festivals and celebrations. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere of Zhuang Song Festivals and witness group singing and dancing by villagers, especially during important cultural and agricultural events.

• Traditional Crafts: The Zhuang people of Tangna are skilled in creating traditional crafts such as embroidery, weaving, and pottery. Visitors can learn about these crafts directly from the village’s elders, who continue to teach and preserve these skills.

• Zhuang Cuisine: The village’s culinary traditions are rich and diverse, with notable dishes including flower glutinous rice (花糯米), Zhuang dumplings (壮族粽粑), and locally sourced vegetables and meats. Zhuang rice wine (壮族米酒) is also a popular beverage during communal gatherings and ceremonies.

History and Mythology

The Legend of the Sacred Field

Tangna Village is steeped in local mythology, and one of the most well-known stories is that of the Sacred Field (四方神田). This sacred plot of land is believed to possess mystical powers. According to legend, crops in this field would mysteriously fail or suffer from pests and disease, while other fields remained fertile. The villagers believed this field was cursed and could only be cultivated by following an ancient ritual passed down through generations.

The ritual involves a ceremonial night of planting, which takes place during the 5th or 15th day of the lunar calendar. Villagers would perform offerings and prayers under the giant banyan tree (大榕树) to the spirits of the land. This ritual is believed to bring good fortune, with crops growing abundantly after the ceremony. The Sacred Field is still an essential part of Tangna’s agricultural cycle, and the ritual continues to be followed by the villagers to ensure a good harvest.

Architectural Wonders

Tangna Village’s architecture showcases the traditional Zhuang dry-stilt houses (干栏楼), which are built on raised platforms to protect from flooding and pests. These homes are typically constructed using wood and bamboo with intricate thatching. The dry-stilt houses have excellent ventilation and are designed to maintain a cool temperature in the summer and a warm atmosphere during the colder months.

The village’s siheyuan-style courtyards (四合院), often seen in traditional Chinese architecture, are also present in Tangna. These traditional houses have been designed to reflect the Zhuang people’s connection with nature, offering harmony between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.

Scenic Beauty and Natural Resources

Karst Landscape and Rivers

The Karst (喀斯特) landscape of Tangna is awe-inspiring. The towering limestone peaks, deep caves, and flowing rivers create a stunning backdrop for the village. One of the most iconic features of the village is the Tangna Cave (汤拿洞), a long karst cave that constantly flows with water throughout the year. The cave system is rich in natural resources, particularly water, which has been a crucial factor in the village’s development and sustenance.

The Ake River (阿科河), which flows through the village, is a central feature of the landscape. Surrounded by lush banyan trees (榕树) and redwood trees (红椿树), the riverbank is a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.

Flora and Fauna

Tangna Village is also home to a wealth of natural vegetation, including ancient water-source forests, which are highly protected by the community. The villagers believe in the principle, “Mountains store water, water nurtures people,” and they take great care in protecting their environment. The surrounding woodland areas, including the sacred Dragon Mountain (竜山), are filled with ancient trees and provide a vital ecosystem for wildlife.

Tourism and Local Economy

Bamei Scenic Area

Tangna Village lies within the boundaries of the Bamei Scenic Area (坝美景区), which is a 4A-level tourist site. The village is a gateway to the scenic area and plays an integral role in the region’s tourism economy. Visitors can take a boat ride from Tangna Village through the Bamei Cave (坝美洞) to reach the scenic village of Bamei (坝美村), often described as a “paradise on earth” (世外桃源).

Economic Development and Tourism

The economic growth of Tangna Village has been closely linked to the development of eco-tourism and the preservation of traditional customs. Since 2019, the Tangna Visitor Center (汤拿游客服务中心) has undergone significant improvements, providing modern facilities and services for visitors. The center includes a large parking area, restrooms, information centers, shops, and medical facilities. A new tourist route has been established, allowing visitors to travel between Tangna and Bamei Village, further boosting the village’s tourism industry.

Most of the villagers are involved in tourism-related work, and many also earn income by providing services such as boat rides, guiding tourists, and selling local handicrafts. The introduction of tourism has helped boost the local economy and create job opportunities, while maintaining the integrity of Zhuang cultural traditions.

Preservation of Traditional Culture

The villagers of Tangna continue to celebrate their ethnic festivals and preserve traditional practices, such as the Zhuang Song Festival (壮族歌节), which takes place annually on the 3rd of March in the lunar calendar. This celebration features performances of folk songs, dances, and traditional ceremonies. In addition, the village upholds its agricultural heritage, including the planting of sacred fields, which remains an integral part of its identity.