Why is Wanjiaba Ancient Tombs So Special

The Wanjiaba Ancient Tombs are located on the banks of the Qinglong River, 3 km south of Chuxiong City. They are the ancient tomb sites of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. They have a history of more than 2,000 years. This was discovered in the farm fundamental construction in March 1974. The Yunnan Provincial Cultural Relics Task Force began to excavate the cultural relics in May 1975. From October of the same year to January 1976, it was officially excavated. The excavation area was 3,000 square meters with a total of 79 ancient tombs. The unearthed cultural relics were up to 1,245 pieces, of which 5 pieces of bronze drums are the most precious and were named as “Wanjiaba-type Bronze Drum(万家坝型铜鼓)”. It has been measured by “Carbon 14” and has been around for 2,600 years, which are the earliest bronze drum discovered in the world.

Where is Wanjiaba Ancient Tombs

The Wanjiaba Ancient Tombs are located on the banks of the Qinglong River, 3 km south of Chuxiong City.

How to Get There

Chuxiong is 163 kilometers away from Kunming and can be directly reached by car. After arriving in Chuxiong City, it is very convenient to get to Wanjiaba Village by car.

Best Time to Go

Wanjiaba Ancient Tombs are the place to visit at any time. 

Nearby Attractions

Yiren Ancient Town
Yiren Ancient Town is an outcome of modernization, built in 2005.  As the core of Yi culture, it is integrated into the Yi dynamic museum of Chinese traditional architectural culture, regional folk culture and leisure culture. The collision between modernization and ethnic culture has spawned Yiren Ancient Town. Yiren Ancient Town imitated the building groups of Ming Qing built in small towns in the south of Yangtze river, clean, tidy and elegant. 

Chuxiong Confucius Temple
Chuxiong Confucius Temple is located in Lucheng Primary School, Middle Street, Chuxiong City, Yunnan Province. Chuxiong Confucius Temple was built in the Yuan Dynasty, it was relocated in the Ming Dynasty. Chuxiong was located at the important site of the Southern Silk Road. In 1987, the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government designated Chuxiong Confucius Temple as provincial-level key cultural relics protection unit.

Futa Pagoda Park
Futa Pagoda Park is located in Dongshan Mountain, Lucheng, Chuxiong City, donated by social members who are mobilized by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference of Chuxiong Prefecture, which was built in the ancient pagoda site of the Ming Dynasty (later destroyed).

Yuanjiang is the nearest tropic zone to Kunming and there are fresh fruits in the four seasons. During the annual “Golden Mango Festival in Yuanjiang” in June, hundreds of kinds of fruits are exhibited. Welcome to Yuanjiang to taste various fruits!

The “Golden Mango Festival in Yuanjiang” of this year will be held from June 8 to June 18, 2018. The most exciting thing is that such three festivals as “Golden Mango Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and Flower Street Festival” are celebrated together.

Kunming-Yuxi (via Kunming-Yuxi Expressway, with a distance of about 98 km) – Yuanjiang (via Yuxi-Yuanjiang Expressway, with a distance of about 128 km). The whole journey covers about 230 km and the road condition is very good. 

Sightseeing and Picking in Yuanjiang with Flowers and Fruits  

Time: June 9-20, 8:30-18:30

Location: Wanmu Flowers and Fruits Garden (Yijiangfeng Garden), Fragrant Mango Garden, Nansa Liangfeng Garden, etc. 

Tourists can go to these gardens to pick fresh tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, dragon fruit and so on. They can also enjoy the great gardens and big orchards of Yuanjiang, taste ecological farmhouse cuisine and buy fresh fruits.

Golden Mango-A Street of Tropical Fruits

Time: June 14-20   8:30-22:00

Location: Binjiang Road

There are hundreds of kinds of mangoes on the street. If you come here, remember to buy some mangoes before going home. Besides mangoes, there are also litchi, jackfruit and other fresh tropical fruits. 

Long Street Feast-A Special Cuisine Street

I. Core Tourist Attractions

1. Ecological Beauty of Yilong Lake

• White Wave Fisherman’s Song: As one of the “Twelve Scenes of Pingyang,” the village is famed for its fishing culture on Yilong Lake. At dawn, fishing boats glide through mist while fishermen sing Haicai folk songs, creating a poetic “Fisherman’s Evening Song” scene.
• Migratory Bird Paradise: From October to March, over 50 bird species, including black-headed gulls, spoonbills, and grey-headed lapwings, winter here. The sight of flocks soaring over the lake is a photographer’s dream.
• Lakeside Trails: Cycle or stroll along the colorful lakeside paths, dotted with viewing platforms and rest areas. The route offers stunning views of the lake and wetland ecosystems, perfect for family outings.

2. Historical Charm of the Traditional Village

• Ming and Qing Architecture: Founded during the Hongwu Period of the Ming Dynasty (over 600 years ago), the village preserves numerous civil houses with traditional Yi architectural features—grey tiles, white walls, and carved windows. Ancient temples like Shuiyue Temple and Guangyin Temple reflect its long history.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Yi “Hai Pai San Dao Hong” villagers excel in Haicai Folk Songs (loud, melodious folk songs) and Cigarette Box Dance (a rhythmic dance), both national intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can join festivals like the Torch Festival or learn Yi embroidery from locals.

