Waipula Dacun Village of Yijiu Town in Yongren County, Chuxiong

Chinese Name: 楚雄州永仁县宜就镇外普拉村委会大村
English Name: Dacun Village of Yijiu Town in Yongren County, Chuxiong
Chinese Version: https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1774532241765715764&wfr=spider&for=pc

The Ancient Village on the Stone Slab—Waipula Village (外普拉村)

Waipula Village (外普拉村) is located between three mountains and two rivers, where the view is as tranquil as a crane picking fish and shrimp. This ancient village is known for its long history, with its unique architecture and local culture adding to its charm. It is a traditional settlement built on a "stone slab," with deep connections to the Yi (彝族) ethnic culture. The village embodies a return to nature, showcasing a distinctive way of life through local culture, unique flavors, and sustainable living practices.

Waipula Village (外普拉村) is the first demonstration village in China for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is a nationally recognized AAA-rated tourist attraction. It was included in the third batch of China’s traditional village preservation list in 2014 and was named a demonstration county for traditional village preservation and development in Yunnan Province (云南省) in May 2023.

The Ancient Waipula: Traces Left by Time

Keywords: Landscape, Layout, Site Selection

As one descends along the winding mountain roads, lush tobacco fields and mango trees covered in protective bags create a serene scene. Approaching the bottom of the canyon, a viewing platform captures the traveler’s attention.

To the left of the platform lies the Yongren Bridge (永仁大桥), a vital project of the Yongda Expressway (永大高速公路), spanning the Yangti River Gorge (杨堤江峡谷). To the right, the ancient village of Waipula (外普拉村) rests at the bottom of the canyon in a peaceful position. From the platform, one can see the contrast between the modern bridge and the ancient village, creating a unique visual juxtaposition.

The name "Waipula" (外普拉) comes from the Yi (彝族) language, meaning "village on a stone slab." The village’s history also reflects the presence of other ethnic groups, particularly the Dai (傣族) people, who have lived in this area since the Yuan Dynasty (元朝). Many small place names in the village still use the Dai (傣族) language, such as Bingyang (宾阳), Nasa (那萨), and Nalong (那龙). During the construction of the Waipula Primary School (外普拉小学), many Dai (傣族) burial customs were discovered, including various burial items such as clay pots, porcelain jars, and silver pots.

The traditional village sits on a fan-shaped stone hill. The village is surrounded by three mountains—Fengpo Mountain (风坡山) to the left, Luolaga Mountain (罗拉嘎山) to the right, and Louti Mountain (楼梯山), with the river running between them. This strategic location forms a "three mountains and two rivers" layout, making the village look like a crane holding fish and shrimp, with its narrow front end and wide wings extending outwards.

From above, the village resembles a turtle floating on water, in line with traditional Chinese architectural wisdom known as "turtle back" (龟背) in Feng Shui (风水). This natural and architectural harmony creates a picturesque scene, with the village's design appearing as if a crane is standing at the center of the landscape, its shape resembling the village's form.

Traditional Structures and Scenic Beauty

Keywords: Architecture, Layout, Natural Harmony

Looking at the village from a distance, the colors of the buildings blend harmoniously with the surrounding earthy brown land, while the lush green vegetation enhances the village’s natural beauty. The tallest buildings are located in the village center, with all houses aligned according to the contour lines. The streets run horizontally, and stairs connect the different levels, creating an enchanting, winding path through the village. The houses are built following the slope of the mountain, with each roof stacked on top of the other, creating a cascading effect that doesn’t block the view.

The village's traditional two- to three-story buildings are made from local materials such as river stones and mountain rocks, combined with red earth walls, wooden pillars, and blue tiles. The architecture remains in harmony with the surrounding environment, reflecting the traditional Yi (彝族) building style. Most homes consist of three levels: the first floor for storage, the second for living, and the third for food storage. The houses are built on terraced platforms made from stone, using materials sourced from the local environment, such as river stones and mountain rocks.

A Living Tradition in Music, Dance, and Craftsmanship

Keywords: Preservation, Development, Lifestyle

In Waipula Village (外普拉村), the song "Three Mountains and Two Rivers, the Crane Picking Fish and Shrimp" is a beloved anthem sung by people of all ages. Women in the village formed an arts troupe called the "Huobonoma" (火波诺玛) Arts Troupe, which holds annual performances such as village music festivals, folk dances, and bonfire celebrations.

Traditional Yi (彝族) clothing is worn by the villagers, especially women and children, who are often seen in colorful, intricately embroidered outfits. Before 2017, the village women were shy and hesitant to interact with outsiders. However, with the launch of the SDGs sustainable livelihoods project in 2017, many women have gained the confidence to venture out of the village and interact with visitors.

The project, coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and China International Economic and Technical Exchange Center, focuses on improving the livelihoods of Yi (彝族) ethnic women and providing sustainable development opportunities. It has empowered local women through training in arts and crafts, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism. Many of the women now create beautiful hand-embroidered textiles, a core part of Yi (彝族) culture, which adds to the village’s unique appeal.

A Village Reborn: From Tradition to Modernity

Keywords: Sustainability, Community Empowerment, Economic Growth

Since Waipula Village (外普拉村) was included in the traditional village preservation program, there have been visible changes in the village. Improvements in infrastructure, such as better roads and safer housing, have boosted the living standards of the villagers. The rise of eco-tourism has provided a new source of income, as visitors flock to the village to experience its unique culture, architecture, and natural beauty.

The Waipula Academy (外普拉学院), established with the help of funding for rural development and poverty alleviation, provides a place for education, cultural exchange, and youth tourism. The academy’s facilities include a shared kitchen, coffee bar, bookstore, and guesthouse. It serves as a symbol of the village’s revitalization, combining traditional village life with modern tourism and sustainable development. Through these efforts, the village not only preserves its traditional customs but also finds new ways to thrive economically.

Cultural Revival and Sustainable Growth

With the ongoing efforts to preserve Waipula’s traditional village status, the village has become a model of sustainable tourism and cultural revival. The local community has embraced new opportunities while retaining their cultural heritage, creating a balance between progress and preservation.

Waipula Village (外普拉村) provides an inspiring example of how traditional villages can adapt to modernity while maintaining their deep-rooted cultural identity. Through projects that empower women, foster sustainable livelihoods, and preserve traditional knowledge, Waipula is thriving as a model for rural development and cultural heritage preservation.