Gumo Village in Fengqing County, Lincang
Chinese Name: 凤庆诗礼乡古墨村
English Name: Gumo Village in Fengqing County, Lincang
Gumo Village Overview:
Gumo Village, located in Shili Township of Fengqing County, Lincang, is a charming and tranquil village characterized by its traditional stone architecture. The village’s streets are paved with stone slabs, and its houses, walls, and roofs are all constructed from local stone. Even the tables and benches in the courtyards are made from stone, and old stone mills, abandoned for centuries, are preserved here. This is the authentic Gumo Village, a reflection of its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Scenic Beauty and Location:
Gumo Village is situated several kilometers down a mountain path from the Shili Township government office. The village’s access road is rugged and uneven, making it seem like a world apart from modernity. This isolation has preserved its traditional charm, with beautiful natural resources such as water-powered mills and meandering rivers remaining intact. Most of the village still retains the rural characteristics and style of pre-1980s China.
As you approach Gumo Village, you can see the white stone houses emerging from the landscape. The stone-paved paths are worn by the hooves of passing cattle and sheep, and the clanging of bells from mule trains adds to the village’s nostalgic atmosphere. In the village’s heart, a clear stream called the “Wandering River” flows gently. The ancient walnut trees lining the riverbanks create a picturesque scene against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. A simple wooden bridge across the river connects the village’s homes.
Historical and Cultural Context:
Gumo Village is steeped in history, benefiting from the legacy of the ancient Tea Horse Road. The village has a strong Confucian cultural influence, and its name, “Gumo,” reflects its historical connection to ink production in ancient times. However, local traditions and the abundance of natural stone have shaped the village’s unique culture.
Gumo Village’s history is intertwined with the Tea Horse Road, a crucial trade route for tea and horses. The village’s architecture and lifestyle are a testament to its historical and cultural significance, with traditional practices like stone grinding for tea still prevalent.
Stone Architecture and Usage:
Due to the challenging transportation conditions, the local people have relied on the abundant stone resources for construction and daily life. The village is characterized by its stone-paved paths, stone walls, stone roofs, and stone furniture. This traditional use of stone extends to the tools and equipment used in daily life, including stone mills and mortars.
Water Mills:
The “Wandering River” nourishes the village’s crops and powers the water mills that have been a central part of village life for generations. These mills are located along the river and vary in size and function. Some are small, single-mill structures, while others, known as “couple mills,” are larger and more complex, with stone wheels and channels that grind grain into flour. Despite the passage of time, many of these mills remain operational, reflecting the village’s resilience and adaptation.
Tourism and Preservation:
Gumo Village’s rustic charm and well-preserved cultural heritage have attracted increasing attention. The village has been featured in a television drama about “Dianhong” tea and is becoming a popular destination for those seeking a glimpse into traditional Yunnan culture. The villagers, young and old, are skilled in poetry and calligraphy, creating beautiful couplets for various occasions.
Gumo Village has gained recognition as a “Traditional Chinese Village,” a “Summer Resort Town of China in 2013,” and one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in China in 2014.” Despite its growing fame, it remains relatively under-visited due to its remote location, but this is expected to change in the coming years.
Travel Information:
- Location: Gumo Village is in Shili Township, Fengqing County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. It is 112.6 kilometers from the county seat, bordered by Qinghua Village to the east, Tuanjie Village to the south, Hebian Village to the west, and Paifang Village to the north.
- Transportation:
- By Bus: Take a bus from Fengqing to Shili; the fare is about 32 yuan. The journey takes around 4 hours. From Shili to Gumo Village is a 6-kilometer journey on a rural road with no regular bus service. Walking is required; follow the rural road from the village’s bus station, and you can also explore parts of the old Tea Horse Road along the way.
- By Car: Drive from Kunming to Fengqing, then to Shili, and finally to Gumo Village. The route from Fengqing to Shili is a mountain road, and the road from Shili to Gumo is a rural path that may be challenging.
- Accommodation: There are guesthouses and inns available in Gumo Village.
- Travel Tips:
- The village’s paths are paved with stone slabs. While these are manageable in dry weather, they can become slippery in the rain, so wear non-slip footwear.
- The average annual temperature is 17°C, with summer temperatures not exceeding 27°C. The region is a high-altitude area with occasional rain, so bring waterproof gear.
Gumo Village offers a unique blend of historical charm, natural beauty, and cultural richness, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in traditional Yunnanese life and heritage.