3. Agricultural-Tourism Integration Experiences

• Bailang Happy Farm: A popular spot developed through Shanghai-Yunnan cooperation, offering activities like train rides through flower fields and rice paddies, soybean milk grinding, barbecue making, and fruit picking (yangmei bayberries and blueberries). Lakeside camping and parent-child activities are also available.
• Fruit Picking: From May to July, enjoy picking early-season yangmei and blueberries. Sample 深加工 products like bayberry wine and blueberry jam.
• Traditional Crafts: Visit tofu workshops to make Shiping tofu, or try pottery and tie-dye classes to experience ancient craftsmanship.

II. Special Events & Experiences

1. Seasonal Themes

• Spring (March–May): Rape flowers bloom around Yilong Lake; join the “Yilong Lake Country Marathon” amidst floral scenery.
• Summer (June–August): Yangmei and blueberry harvest season; attend the “Yangmei Cultural Festival” with fruit feasts and bonfire parties.
• Autumn (September–November): Taste Yilong Lake hairy crabs, admire rice paddy art, and celebrate harvest festivals.
• Winter (December–February): Watch migratory birds and participate in black-headed gull feeding for a serene lakeside experience.

2. Cultural Immersion

• Haicai Songs & Cigarette Box Dance: Villagers perform spontaneous Yi dances and songs in the cultural square or farmhouses—join in to feel the vibrant ethnic art.
• Agricultural Education: Kids can learn farming skills like rice planting and harvesting in the farm’s “Little Farmer” program.
• Heritage Workshops: Tour tofu-making facilities, from grinding soybeans to curdling—sample fresh tofu hot off the stove.

III. Nearby Attractions

• Yilong Lake National Wetland Park (2km away): Take a boat to explore islands and the ancient “Little Water City” ruins, immersing in wetland ecology.
• Baxin Railway Station: A century-old meter-gauge railway site with retro trains and 3D murals; the Nostalgia Museum showcases railway history.
• Guangyin Temple in Longgang Village (Ming Dynasty): Climb the temple for panoramic lake views and experience the “Guangyin Frost Bell” historical scene.

IV. Travel Tips

1. Transportation

• By Car: From Kunming, take Kunmo or Kaihe Expressway to Shiping County, then local roads to Bailang (3.5 hours total).
• Public Transit: Take a bus from Kunming South Bus Station to Shiping (3 hours), transfer to a Baxin Town bus (30 minutes), then taxi to the village (10 minutes).

2. Accommodation

• Homestays: Options like “Fisherman’s Song Courtyard” and “Lakeside Inn” offer Yi-style meals and lake-view rooms (150–300 RMB/night).
• Town Hotels: “Yilong Lake Hotel” in Baxin Town (10km away) provides modern comforts for luxury seekers.

3. Cuisine

• Shiping Tofu Feast: Must-try dishes include grilled tofu, tofu brain, and tofu dumplings, paired with fresh lake fish.
• Yi Cuisine: Sample buckwheat cakes, cured pork with red beans, sour bamboo shoot fish, and fruit products like bayberry preserves.

4. Best Time to Visit

• Year-Round: Spring/autumn for mild weather, summer for cooling off and picking, winter for bird-watching. Avoid crowds by visiting on weekdays.

5. Notes

• Sun Protection & Warmth: High UV radiation—bring sunscreen; winters are chilly, so pack layers.
• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly during Yi activities and ask before taking photos of locals.
• Eco-Friendliness: Protect Yilong Lake’s environment—no littering or feeding wild animals.

I. Core Tourist Attractions

1. Ancient Architecture & Historical Heritage

• Ming-Qing Architectural Complex: The village preserves numerous traditional residences from the Ming, Qing, and Republican eras, featuring layouts like “three-side houses with a screen wall” and “four courtyards with five wells.” Notable examples include Fujia Ancestral Hall (built in the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty) and Zhu Family Old House, showcasing exquisite wood and brick carvings that reflect the migration history of Ming Dynasty military settlements.
• Historical Streets & Alleys: Blue-stone pathways connect century-old bridges (e.g., Yong’an Bridge) and ancient wells, lined with stone-walled houses with gray tiles and carved windows, embodying the water-town charm of southern Yunnan.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage: The Shiping Tofu Making Technique (a national intangible cultural heritage) is still practiced in local workshops, while Yi ethnic customs like Haicai Folk Songs and Cigarette Box Dance are regularly performed.

2. Yilong Lake Ecology & Lake-Island Scenery

• Wetland Landscapes: Adjacent to the Yilong Lake National Wetland Park, the village’s western shore features reeds, summer lotus blooms, and winter migratory birds (e.g., black-necked cranes, Eurasian coots), making it ideal for birdwatching and photography.
• Chirui Lake Island: A 10-minute boat ride from the village reaches Chirui Lake Island (also known as “Little Penglai”), where ancient temple ruins and wild lotuses create a poetic “lake-and-mountain” scene.
• Lakeside Cycling Route: Start from Fujia Camp and cycle along the 15-km west shore greenway, linking wetlands, fishing villages, and rice paddies with viewing platforms for family-friendly outings.

