Dazhai Village of Yilong Town in Shiping County, Honghe

Dazai Village, Yilong Town, Shiping County: Discover a Luminous Pearl Beneath the Ailao Mountains
Nestled within the embrace of Yilong Town, Shiping County, in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Dazai Village is a multi - ethnic haven predominantly inhabited by the Dai people, with a sprinkle of Han residents. Located 13 kilometers from Yilong Town and 27 kilometers from the county seat, this semi - mountainous village boasts a favorable climate at an elevation of 1,243 meters, basking in an average annual temperature of 21°C and receiving 930.9 millimeters of rainfall yearly, making it ideally suited for rice and vegetable cultivation.

Unique Geography and Climate

Perched against the Ailao Mountain range, Dazai Village is shielded from the chilly northern winds and graced with abundant precipitation. The fertile land and lush forests spanning 3,000 acres form a vibrant ecosystem. Strolling along the village paths, visitors are greeted on one side by golden rice paddies and on the other by dense woodlands. This idyllic setting allows tourists to breathe in the crisp mountain air and unwind in tranquility while soaking up the breathtaking natural beauty.

Colorful Ethnic Culture and Traditions

Dazai Village is a treasure trove of Dai culture, brimming with rich ethnic charm and diverse traditions. Festivals and celebrations are a way of life here, with the most iconic ones being the Water Splashing Festival and the Rocket Festival. During the Water Splashing Festival, villagers don their resplendent ethnic attire, joyously douse each other with water to seek blessings, and engage in lively singing and dancing. The Rocket Festival is another grand celebration where villagers gather to launch skyrockets, a practice believed to bring favorable weather for the crops and bountiful harvests. These festivals serve as magnets, drawing in throngs of tourists who are eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and share in the joyous festivities.

Unique Local Cuisine

Dazai Village offers a delightful culinary journey with its specialty - the bamboo tube rice dumpling. As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, villagers skillfully craft these dumplings by placing glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves into bamboo tubes. Once the dumplings are steamed to perfection, they are removed from the tubes and tightly bound to form a cylindrical shape. The dumplings are often filled with ingredients like peanuts and cured meat, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that linger on the palate. The rich aroma and unique taste make these bamboo tube rice dumplings an absolute must - try for every visitor.

Warm - Hearted Villagers and Ethnic Unity

Dazai Village shares a close bond of friendship with the neighboring Duoyishu Village, an Yi ethnic enclave. Back in 2007, Dazai Village selflessly donated a gently sloping piece of land adjacent to Duoyishu Village to help 52 households from Duoyishu Village relocate to a new settlement named "Fujicun". Over the years, under the patient guidance and generous assistance of Dazai Village residents, the relocated villagers have mastered the art of growing off - season vegetables and adopting drip irrigation techniques in their fields. Their incomes have steadily climbed, and their lives have visibly improved. The village has also witnessed a rise in intermarriages between the Dai and Yi communities, breaking down old barriers and composing a beautiful ode to ethnic unity. This heartwarming example of harmony and cooperation offers visitors a glimpse into the power of unity and mutual support among different ethnic groups.

Economic Development and Tourist Experiences

Dazai Village primarily thrives on agriculture and animal husbandry. In 2013, the village reported a total economic income of 1.69 million yuan, with a per capita net income of 5,746 yuan for farmers. Back in 2009, the total economic income was 1.2 million yuan, of which 500,000 yuan came from agriculture, 200,000 yuan from animal husbandry, 300,000 yuan from the secondary and tertiary industries, and 200,000 yuan from wage - based earnings. The per capita net income for farmers stood at 3,291 yuan. For tourists, Dazai Village presents a rich tapestry of experiences. Beyond marveling at the natural beauty and immersing themselves in the ethnic culture, visitors can savor local delicacies, purchase farm - fresh products, join in farming activities, and experience the villagers' day - to - day life.