Laozhai Village of Nijiao Town in Quibei County, Wenshan

Chinese Name: 文山壮族苗族自治州丘北县腻脚乡老寨村
English Name: Laozhai Village of Nijiao Town in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Laozhai Village (腻脚乡老寨村), located in Nijiao Town (腻脚乡), Qiubei County (丘北县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), is a historical settlement rich in cultural heritage and traditional architecture. Nestled in a mountainous region at an elevation of 2,030 meters, the village spans 10 square kilometers. It experiences an average annual temperature of 14°C and receives 1,168 millimeters of rainfall annually, providing favorable conditions for farming, especially crops like corn and cabbage.

Geographical Location

Laozhai Village is situated approximately 1 kilometer from both the village committee and the town center, in a semi-mountainous area. The village is a cluster of traditional homes, predominantly constructed from stone and wood, with 357 houses spread across the area. The community, originally settled by Han Chinese during the Qing Dynasty (清朝), has preserved its traditional structures, with each home featuring rustic green stone walls, giving the village a solid, ancient look.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Traditional Architecture

Laozhai Village is known for its traditional quadrangle courtyard-style buildings. The houses are primarily made of wood and stone, with detailed carvings on columns, doors, and windows. The walls are constructed using a blend of five-faced stones, glutinous rice, sand, and ash. The traditional houses are also notable for their semi-circular stone archways at the entrances and tri-color decorative brackets on the main house eaves. These unique features give the village its characteristic rustic charm.

The village has become famous for its distinctive "one-seal" style of architecture, a local tradition that incorporates thick green stone walls and large, sturdy structures. The designs not only serve practical purposes but are also deeply rooted in the cultural and ecological wisdom of the region.

Economic and Cultural Development

The local economy of Laozhai Village is based on farming and animal husbandry, with corn and chili peppers as the primary crops. The village is also renowned for its winemaking heritage, which dates back over 200 years. The Nijiao wine, brewed from ingredients such as corn, sorghum, and barley, follows a traditional method that has been passed down through generations. The village’s winemaking industry is an essential part of its cultural identity, with the fragrance of brewing permeating the air.

In 2013, Laozhai Village was listed as one of the second batch of China’s Traditional Villages (中国传统村落名录). The village has continued to grow economically, with over 51 households involved in winemaking, producing an average of 6,500 kilograms of wine per day. The annual production reaches 237 million kilograms, with an annual value of over 26 million yuan.

Village and Cultural Preservation

In recent years, the local government has focused on preserving Laozhai Village's cultural and historical heritage. Special measures have been implemented to protect traditional structures and improve fire safety within the village. Fire safety drills, hazard inspections, and community engagement are part of an integrated effort to safeguard the village's heritage and ensure the safety of its residents.

Local Legends and Historical Stories

The name "Laozhai" (腻脚) has a poignant historical origin. Legend says that ancestors from places like "Nanjing Liushu Bay" (南京柳树湾) migrated to this area centuries ago. During their journey, they discovered two enormous stone prints at the base of the mountains—one on the mountainside and the other at its foot. These footprints were believed to be the marks of immortal beings, leading the ancestors to name the village “Laozhai” (meaning "footprints" or "foot print village") in honor of this divine legend.

The Ancient Tea Horse Road

Laozhai Village is historically significant as part of the Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), a trade route that linked Kunming (昆明) with Guangxi (广西). This ancient route facilitated the exchange of tea, horses, and other goods, and Laozhai Village served as a key rest stop for traders and travelers. The village flourished by catering to the needs of these travelers, establishing shops such as blacksmiths, stoneworkers, and taverns. The Tea Horse Road helped establish Laozhai as a bustling hub for commerce and culture.

Architectural Highlights and Features

Laozhai’s buildings, although centuries old, remain well-preserved, with red clay brick walls and wooden roofs that were traditionally supported by stone slabs. The architectural style of the village is characterized by red-tiled roofs and earth-tone colors, which complement the natural surroundings of the region. As visitors explore the village, the homes' well-maintained structures are an evocative reminder of the hard work and craftsmanship of the local artisans.

One of the most famous sites is a traditional courtyard house built by the Yan family during their prosperous years. The front door features a beautiful stone carving of the “Four Gentleman Flowers” (梅兰竹菊) — symbols of noble virtues. These flowers represent the qualities of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, each symbolizing purity, elegance, strength, and longevity, respectively.

Fire Safety and Community Initiatives

Preservation Efforts

To protect the traditional architecture and ensure the safety of the village, local authorities in Nijiao Town (腻脚乡) have implemented comprehensive fire prevention measures. These efforts include:

Hazard Inspections: Regular checks to identify fire risks, with a focus on homes and public spaces.

Fire Drills: Local volunteers are trained in fire safety, with practical drills conducted regularly to ensure preparedness.

Community Engagement: The town works closely with residents to improve fire awareness and enhance their capacity for self-rescue and mutual assistance.

Sustainable Development

With the increase in tourism and local economic growth, there are plans to further develop Laozhai Village’s winemaking industry and promote cultural tourism. The village aims to create a deeper connection between its traditional winemaking heritage and its cultural tourism potential, allowing visitors to experience not just the beautiful scenery but also the centuries-old traditions that make the village unique.

Travel Tips

Attractions

Laozhai Traditional Houses: Explore the 357 historical homes, each reflecting the craftsmanship and architectural style of the region.

Winemaking Experience: Discover the centuries-old techniques of Laozhai wine production, including a visit to local distilleries.

Cultural Exploration: Learn about the region’s history, legends, and the impact of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Local Cuisine

Laozhai Wine (腻脚酒): Sample the locally produced, traditionally brewed wine made from corn, sorghum, and barley.

Spicy Dishes (辣味食品): Enjoy locally grown chili peppers and other flavorful dishes that showcase the region’s agricultural heritage.

Travel Advice

Respect Local Traditions: Be mindful of the cultural customs and practices of the local community.

Engage in Fire Safety: Participate in any fire safety guidelines provided during your visit to ensure your safety and the protection of the village.