3. Agricultural-Tourism Integration & Rural Life

• Seasonal Farming Experiences:
  • Spring (March–April): Participate in rice planting and enjoy rapeseed flower fields.
  • Summer (June–July): Pick early-season yangmei (bayberries) and blueberries, and savor “Yilong Lake Fish Banquets.”
  • Autumn (September–October): Harvest rice at the “Harvest Festival” and create straw art.
  • Winter (December–February): Dig lotus roots, make cured meats, and experience Lunar New Year customs.
• Heritage Workshops:
  • Tofu Making: Join the full process of tofu production—soaking soybeans, grinding, filtering, curdling, and pressing—at Fujia Camp Tofu Workshop, then enjoy freshly grilled tofu with special dipping sauce.
  • Yi Embroidery: Learn the “Three Red Strips” pattern from local embroiderers to make sachets and handkerchiefs.
• Rural Homestays: Converted from old houses, homestays like “Lakeside Courtyard” and “Farm & Study Inn” offer lake-view rooms and farmhouse meals. Some have private vegetable gardens for guests to pick ingredients and cook homemade dishes.

II. Unique Cultural Events

1. Folk Festivals

• “Walking for Peace” on the 16th Day of the First Lunar Month: A 300-year-old tradition where the entire village visits Chirui Lake Island to pray for peace by walking around the island.
• Torch Festival (24th Day of the Sixth Lunar Month): Yi villagers light bonfires, perform Cigarette Box Dance and Haicai Folk Songs, inviting visitors to join group dances and enjoy roasted whole lamb feasts.
• Tofu Culture Festival (November): Features tofu-making competitions and tofu banquets, highlighting Shiping’s reputation as “the home of China’s best tofu.”

2. Cultural Performances

• Haicai Folk Song Live Shows: In the evening, fishermen perform loud, melodious folk songs from small boats on the lake at the village cultural square, accompanied by light shows that recreate the poetic scene of “Fisherman’s Song on White Waves.”

III. Nearby Attractions

• Yilong Lake National Wetland Park (3 km away): Yunnan’s first plateau lake wetland, offering boat tours to explore “water forests” and the ruins of the ancient “Little Water City.”
• Shiping Ancient City (10 km away): A hub of Ming-Qing architecture, featuring Yuping Academy (a Qing Dynasty school) and the former residence of Yuan Jiagu (Yunnan’s first imperial scholar). Taste local specialties like tofu brain and grilled tofu here.
• Baxin Century-Old Meter-Gauge Railway Station (15 km away): A historic site of the Sino-Vietnamese Railway, known for retro trains, French-style buildings, and 3D murals. It connects to other traditional villages like Bailang and Longgang.

IV. Travel Tips

1. Transportation

• By Car: Drive from Kunming to Shiping County via Kunmo Expressway (3.5 hours), then navigate to Fujia Camp Village (free parking available).
• Public Transit: Take a bus from Shiping County to Yilong Town (20 minutes), then take a motorbike taxi or walk 1.5 km to the village.
• Upcoming Convenience: The Eshi-Hong Expressway, expected to open in 2025, will shorten the Kunming-Shiping drive to 2.5 hours.

2. Accommodation

• Village Homestays: Recommended options include “Fujia Old House Homestay” (120–200 RMB/night) for traditional living and “Lakeside Inn” (200–300 RMB/night) for lake views.
• County Hotels: For more amenities, stay in Shiping County (e.g., “Shiping Hotel”), a 20-minute drive away.

3. Cuisine

• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Shiping Grilled Tofu: Crispy on the outside, soft inside, served with 鱼腥草 (Houttuynia cordata) dipping sauce.
  • Yilong Lake Fish Dishes: Sour soup fish, fried fish strips, using fresh lake-caught fish.
  • Yi Cuisine: Buckwheat cakes, roasted suckling pig, and paogang wine (fermented rice wine).

4. Best Time to Visit

• March–May (Flower Season) and September–November (Harvest Season) offer mild weather and vibrant activities. Winter is ideal for birdwatching, and summer for cool getaways; avoid heavy rains in July–August.

5. Notes

• Village Protection: Respect ancient architecture—no carving or littering. Seek permission before photographing locals.
• Sun & Mosquito Protection: High UV radiation; bring sunscreen and hats. Use mosquito repellent in summer.
• Boat Safety: Choose licensed boats when touring Yilong Lake and wear life jackets.

V. 2025 Travel Updates

• Rural Revitalization Projects: Fujia Camp, along with Renshou and Maomuzui Villages, is developing a “Six Tourism Integration” model (cultural, agricultural, sports, urban, wellness, and smart tourism), adding new agritourism complexes.
• Digital Museum Launch: An online digital museum of traditional villages will offer virtual tours of village history and intangible heritage.
• Festival Upgrades: During the 2025 Spring Festival, Shiping Ancient City will host an “Intangible Cultural Heritage New Year” event, with dedicated Haicai Folk Song and Cigarette Box Dance performances in Fujia Camp for immersive ethnic cultural experiences.

I. Core Tourist Attractions

1. Ancient Architecture & Historical Legacy

• Ming-Qing Architectural Complex:
  The village preserves over 40 well-maintained traditional residences from the Ming, Qing, and Republican eras, featuring classic Yunnanese layouts like “three-side houses with a screen wall” (三坊一照壁) and “four courtyards with five wells” (四合五天井). Notable structures include:
  • Chen Family Ancestral Hall (陈氏宗祠): Built in 1925, this grand hall showcases a blend of Chinese and Western architectural elements, with intricate wood carvings and a towering gate inscribed with calligraphy by late Qing scholars.
  • Zheng Family Ancestral Hall (郑氏宗祠): A Ming Dynasty relic with a solemn courtyard and stone steles recording the village’s genealogy and historical milestones.
  • Chen Heting’s Former Residence (陈鹤亭故居): The home of Chen Heting, a prominent early 20th-century industrialist and founder of Yunnan’s first private railway (the Shilong Railway), reflecting the lifestyle of local elites with its elaborate gardens and ancestral halls.
• Heritage Streets:
  Cobblestone pathways lined with gray-tiled houses, horse-drawn carriage relics, and century-old wells (e.g., Yongning Well) lead to the Village Cultural Square, where historical plaques detail Zhengying’s role as a key stop on the ancient tea-horse road.

