Zuofu Village in Honghe County, Honghe

Zuofu Village (作夫村, Zuòfū Cūn) is one of the first 50 featured villages in Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). It is situated 7 kilometers from the township government and 41 kilometers from the county seat. The village comprises 308 households with a population of over 1,600 residents. The primary livelihoods of the locals include livestock farming, rice cultivation, and palm planting, leading to a relatively uniform economic structure. This village is a well-preserved, pristine Hani (哈尼族, Hānizú) village, rich in ethnic culture, and features unique "mushroom houses" (蘑菇房, Mógū Fáng) along with beautiful and mysterious natural landscapes like terraced fields.

The village aims to establish itself as the "largest mushroom house village in the province," showcasing Honghe's (红河州, Hónghé Zhōu) rich Hani culture to the outside world and enhancing the understanding of Hani culture.

Natural Beauty and Architecture

Amidst lush ancient trees, clusters of ancient and intricately arranged mushroom houses blend seamlessly into the green mountains and clear waters, creating a harmonious bond with nature. With forests above and terraced fields below, the mushroom houses present a picturesque scene resembling a paradise on earth. This area features the largest collection of mushroom houses, where each household maintains the original architectural style. The mushroom houses are constructed along the mountains, appearing quaint and elegant. However, their beauty has often gone unnoticed over the years.

Zuofu Village (作夫村, Zuòfū Cūn) is 7 kilometers from the township government, taking about 10 minutes by car, and is 44 kilometers from the county seat.

The name "Zuofu" evokes thoughts of a writer, reminiscent of the author Yu Dafu (郁达夫, Yù Dáfū), or it can be interpreted as a farmer engaged in cultivation. The village is renowned for its well-preserved mushroom houses and is often referred to as the "First Village of the Hani in China."

With a history spanning 37 generations, the village is composed entirely of the Hani ethnic group, encompassing 308 households and 1,501 residents. Just five or six years ago, the village was filled with mushroom houses.

History of Hani Mushroom Houses

The Hani mushroom houses have a long and rich history. According to legend, the ancestors of the Hani, during their migrations, would pull up bundles of grass to shield themselves from fierce storms and scorching sun by creating mushroom-shaped roofs. Over time, to honor this experience, the Hani people gradually began to construct their homes in the shape of mushroom houses.

Features of Mushroom Houses

Mushroom houses are typically made of earth and grass, resembling mushrooms sprouting from the ground, which is the origin of their name. The main living area generally occupies an area of 80-90 square meters, with a height of about 10 meters, while the side rooms stand 8 meters tall. The uppermost part of the main structure, referred to as the "Beacon Tower" (烽火楼, Fēnghuǒ Lóu), serves as a play area for children and a gathering spot for young men and women, where they can also store straw, wheat stalks, pumpkins, and other crops.

These mushroom houses are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally unique, providing warmth in the chilly winters and coolness during the sweltering summers.

Preservation Efforts

Despite a trend of demolishing old structures, there are few mushroom houses left in Zuofu Village. Fortunately, Honghe Prefecture (红河州, Hónghé Zhōu) is actively working to preserve these mushroom houses while simultaneously fulfilling the villagers' desires for improved living conditions.

Ecological Harmony

Zuofu Village is an exemplary ecological Hani village where forests, waterways, villages, and terraced fields coexist harmoniously. The village is constructed on a mountain ridge, with dense forests behind it and a constant flow of streams on either side. Water is channeled into the village to ensure a supply for both people and livestock before flowing into the cultivated terraced fields below. The spring water cascades down the terraced fields, forming a continuous flow that eventually merges into the valley rivers or evaporates into clouds, nourishing the surrounding highland forests. Hence, the Hani villages boast a natural advantage encapsulated in the saying, "The higher the mountain, the higher the water."

My visit to Zuofu Village allowed me to truly appreciate the picturesque terraced landscapes, the harmonious Hani mushroom houses surrounded by lush mountains, the pure and simple local customs, the diligent Hani people, and the beautiful scenery of the shaded mountains. All these elements together call for the tourism industry to develop as a vital sector in the area.

In the lush, ancient tree groves, the quaint mushroom houses blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature. With forests above and terraced fields below, these houses create a breathtaking picture. This is the enchanting Hani home—Zuofu Village.

Zuofu Village embodies the principles of reasonable use of natural resources in agriculture. Over hundreds of years, the villagers have skillfully balanced resource development with ecological preservation, fostering both natural harmony and cultural progress.

How to Get There

To reach Zuofu Village (作夫村, Zuòfū Cūn), you can take a bus from Honghe County (红河县, Hónghé Xiàn) to Jiayin Township (甲寅乡, Jiǎyín Xiāng), which is about 7 kilometers away from the village. It is advisable to check local transportation schedules in advance, as services may vary.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (春天, Chūntiān) and autumn (秋天, Qiūtiān) are ideal for pleasant weather and stunning scenery.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions; always ask permission before taking photos of individuals.
• Accommodation: Limited lodging options are available in the village, so consider planning overnight stays in nearby towns.
• Local Cuisine: Try local dishes such as Hani rice and specialties made from locally sourced ingredients to immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Hani culture.
• Language: Familiarize yourself with basic Mandarin phrases (普通话, Pǔtōnghuà), as English may not be widely spoken.
• Guided Tours: Consider joining guided tours for a deeper understanding of the local culture and history, especially to appreciate the significance of the mushroom houses and terraced fields.