Longhei Village of Shaochong Town in Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture

? Overview

Longhei Village (龙黑村), also known as The Black Dragon Village, lies in the southern mountain area of Shaochong Town (哨冲镇), Shiping County (石屏县), Honghe Prefecture (红河州). Just 5.5 km from the township center and sitting at 1,900 meters above sea level, it enjoys a subtropical plateau monsoon climate with pleasant temperatures year-round.
As a traditional Yi ethnic settlement, Longhei Village (龙黑村) was listed in the 4th Batch of China’s Traditional Villages in 2016. It is famed for its agricultural economy and the vibrant Huayao Yi (花腰彝) culture, blending natural beauty, folk traditions, and authentic rural experiences.

? History & Recognition

• Originating in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yi villagers have preserved their farming culture through generations.

• In 2016, Longhei Village (龙黑村) was officially recognized on China’s national protection list for traditional villages.

• In recent years, high-standard farmland projects have modernized agriculture with new water reservoirs and field roads, while still keeping the village’s cultural soul alive.

? Economy & Local Products

Core Industries

Known as the “Hometown of Tobacco and Radish,” the village is rich in flue-cured tobacco, white radish, and vegetables.

Seasonal Delights

The surrounding mountains produce matsutake mushrooms and other wild fungi. In summer, visitors can enjoy foraging for mushrooms with locals. ?

? Cultural Experiences

Huayao Yi (花腰彝) Traditions

• Costumes: Women wear embroidered long skirts decorated with floral, bird, and beast motifs, paired with silver ornaments that glimmer as they dance. Men dress in hemp tunics with embroidered belts, reflecting a deep connection to nature.

• Song & Dance: Famous as the filming site of “Huayao Bride” (花腰新娘), the village preserves national intangible cultural heritage such as the Cigarette Box Dance (烟盒舞) and Seaweed Tune (海菜腔). The all-female dragon dance team is a breathtaking highlight during festivals.

Festivities

• Torch Festival (火把节): Celebrated on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, this fiery carnival features fire rituals, wrestling competitions, and bonfire dances. Visitors are invited to join locals in toasting with Yi wine and singing through the night. ?

• Long Table Banquet (长龙宴): Hundreds of tables stretch along the village road, filled with Yi delicacies such as smoked pork, clay pot fish, and pickled vegetables—symbolizing unity and blessings. ?

?️ Nature & Ecology

Dragonhei Lake (拖龙黑湖)

At 2,293 meters, this alpine lake is often called the “Little Lugu Lake.” With forested islets, vast meadows, and cinematic scenery, the lake glows golden at sunset and turns mystical with morning mist. Perfect for camping and stargazing. ✨

Highland Pastures

The surrounding meadows are home to the local Qing sheep. Visitors can taste freshly grilled lamb skewers—juicy, tender, and free of gamey flavor. ?

? Architecture & Stays

Traditional Residences

Most homes are adobe-and-timber houses with flat roofs for drying crops. Many century-old dwellings have been renovated into guesthouses, retaining their firepits and wooden beams.

Homestay Experiences

• Secret Courtyard by the Lake: Wake up to lake views, join locals for mushroom foraging, or take peaceful walks by the water.

• Adobe Homestay: Guests can learn Yi embroidery, sit by the hearth, or play the traditional four-stringed instrument for an immersive cultural stay. ?

⚙️ Practical Information

? Transportation

• Self-drive: From Shiping County → East Ring Road → County Road 030 → Shaochong Town (哨冲镇) → Longhei Village (龙黑村).

• Note: During the Torch Festival, traffic control is enforced on Xing Shao Road—plan ahead.

? Facilities

The village has water, electricity, and internet (95% coverage), a health clinic, and since 2023, outdoor fitness equipment for both locals and visitors.

✨ Final Word

Longhei Village (龙黑村) is a living tapestry of farming, culture, and tourism. By day, explore alpine lakes and mushroom forests; by night, stay in traditional Yi homes and dance by the torchlight. Between radish fields and bonfire songs, this village offers the most vibrant pulse of Yi life in southern Yunnan. ?