Songping Village of Miaowei Lisu Ethnic Town in Yunlong County, Dali

Songping Village (松坪村) is located in the Miaowei Lisu Ethnic Township (苗尾傈僳族乡) of Yunlong County (云龙县), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). As an administrative village, Songping is situated 7 kilometers west of the township government, and it covers an area of 3.02 square kilometers. At an elevation of 1,800 meters, Songping enjoys a temperate climate with an annual average temperature of 18°C and 629.8 millimeters of annual rainfall. The village was listed as a Traditional Village by China in 2013 and earned the Yunnan Health Village title in 2021.

General Information

• Location: Songping Village, Miaowei Lisu Ethnic Township, Yunlong County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

• Area: 3.02 km²

• Population: 951 (Agricultural population: 951)

• Elevation: 1,800 meters

• Postal Code: 672700

• Annual Precipitation: 629.8 mm

• Average Temperature: 18°C

Village Overview

Songping Village consists of 10 village groups, with a total population of 951 people. The main economic activities in the area revolve around agriculture, with key crops including rice, corn, broad beans, and fruits such as walnuts, pears, and apples. Livestock farming, particularly pigs, cattle, and sheep, also plays an essential role in the village’s economy.

Agricultural Resources

• Farmland: 904 acres (including 790 acres of paddy fields and 114 acres of dry land)

• Forest Area: 2,175 acres, with 1,962 acres dedicated to economic forest cultivation, including walnuts, pears, and apples.

• Grassland: 600 acres

• Other Resources: Copper and iron

Infrastructure

By the end of 2010, the village had access to water, electricity, roads, television, and telephones. While most households have access to electricity, only a few homes are connected to running water. A large proportion of residents still rely on well water. The roads in the village are mainly dirt, and the nearest bus station and market are 7 kilometers away.

Natural Resources and Ecology

Geography

Songping Village is located in a semi-mountainous region at an altitude of 1,800 meters. It enjoys a rich biodiversity, including a high forest coverage rate of 71%. The surrounding landscape is ideal for hiking and exploring, with seasonal beauty that changes throughout the year. In spring, the mountains come alive with vibrant flowers, while autumn brings the harvest of walnuts, pears, and other fruits.

Water Systems

The village has access to local water bodies, but there are no significant bodies of water for large-scale irrigation. The surrounding grasslands and forests provide an ideal environment for local wildlife and agriculture.

Economy and Key Industries

The main economic activities in Songping Village revolve around agriculture and livestock farming. In 2012, the village’s total economic income was 2.03 million RMB, with the majority coming from:

• Agriculture: 649,100 RMB (mainly rice, corn, and broad beans)

• Animal Husbandry: 596,700 RMB (including the raising of pigs, cattle, and sheep)

• Forestry: 75,400 RMB

• Secondary and Tertiary Industries: 596,700 RMB

• Labor Income: 140,000 RMB

Despite these sources, Songping is considered a poverty-stricken village, with the majority of residents still reliant on agriculture for their livelihood. There is also a growing trend of labor migration, with 92 people working outside the village, mainly in other parts of Yunnan and even beyond the province.

Culture and Education

Songping Village is home to the Lisu Ethnic Group (傈僳族), a minority group with a rich cultural heritage. The village retains traditional Lisu architecture, including wooden houses and a central hearth, and celebrates festivals such as the Torch Festival (火把节) which falls in the sixth month of the lunar calendar.

Educational Facilities

• The village has a primary school with around 70 students and a secondary school located 7 kilometers away.

• Rural Education: Primary school enrollment is around 98%, with a total of 130 students in both primary and secondary education.

Tourism Guide for Songping Village

Songping Village offers a unique blend of natural beauty and Lisu culture, making it an excellent destination for eco-tourism and cultural experiences.

Key Highlights

• Lisu Ethnic Culture: Visit traditional Lisu houses, experience the warm hospitality of the Lisu people, and engage in cultural activities such as weaving bamboo products and textiles.

• Torch Festival (火把节): Celebrate this lively festival with the villagers, which includes singing, dancing, and a spectacular bonfire.

• Scenic Beauty: Explore the semi-mountainous terrain, which is rich in flora and fauna, perfect for hiking and photography. Enjoy the ancient Bi River Bridge Cluster (沘江古桥梁群), which includes the Tongjing Bridge (通京桥) and Qingyun Bridge (青云桥).

• Seasonal Landscapes: The spring and autumn months bring different seasonal vistas — from mountain wildflowers to the harvest of fruits like walnuts and pears.

Suggested Itinerary

1-Day Itinerary

• Morning: Arrive at Songping Village and visit traditional Lisu houses. Participate in a bamboo weaving or textile-making workshop.

• Afternoon: Take a hike around the surrounding mountains and explore the Bi River Bridge Cluster. Return to the village.

2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Travel from Yunlong County (云龙县) to Songping Village. Enjoy a cultural experience with the Lisu people and stay at a traditional guesthouse (advance booking recommended).

• Day 2: Explore nearby attractions like Haiping Village’s Highland Meadows (海坪村高山草甸) or visit Gongguoqiao Town’s Lancang River (澜沧江平湖) for more scenic views.

Practical Information

Transportation

• By Car: Songping Village is located about 40 kilometers from Yunlong County (云龙县), with some sections of the road being mountainous. Driving carefully is advised.

• Public Transport: You can take a village bus from Yunlong County (云龙县) to Miaowei Township (苗尾乡), then transfer to a local vehicle. Note that services are limited, so it’s recommended to check the schedule in advance.

Accommodation

There are no commercial hotels in the village. You can arrange a stay with local families (50–100 RMB per night) and enjoy traditional Lisu dishes like bitter buckwheat pancakes (苦荞饼) and cured pork (腊肉).

• Alternative Accommodation: For a more comfortable stay, consider staying at Nuodeng Ancient Village Inn (诺邓古村客栈) or a hotel in Gongguoqiao Town (功果桥镇), about 1.5 hours away.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Songping Village is between May and October, when the weather is mild and festivals like the Torch Festival (火把节) are in full swing.

Important Notes

• Respect Local Customs: Always ask for permission before taking photos of the villagers or their homes.

• Pack Accordingly: Be prepared for hiking in mountainous terrain and bring weather-appropriate clothing.

Songping Village offers a unique travel experience that combines cultural immersion with breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in exploring traditional Lisu culture or hiking through beautiful mountains, Songping is an unforgettable destination for adventurous travelers.