Mamushu Village of Zhengdong Town in Jiangcheng County, Puer

Chinese Name: 普洱市江城县整董镇整董村委会麻木树村
English Name: Mamushu Village of Zhengdong Town in Jiangcheng County, Puer

Mamushu Village (麻木树村) is located in Zhengdong Town (整董镇), part of Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous County (江城哈尼族彝族自治县), in Puer City (普洱市), Yunnan Province. This traditional village is recognized for its rich Dai cultural heritage and has been included in the Second Batch of China’s Traditional Villages (中国传统村落名录) list.

Mamushu Village is a natural village (自然村) within Zhengdong Town, situated in a basin area (坝区) at an elevation of 860 meters above sea level. The village spans an area of 0.82 square kilometers and is home to 143 residents. The majority of the population (98%) belongs to the Dai ethnic group (傣族).

Location and Administrative Division

Mamushu Village is located approximately 2 kilometers from the town government and falls under the administration of Zhengdong Village (整董村). The village consists of one village group, with a total of 32 households.

Honorary Recognition

In 2013, Mamushu Village was included in the Second Batch of China’s Traditional Villages (第二批中国传统村落名录), recognizing its cultural and architectural heritage.

Architecture and Culture

Traditional Architecture

Mamushu Village preserves a complete set of Dai-style stilt houses (干栏式民居), which are found in a concentrated cluster on the north side of the village road. These traditional buildings represent the unique architectural style of the Dai people, well-adapted to the tropical climate.

Cultural Heritage

The village continues to celebrate traditional festivals such as the Water Splashing Festival (泼水节) and Mao Bao Festival (毛包节), reflecting the living traditions of the Dai people. The local community also preserves their Dai language (傣族语言), traditional clothing (传统服饰), and culinary culture (饮食文化).

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Visitors can experience Dai brocade weaving (傣锦纺织), an important intangible cultural heritage, and purchase handcrafted textiles and other traditional artisanal items.

Natural Scenery

Surrounding Environment

Mamushu Village is surrounded by natural beauty, including Lian Tian Lai Yuan (良田莱园) to the north, Mao Fei Mountain (猫飞山) to the west, and the Nanla River (南腊河) to the south. The landscape is a perfect mix of lush greenery, mountain views, and tranquil rivers.

Eco-Resources

Located in a tropical monsoon climate zone, the village enjoys a pleasant average annual temperature of 19.6°C, with annual precipitation averaging 1560 mm. The region is rich in tropical crops and wildlife, adding to its ecological significance.

Tourism Experience

Local Cuisine

Mamushu Village offers a variety of Dai cuisine, including:

• Dai-style BBQ (傣味烧烤)

• Bamboo rice (竹筒饭)

• Sour bamboo fish (酸笋煮鱼)

• Rainbow sticky rice (七彩糯米饭)

These dishes reflect the authentic flavors of the Dai culture and provide visitors with a true taste of local tradition.

Festival Activities

The village hosts several cultural festivals, including:

• Water Splashing Festival (泼水节) in mid-April, celebrating the Dai New Year.

• New Rice Festival (新米节), a harvest celebration to mark the arrival of the new rice crop.

These festivals offer unique opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the lively customs and rituals of the Dai people.

Handicraft Experiences

Visitors can tour the Dai brocade workshop (傣锦工坊) and buy traditional handmade crafts, such as woven fabrics, clothing, and accessories, as souvenirs.

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mamushu Village is during the dry season from November to April when the climate is most pleasant. For an especially cultural experience, visit during the Water Splashing Festival in mid-April.

Transportation

• By Car: Mamushu Village is about 1 hour’s drive from Jiangcheng County (江城县). The road conditions are good and easily navigable.

• Public Transport: Visitors can take a bus to Zhengdong Town and then transfer to local transport to reach Mamushu Village.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Dai Guesthouses (傣家乐民宿) in the village offer authentic stays at affordable rates (approximately 100-200 RMB per night).

• Zhengdong Town Hotels (整董镇酒店) are available within 3 kilometers of Mamushu Village and offer more amenities.