2. Cultural Diversity & Intangible Heritage

• Ethnic Fusion Culture:
  Home to Han, Yi, and Hani ethnic groups, the village hosts folk art like Yi embroidery (featuring geometric patterns on black cloth) and Hani rice-planting songs, performed during seasonal festivals.
• Craftsmanship Experiences:
  • Woodcarving Workshops: Learn to carve floral motifs on window grilles, a skill passed down for generations.
  • Traditional Rice Noodle Making: Baoxiu rice noodles (宝秀米线), a local specialty, are handmade using spring water from nearby mountains—visitors can try grinding rice and shaping noodles at family-run workshops.
• Historical Exhibitions:
  The Zhengying Village History Museum displays artifacts from the Ming military garrison era, ancient farming tools, and photographs of Chen Heting’s railway projects, offering insights into the village’s evolution.

3. Natural Beauty & Rural Landscapes

• Chirui Lake Wetlands:
  Adjacent to the village, the Chirui Lake National Wetland (赤瑞湖) is a haven for migratory birds (e.g., egrets, mandarin ducks) and lotus blooms. Rent a bamboo boat to glide through lily pad-covered waters or hike the lakeside trail to enjoy panoramic views of rice paddies and distant karst mountains.
• Terraced Fields & Orchards:
  The surrounding hills feature terraced rice fields that transform from lush green in summer to golden in autumn. Seasonal fruit-picking activities include pears (August–September) and tangerines (November–December), organized by local farmers.
• Countryside Cycling Route:
  A 10-km loop from Zhengying Village passes through ancient camphor trees, stone arch bridges (e.g., Yong’an Bridge), and fishing villages, offering a leisurely way to admire rural Yunnan’s tranquility.

II. Cultural Events & Festivals

1. Traditional Festivals

• Spring Ancestral Worship (First Month of Lunar Calendar):
  The Chen and Zheng families gather at their ancestral halls for solemn rituals, including offerings to ancestors and dragon dance performances, open to visitors to observe or participate respectfully.
• Torch Festival (24th Day of the Sixth Lunar Month):
  Yi villagers light bonfires, sing folk songs, and perform the Cigarette Box Dance (烟盒舞), inviting tourists to join in the lively circle dances and savor grilled lamb and glutinous rice cakes.
• Rice Noodle Culture Festival (December):
  Celebrates Baoxiu’s noodle-making heritage with competitions, noodle-themed banquets, and folk operas, highlighting the region’s agricultural and culinary traditions.

2. Living Cultural Performances

• Tea-Horse Road Folk Shows:
  Evening performances at the village square reenact ancient caravan scenes, with actors in traditional attire showcasing horse-driving skills, trade negotiations, and folk music, accompanied by lantern-lit settings.

III. Nearby Attractions

• Baoxiu Ancient Town (2 km away):
  A millennium-old market town featuring the Baoxiu Confucius Temple (宝秀孔庙) and Ming Dynasty stone arches, where visitors can taste street food like grilled tofu and sour plum soup.
• Shiping Ancient City (15 km away):
  A 13-minute drive leads to Shiping’s historic center, home to the Yuping Academy (玉屏书院) and the former residence of Yuan Jiagu, Yunnan’s only imperial scholar (zhuangyuan) in the Qing Dynasty.
• Baxin Railway Station (10 km away):
  Part of the historic Sino-Vietnamese Railway, this century-old station features French colonial architecture and vintage steam locomotives, ideal for retro-themed photography.

IV. Travel Tips

1. Transportation

• By Car: Drive from Kunming to Shiping County via Kunmo Expressway (3.5 hours), then take Provincial Road 315 to Baoxiu Town (20 minutes). Free parking is available at the village entrance.
• Public Transit: Take a bus from Shiping County Bus Station to Baoxiu Town (30 minutes), then walk or take a local taxi (5 minutes) to Zhengying Village.
• Upcoming Accessibility: The Eshi-Hong Expressway (opening in 2025) will reduce travel time from Kunming to Shiping to 2.5 hours, enhancing convenience for self-driving tourists.

2. Accommodation

• Village Homestays:
  • Chen Family Courtyard Homestay (100–180 RMB/night): Stay in a restored Qing Dynasty house with traditional wooden beds and home-cooked meals featuring Baoxiu noodles.
  • Lakeside Guesthouse (150–250 RMB/night): Offers Chirui Lake views and cultural activities like evening lantern-making workshops.
• Town Hotels: For modern amenities, stay in Baoxiu Town (e.g., Baoxiu Hotel), a 10-minute drive from the village.

3. Cuisine

• Must-Try Dishes:
  • Baoxiu Rice Noodles: Served in clear broth with pork, mushrooms, and pickled vegetables, a breakfast staple in Shiping.
  • Zhengying Ham: Aged ham with a rich, salty flavor, often used in stir-fries or steamed dishes.
  • Yi Ethnic Cuisine: Try baked potatoes with honey and fermented rice wine (paogang jiu) during village feasts.

