Dadenghan Dai Village in Ruili City, Dehong

Chinese Name: 瑞丽大等喊傣家村寨
English Name: Dadenghan Dai Village in Ruili City, Dehong

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🗺️ Location

Situated 19 km southwest of Ruili City (瑞丽市), Dadenghan Village (大等喊) is under the administration of Jiexiang Township (姐相乡). Its Dai name means “Golden Water Pond” or “Golden Lake.” It is a typical lowland village in the valley basin.

🏡 Village Features

Blanketed by thousands of acres of teak forest, Phoenix-tail bamboo, and palm trees, the village is dotted with stilted Dai bamboo houses (干栏式傣家竹楼), creating the appearance of a “natural countryside park.” It is often praised as the most beautiful Dai village in Ruili.

🛕 Cultural Heritage & Scenic Highlights

🏯 Qianlong Buddhist Temple (乾隆奘寺)

Hidden deep within the lush forest is an ancient temple dating back to the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era. Legend holds that it was once a sacred site where the Buddha delivered sermons. Featured in films like The Peacock Princess (孔雀公主) and Journey to the West (西游记), it is famously known as the Peacock Palace (孔雀王宫).

🎨 Architectural Charm

This is a classic example of Dai-style palace architecture, with golden roofs, whitewashed walls, and a square pavilion that connects to the main hall. The eaves are adorned with ornate zodiac animal reliefs in gilded red and gold.

🌾 Ecological & Cultural Landscape

🎋 Rural Vignettes

Dai bamboo houses stand among rice paddies and lush bamboo groves. The air is filled with the fragrance of pomelo leaves, while elderly villagers carry baskets through the fields and children play in the open.

🧵 Intangible Heritage

The village preserves traditional handicrafts such as Dai textile weaving and Dai-style pottery (傣陶). During the Water Splashing Festival, vibrant religious and cultural celebrations take place.

🧭 Experiences Not to Miss

✅ Highlights

Strolling Through the Teak Forest (柚林漫步)
Wander shaded forest paths and soak in the tranquility of subtropical vegetation.

Blessings at the Peacock Palace (奘寺祈福)
Visit the historic temple and explore Dai Buddhist culture as well as behind-the-scenes stories from film shoots.

Festive Immersion (民族节庆)
Join the cross-border water-splashing festivities during the Dai New Year in April—a lively cultural celebration you won’t forget.

🍽️ Local Flavors to Try

🥢 Dai Cuisine

Enjoy traditional dishes at local bamboo house restaurants, including:

Sour Pickled Vegetables (酸扒菜)

Spicy Minced Meat Salad (撒撇)

Pineapple Sticky Rice (菠萝饭)
Highly recommended: dishes made with pomelo blossoms for a seasonal touch.

🧳 Practical Travel Tips

🚗 How to Get There

By Car: Search “Dadenghan Dai Village (大等喊傣寨)” in your GPS; it’s about 30 minutes’ drive from downtown Ruili.

By Bus: Take a rural bus from Ruili to Jiexiang Township, then transfer to a tuk-tuk into the village.

⚠️ Travel Notes

Remove your shoes before entering the temple; avoid photographing Buddha statues or ceremonial rites.

During the rainy season (June–September), bring mosquito repellent. The dry season (November–April) is ideal for photography.

🗺️ Recommended Side Trips

Hansha Village (喊沙村, 7 km)
Visit Rongxige Hot Spring Inn, a Dai Buddhist temple, and local handicraft workshops.

Site of the Dai King’s Palace (傣王宫遗址, 15 km)
Explore moody, mysterious architecture—particularly magical at sunset when the lighting creates dramatic shadows.