Dabinglangyuan Village Dai (Huayao Dai) Ethnic Culture Protection Area in Gasa Town of Xinping County, Yuxi
Geographic Location
Dabinlangyuan Village (大槟榔园村) is located in Nanbang Village Committee, Gasa Town (嘎洒镇), Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County (新平彝族傣族自治县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). Nestled in the heart of the Ailao Mountains (哀牢山) and the upper reaches of the Honghe River (红河), it is a typical settlement of the Huayao Dai (花腰傣) people. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, with forest coverage exceeding 90%, the village boasts a pristine ecological environment and is praised as a “Huayao Dai Ethnic Ecological Tourism Village”.
History and Heritage
Ethnic Origins
The Huayao Dai (花腰傣) are a branch of the Dai (傣族) ethnic group, who refer to themselves as “Daiyaluo” (傣雅洛), meaning “the laggards in migration.” They are said to be descendants of the ancient Dian Kingdom (滇国), preserving unique traditional clothing, language, and customs.
Village History
Dabinlangyuan Village (大槟榔园村) still retains traditional tuzhangfang (土掌房, earthen flat-roof houses), which account for 86.1% of all village buildings. The community continues to practice ancient techniques in agriculture, weaving, and sugar pressing.
Folk Culture
Traditional Dress
Huayao Dai women wear bright clothing with colorful sashes, silver jewelry, and traditional bamboo baskets (yangluo)—their attire is both vibrant and intricate. Men wear black button-up jackets and long trousers.
Festivals
- Huajie Festival (花街节): Celebrated on the first Ox day of the second lunar month, it features beauty contests, love songs, and courtship rituals. Often referred to as the “Oriental Valentine’s Day”.
- Dragon Tree and Village Spirit Worship: Nine sacrificial ceremonies are held annually to pray for good weather and harvests.
Traditional Practices
- Bamboo weaving and traditional red sugar pressing methods are still preserved.
- Teeth dyeing (for girls aged 13–17) and tattooing (practiced by both men and women) remain important customs.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Climate
Subtropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The average annual temperature ranges from 18°C to 22°C with abundant rainfall.
Best Seasons to Visit
- February–March: During the Huajie Festival, offering the most immersive cultural experience.
- September–November: Harvest season with golden terraced fields—ideal for photography.
Recommended Attractions and Visit Duration
| Attraction | Highlights | Suggested Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dabinlangyuan Village (大槟榔园村寨) | Traditional earthen houses, Huayao Dai dance performances | 2–3 hours |
| Huayao Rural Culture Village (花腰田间民俗文化村, AAA Scenic Area) | Pottery and Dai embroidery workshops, agricultural culture displays | 3–4 hours |
| Shimen Gorge of Ailao Mountains (哀牢山石门峡) | Waterfalls, primeval forest, streams | 2 hours |
| Nan’en Waterfall (南恩瀑布) | Iconic waterfall of the Ailao Mountains | 1 hour |
Transportation
Self-Drive
Kunming → Xinping (approx. 3 hours) → Gasa Town (1 hour) → Dabinlangyuan Village (15 minutes)
Public Transportation
Take a long-distance bus from Kunming South Bus Station to Xinping, then transfer to a local bus to Gasa Town.
Food Recommendations
- Gasa Beef Hot Pot (戛洒牛汤锅): A traditional mule caravan delicacy, served with dipping sauces and yellow rice.
- Dry Eel and Pickled Duck Eggs: Classic Huayao Dai bar snacks.
- Boiled Pickled Meat with Panzhihua Flowers (攀枝花煮腌肉): A seasonal wild vegetable dish.
Shopping Recommendations
- Colorful Huayao Sashes (花腰带) and Dai Brocade (傣锦): Handmade textiles with vibrant patterns.
- Brown Sugar and Traditional Pottery (土陶): Local handcrafted products.
Accommodation Recommendations
- Huayao Rural Homestay (花腰田间民宿): Styled as traditional tuzhangfang, offering immersive experiences.
- Hotels in Gasa Town: Budget options such as Huajie Hotel (花街酒店).
Travel Tips
- Respect Local Customs: Remain quiet during sacrificial ceremonies.
- Clothing: Lightwear for summer, warm clothing for winter due to large temperature differences between day and night in the mountains.
Recommended Itinerary (from smallest to largest destination)
- Half-Day: Dabinlangyuan Village → Huayao Rural Culture Village
- Full-Day: Shimen Gorge + Nan’en Waterfall
- Return Route: Gasa Town → Xinping County → Kunming
Dabinlangyuan Village (大槟榔园村) is a living museum of Huayao Dai (花腰傣) culture. Here, you can immerse yourself in authentic Dai traditions, experience rural lifestyles, and savor local mule caravan cuisine. Whether you’re drawn to festive celebrations or serene countryside strolls, this destination offers an unforgettable ethnic journey through Yunnan.
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