4. Best Time to Visit

• March–May (Spring): Mild weather for exploring architecture and enjoying blooming peach blossoms.
• September–November (Autumn): Ideal for witnessing rice harvests and vibrant wetland birdlife.
• Winter (December–February): Experience Lunar New Year traditions, though pack warm clothing for cool evenings.

5. Notes

• Cultural Respect: Avoid touching artifacts in ancestral halls and ask for permission before photographing locals during festivals.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Cobblestone streets are best explored in flat, non-slip footwear.
• Eco-Friendly Travel: Help preserve the wetland by not littering and using designated boat routes on Chirui Lake.

V. 2025 Highlights

• Cultural Revitalization Projects: Zhengying is enhancing its historical exhibitions with AR displays of ancient caravan routes and interactive workshops for rice noodle making and Yi embroidery.
• Rural Tourism Upgrades: New agritourism experiences include “Farm-to-Table” dinners, where visitors harvest ingredients from local fields and cook them under the guidance of village chefs.
• Night Tourism Launch: A lantern-lit trail through ancient streets will debut in 2025, featuring cultural installations and night markets selling handicrafts and street food.

Heishe Village, Jiucheng Town, Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture

I. Village Overview and Demographics

II. Economic Industries and Development

1. Traditional Agriculture

• The village has 1,550 mu (103 hectares) of cultivated land (0.65 mu per capita), growing crops like corn, wheat, and flue-cured tobacco.
• It has 8,361 mu (557 hectares) of forest land, with economic fruit trees such as chestnuts and walnuts (0.51 mu per capita).
• Animal husbandry focuses on pig, cattle, and sheep breeding, contributing 32.9% of total income in 2008.

2. Upgraded Specialized Industries

• Vegetable Planting: Using the “party branch + cooperative + base + farmer” model, radish cultivation has expanded. In 2024, Jiucheng Town planted over 1,600 mu of radishes, with an estimated output value of nearly 4 million RMB. Heishe Village, as a key area, employs contract farming and guaranteed price purchase mechanisms to boost farmer income.
• Pig Farming: A 2019 plan aimed to produce 45,000 pigs annually, but progress requires further policy support.

3. Rural Tourism

• The village is developing a “Six Beauties” rural tourism project around its reservoir, including lotus 观赏 ponds, lakeside greenery, and cultural squares.
• In 2024, it was listed in the national-level traditional village protection project, receiving 10 million RMB in provincial funding to renovate traditional architecture, improve infrastructure, and enhance tourism services.

III. Infrastructure and Public Services

1. Transportation

• The road to the town and village is gravel, with unpaved main village roads. In 2023, 40,000 RMB was invested to repair 9 kilometers of field roads, though major traffic routes still need upgrading.

2. Water, Electricity, and Communications

• Drinking water was sourced from wells (with shortages in 2008); water supply was improved in 2023, though water quality compliance rates are unreported.
• Electricity and telecommunications are fully accessible: 658 households have electricity, 540 have cable TV, and mobile phone penetration is 64%.

3. Healthcare and Education

• Healthcare: The village clinic covers 157 m², located 8–16 km from town hospitals. The medical insurance participation rate was 97% in 2010, but resources remain limited.
• Education: Heishe Primary School (including preschool) serves the village; secondary education requires traveling to Jiucheng Town, indicating weak educational resources.

4. Living Environment

• Since 2017, 38 million RMB has been invested in infrastructure: 3,100 meters of paved roads, 130 streetlights, and a 2,600 m² cultural square.
• The 2024 traditional village protection project includes renovating 5 traditional buildings, upgrading household wiring, and building mini fire stations to enhance safety and environmental management.

IV. Cultural and Tourist Resources

1. Natural Scenery

• The village is centered around a small reservoir, offering mountain-water landscapes ideal for summer vacations. Lotus ponds and lakeside greenery have become popular tourist spots.

2. Cultural Features

• As a traditional village, it preserves Yi and Miao cultural elements, such as traditional architecture and folk customs. The protection project will excavate cultural heritage and host folk exhibitions to strengthen local identity.

3. Tourism Development

• In 2025, Ctrip included Heishe Village in the “Luxi Folk Culture One-Day Tour,” linking it with attractions like Alu Grottoes and Chengzi Village. However, services like agritainment and homestays are still under construction.

V. Future Development Directions

1. Industrial Integration: Expand vegetable planting, develop radish processing (e.g., dried radish), and combine agriculture with tourism via eco-picking and agritainment.
2. Infrastructure Upgrades: Complete road 硬化，sewage treatment, and fire safety facilities by end-2024. Apply for 36.37 million RMB in central funding for rural sewage projects covering 13 natural villages, including Heishe.
3. Livelihood Improvement: Increase investment in education and healthcare (planning new clinics and school expansions) and promote local employment through training and e-commerce support.

VI. Transportation Guide

• By Car: From Kunming, take Shankun Expressway to Shilin, switch to Guangkun Expressway to Luxi County, then drive 32 km toward Jiucheng Town.
• Public Transport: Take a bus from Luxi County Bus Station to Jiucheng Town, then transfer to a rural bus or charter a vehicle to Heishe Village.

I. Village Overview and Demographics

• Basic Profile: Covering 3.2 square kilometers, the village administers 1 village group with 486 households and a registered population of 1,820, over 95% of whom are engaged in agriculture, with around 1,200 laborers.
• Ethnic Composition: Predominantly Han (98%), with small mixed populations of Yi and Hani ethnic groups, showcasing high cultural integration.
• Historical Background: Formed during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the village is named after the early 聚居 (settlement) of the Ma clan. It retains traditional dwellings and farming customs, listed in Jianshui’s Traditional Village Protection List in 2019.

II. Economic Industries and Unique Resources

1. Traditional Agriculture & Specialized Planting

• Leading Industries: With 2,100 mu (140 hectares) of cultivated land (1.15 mu per capita), it grows rice, flue-cured tobacco, vegetables (chilies, tomatoes), and fruits (citrus, blueberries). Flue-cured tobacco, a traditional pillar industry, covers over 800 mu annually, generating a 2023 output value of 5 million RMB.
• Modern Agriculture: In recent years, high-altitude 特色 fruits like blueberries and strawberries have been introduced via the “cooperative + farmer” model, with 50 mu of greenhouse facilities. Products supply urban and surrounding markets, tripling per-mu output value compared to traditional crops.

2. Animal Husbandry & Industrial Integration

• Livestock farming, mainly pigs and laying hens, is household-based, with a 2023 output value of 2 million RMB.
• Leveraging tourism resources near Shuanglong Bridge and Tuanshan Ancient Village, some households operate agritainment businesses featuring local specialties like Jianshui tofu and grass 芽 rice noodles, accounting for 15% of rural tourism income in 2024.

3. Collective Economy & Project-Driven Growth

• The village collective earns income through land transfer and photovoltaic project investments, reaching 300,000 RMB in 2023, used for infrastructure and public services.

III. Infrastructure and Public Services

1. Transportation & Water Conservancy

• Transport: The main village road is paved concrete, connecting to Xizhuang’s main road (15-minute drive from Jianshui Ancient City). 90% of 村内 roads are 硬化，with plans to build 2 new parking lots in 2024 to improve tourist access.
• Irrigation: Relying on the Xizhuang Dam irrigation system, it has 5 km of irrigation ditches, achieving an 85% effective irrigation rate.

2. Water, Electricity & Communications

• 100% of households have electricity, with 95% access to tap water (groundwater source), upgraded in 2022; 4G network covers the entire village, with 80% fiber broadband penetration and e-commerce stations for online sales.

3. Education & Healthcare

• Education: Majiaying Primary School (including kindergarten) has 150 students and 12 teachers; secondary education requires traveling to Xizhuang Town or the county seat, with concentrated educational resources.
• Healthcare: The 80 m² village clinic has 2 rural doctors, handling common illnesses; located 3 km from Xizhuang Town Hospital, with a 98% medical insurance participation rate.

4. Living Environment

• Since 2018, 5 million RMB has been invested in 2 km of sewage pipeline renovation, 80 streetlights, and greening, awarded “Jianshui Beautiful Village” in 2023.
• The “Toilet Revolution” upgraded 85% of toilets, with 3 new waste treatment sites, significantly improving sanitation.

IV. Cultural Tourism & Resource Advantages

1. Historical & Cultural Resources

• Over 20 traditional dwellings from the Qing and Republican eras remain, featuring “three-sided houses with a screen wall” (三坊一照壁) and “four courtyards with five wells” (四合五天井) architecture, preserving intact wood and brick carvings.
• Rich folk activities include dragon/lion dances during Spring Festival, lantern fairs on Lantern Festival, and zongzi-making competitions on Dragon Boat Festival, inheriting intangible cultural heritage like Jianshui “Dongjing Music.”

2. Natural Scenery & Tourism Linkage

• Surrounding pastoral landscapes, with rapeseed flowers in spring and rice fields in summer, attract photographers. Adjacent to the national 4A-level Shuanglong Bridge (Seventeen-Arch Bridge), it’s within walking distance and included in the “Jianshui Ancient City—Tuanshan Ancient Village—Shuanglong Bridge” tourism loop, receiving over 100,000 visitors annually since 2024.
• Plans to build an “Agricultural Culture Experience Park” for rice paddy adoption and fruit/vegetable picking to promote agritourism integration.

3. Conservation & Development

• Leveraging Jianshui’s status as a “National Historical and Cultural City,” it applied for 3 million RMB in provincial traditional village protection funds in 2024 for ancient building restoration and cultural excavation, aiming to create a “Traditional Dwelling Exhibition Area.”

V. Future Development Plan

1. Industrial Upgrading:
   • Expand blueberry/strawberry planting, build sorting/packaging centers, register agricultural brands, and utilize e-commerce for wider sales.
   • Standardize agritainment operations, develop “homestay + farming experience” products, and integrate into Jianshui’s tourism network.
2. Infrastructure Enhancement:
   • Complete village-wide sewage pipeline coverage and main road lighting by 2025; launch a cultural activity center.
   • Secure rural revitalization funds for high-standard farmland renovation to boost agricultural mechanization.
3. Cultural Empowerment:
   • Compile the Majiaying Village Annals, protect traditional architecture and customs, and train intangible cultural heritage inheritors.
   • Collaborate with nearby scenic spots to launch “Ancient Village Exploration” and “Pastoral Wellness” tour routes to increase visibility.

VI. Transportation Guide

• By Car: From Jianshui County Seat, drive 12 km west along S214 to Xizhuang Town, then via Majiaying’s main road; 15 km (20-minute drive) from Jianshui Ancient City (Chaoyang Tower).
• Public Transport: Take Bus Route 12 from Jianshui County to Xizhuang Town, then transfer to a rural bus or walk 3 km; a tourist shuttle operates during peak seasons: “Ancient City—Shuanglong Bridge—Majiaying.”

Chinese Name: 曲石镇江苴古村
English Name: Jiangju Gucun Village of Qushi Town in Tengchong County, Baoshan

Plan your Yunnan Ethnic Villages Tour to Baoshan? Visit Jiangju Gucun Village of Qushi Town in Tengchong City, Baoshan which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Baoshan. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion,Language of local ethnic people in Jiangju Gucun Village of Qushi Town in Tengchong City, Baoshan.

Chinese Name:  保山市腾冲市五合乡鹿山村杨家寨
English Name: Yangjiazhai Village of Wuhe Town in Tengchong City, Baoshan

Plan your Yunnan Ethnic Villages Tour to Baoshan? Visit Yangjiazhai Village in Tengchong City, Baoshan which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Baoshan. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion,Language of local ethnic people in Yangjiazhai Village in Tengchong City, Baoshan.

Introduction

Dazhai Village is located in Lianzhu Town, Mojiang County, Yunnan Province. It was founded in Yuan Xianzong for four years and has a history of 360 years. Dazhai Village is 14 kilometers away from Mojiang County and is a village inhabited by Hani nationality on the Tropic of Cancer. It has four village groups, with 219 households and 890 people.

Hani Ethnic Minority

The Hani ethnic minority shares the same origin with the Yi and Lahu ethnic minorities. According to historical records, they all evolved from the ancient Qiang people. The Qiang people used to be a nomadic tribe living in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Later one branch of them moved south and early by the 3rd century, their forefathers had inhabited the swampland along the Dadu River and Yalong River. In the 7th century, they immigrated into the area near Mt. Ailao and Mt. Wuliang. In the Tang and Song dynasties, this area was successively reined in by the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms. The Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) established a prefecture to rule the Hani and other ethnic groups in Yunnan. The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) exercised its rule through local chieftains, who were granted official posts. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) court officials replaced the chieftains.

The Hani ethnic group comprises over twenty subgroups. They used to be called Hani, Aini, Kaduo, Biyue, Heni, etc. With the founding of the PRC in 1949, following consultation with the ethnic group, it was decided to agree upon the official name of Hani ethnic minority.

The Hanis are engaged in agriculture and build their two- and three- storey houses of bamboo, mud, stone and wood on hill slopes. The areas inhabited by the Hanis have rich natural resources. Being subtropical, the land is fertile and the rainfall plentiful — ideal for growing rice, millet, cotton, peanuts, indigo and tea. Growing on the rolling Ailao Mountains are pine, cypress, palm, tung oil and camphor trees, and the forests abound in animals such as tigers, leopards, bears, monkeys, peacocks, parrots and pheasants.

Traditional Residence 

Dazhai village is the Mojiang Hani (Budu) branch of the most concentrated village. The village has retained a large number of Hani typical residential earth-form house. The earth house is the main building in the natural village of Dazhai. The village is built around the mountain. The hillside is lush with trees. Dragon bamboo, palms covered with rows of untidy earth palms. The hardworking Hani people incorporate beautiful buildings into nature Dazhai natural village has become the “forest-village-terrace-river” four-in-one Hani landscape typical.

Featured Agriculture

The natural village of Dazhai, which is rich in high-quality purple rice, has attracted much attention because of its popularity in the market. People in the natural village of Dazhai always use the original Hani method of planting purple rice, and use pure ecological organic fertilizer. This makes the purple rice of Kuineng-Dazhai always have the characteristics of fragrance, stickiness, slippage, and waxy. “Compendium of Materia Medica” records that purple rice has the functions of nourishing yin and tonifying kidney, invigorating spleen and warming liver, activating eyes and activating blood. It is called “medicine valley” and is a “precious gift” left by Hani people to the world.

Featured Culture

In addition to Hani earth house, purple rice, there are unique local characteristics of gold-mining culture in Dazhai natural village. At the foot of the village, there is a river called “Shuigui River”, whose upstream flows through the Mojiang gold mine, one of the “national gold lines,” so that the river carries a large amount of gold sand. When the Shuigui River passes through Kuineng, the flow rate slows, so that the gold sand deposits on the riverbed. The ancestors began the gold washing, and there was setting off an upsurge of gold mining in the village. Every family in the village had a home-made bed and attracted a large number of gold miners from outside the country, which was later quelled by the government’s ban on illegal gold mining. Now, with the approval of the relevant authorities, the river Shuigui Open to visitors, you can experience the fun of gold mining.

The Hani people have lived in Guineng Village for a long time, formed a unique national culture and customs, and completely preserved, became a natural “Hani Culture Museum.” The unique traditional culture of Dazhai village, such as “Earthen House”, “High Quality Purple Rice Production Area”, gold mining history, embroidery technology and other traditional cultures, attracts more and more tourists to set foot on this hot land.

How to Get there?

1. By Air

There are no airports in Mojiang County. Visitors can take a plane to Simao District, Puer, then take a long-distance bus to Kuineng-Dazhai Hani Ethnic Village.

2. By Train

Pu’er Railway Station is the middle station of the Yumo Railway under construction and an important station for the Laos section of the Trans-Asian Railway. It is expected to be put into use by 2020.

3. By Long-distance Bus

Tourists can take long-distance bus at Kunming South Passenger Station to Mojiang County Passenger Station.

Overview

The Torch Festival is an ancient traditional festival of the Yi, Bai, Naxi, Jinuo, and Lahu ethnic groups. It has a profound folk culture and is called the “Oriental Carnival.” Different ethnic groups hold their torch festivals at different times, most of them celebrate it on June 24 of the lunar calendar. The main activities include bull-fighting, sheep-fighting, cock fighting, horse-racing, wrestling, singing and dancing performances, and beauty contest. The Torch Festival is also one of the most traditional ethnic minority festivals in Yunnan which is celebrated in all parts of Yunnan by the 26 ethnic minorities.

Yunnan Nationalities Village

Time: July 24th – July 28th

Location: Yunnan Nationalities Village, Kunming

Activities: torch welcoming, bull-fighting, wrestling, torch cruise, Datiao group dance, torch carnival, fire offering ceremony

Shilin Yi Torch Festival

Time: August 5th – August 11th

Location: Stone Forest Scenic Area, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City

Activities: ethnic songs & dance competition, King Ox competition, ethnic embroidery exhibition, wrestling competition, Torch Carnival Night.

On the day of the Torch Festival, all members of the community, male and female, young and old dressed up in festive costumes and will gather in the market to celebrate the annual traditional festival. The most favorable places are in the remote stone forest, at the shore of Changhu Lake and the foot of Guishan Mountain. Wrestling competition and bull-fighting are also highlights of the festival.

Chuxiong Yi Torch Festival

Time: August 5th – August 11th

Location: the festival sets main venue in Chuxiong city proper (Yiren Ancient Town, Shiyue Taiyanli Park, Taoyuan Lake Square, etc.) and Zixi Mountain (Zixi Village) and other venues respectively in the nine counties under the jurisdiction of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture.

Activities: No-level Yi Wrestling Tournament, Zixi mountain bike race, Yi ethnic horse race, Yi Ethnic Long Street Banquet, bonfire party, Fire Offering Ceremony

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is one of China’s two Yi autonomous prefectures and the area where the Torch Festival is most popular and ceremoniously celebrated. In 2005, the “China Chuxiong Yi Torch Festival” was listed in the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List. In May 1981, the Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture designated the Torch Festival as a statutory festival for the Yi people in the state. Since then, the festival has been held in Lucheng, Chuxiong every year.

Dali Weishan Yi Torch Festival

Time: August 5th (Lunar June 24th)

Location: Weishan County Seat, Dali Prefecture

The giant torches are erected in the villages in the early morning, and the small torches in front of each household are also set up. When the sunset is over the mountains, the night falls, and people from all sides gether in the Ancient City of Weishan. At the time, the main streets in the ancient city, especially the Nanzhao ancient street, will be full of ignited torches with cracking firecrackers in a display of fireworks and a sea of lanterns, forming a grand landscape of “the grand torch in the square, the small torches in front of each house, and one torch in the hands of each individual.”

Wenshan Qiubei Yi Torch Festival

Time: August 5th (Lunar June 24th)

Location: Jiaolian Square and Puzhehei Passion Square, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture

The Torch Festival is held in the most beautiful season of Puzhehei. It is the most expertly held folk festival in Qiubei with the highest level of integration with tourism development. The main activities of the Yi Torch Festival include Bimo Sacrifice, Long Street Banquet, Xuanzi Dance Competition, and Yi People’s Bonfire Party. The festival is rich in content with high participation of tourists, attracting the attention of many outside tourists.

Yuxi E’shan Yi Torch Festival

Time: August 5th (Lunar June 24th)

Location: E’shan County, Yuxi City

E’shan is the first Yi autonomous county in China and the hometown of Flower-Drum Dance of Chinese Yi people. The Torch Festival is the grandest ethnic festival with richest ethnic features in E’shan County. During the festival, a variety of sport and cultural activities like drilling wood for making fire, torch relay, torch lighting ceremony, ancestor worship ceremony, bonfire carnival, “Envying Dream Garden, Flower Drums in E’shan” art calligraphy and photography exhibition, bite of Yi special food, fun mass sports activities, ethnic cultural tourism and other colorful cultural and sports activities, are held to show a unique ethnic culture.

Baoshan Mangkuan Yi Torch Festival

Time: August 6 (Lunar June 25)

Location: Ethnic Culture Square, Mangkuan Township, Baoshan City

The Torch Festival takes “fire” as the subject, highlighting the “fire” culture of the Yi people, and embodying the good wishes of impeding ill fortune and praying for blessings, good harvest and happiness in life, focusing on the rich and colorful ethnic culture and humanities, and the harmonious coexistence of 20 ethnic groups, in which a social situation of common development and booming days are shown. During the festival, the “Torch Cup” basketball competition, the “Torch Cup” singer competition, and the traditional folk sports competitions such as shooting, spinning top, table tennis, badminton, and chess will be held. Moreover, there will be carnival and bonfire party  at three consecutive nights.

Dali Nanjian County Torch Festival

Time: August 6 (Lunar June 25)

Location: Nanjian County, Dali Prefecture

June 25th of the lunar calendar is the traditional torch festival for the Nanjian Yi ethnic people. On the day of the Torch Festival, it is customary to take the married girl back to home for celebrating the festival. During the day, every family will kill chickens and sheep, and prepare food and drink to worship the heaven and the earth, in order to pray for the good blessings of people, animals and crops.

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