Laodongzhai Village of Xiaobazi Town in Maguan County, Wenshan

Geographic Location

Lao Dongzhai Village is situated in the southeastern part of Xiaobazi Town, Maguan County, within the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province. It is under the jurisdiction of the Xiaobazi Village Committee and lies approximately 1 kilometer from the town government center. Surrounded by high mountains on all sides, the village sits at an elevation of 1,481 meters, boasting well-preserved forest vegetation with a coverage rate exceeding 90%.

Cultural and Historical Background

Lao Dongzhai is a typical Miao ethnic settlement with over 500 years of history. The village has maintained its traditional Miao culture, including folk literature, music, dance, and customs. In 2017, the village’s “Nao Douyang” custom was included in the provincial intangible cultural heritage list. In 2019, it was recognized as a Yunnan Province Ethnic Minority Characteristic Village.

Customs and Traditions

The most renowned cultural activity in Lao Dongzhai is the “Nao Douyang,” an ancient and unique Miao tradition aimed at commemorating ancestors, praying for harvests, and promoting ethnic unity. Additionally, the village features cultural facilities such as the Spinning Hemp Museum and Douyang Museum, showcasing traditional Miao craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Lao Dongzhai experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 17°C and annual precipitation around 1,450 millimeters. The optimal time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is cool and suitable for outdoor activities.

Recommended Attractions, Visiting Duration, and Admission Fees

• Lao Dongzhai Village: Experience Miao folk culture and traditional handicrafts. Recommended visiting time: Half a day. Admission: Free.
• Douyang Museum: A museum displaying the “Nao Douyang” culture, offering an in-depth understanding of Miao traditions. Recommended visiting time: 1 hour. Admission: Free.
• Spinning Hemp Museum: A venue showcasing traditional Miao hemp spinning techniques. Recommended visiting time: 1 hour. Admission: Free.

Transportation

• Public Transport: Take a passenger bus from Maguan County to Xiaobazi Town (approximately 1 hour), then walk or transfer to local transportation to reach Lao Dongzhai Village.
• Self-Drive: Depart from Maguan County, drive along local roads to Xiaobazi Town, and then proceed to Lao Dongzhai Village, covering a total distance of about 36 kilometers.

Local Cuisine

• Miao Ethnic Cuisine: Sample traditional Miao dishes such as cured meat, glutinous rice, and sour fish soup.
• Farmhouse Cuisine: The village offers farmhouse restaurants serving fresh vegetables and poultry.

Shopping

• Ethnic Handicrafts: Purchase traditional Miao clothing, embroidery, silver jewelry, and other unique handicrafts.
• Local Specialties: Such as sand ginger and mangoes.

Accommodation

• Homestays: Stay in local Miao village accommodations to experience ethnic customs.
• County Hotels: Maguan County has several hotels available for selection.

Travel Tips

• Respect Local Customs: When visiting and participating in cultural activities, please respect the customs and traditions of the ethnic minorities.
• Protect the Environment: While touring natural scenic areas, be mindful of environmental protection and avoid littering.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Maguan County, check into a hotel, then proceed to Lao Dongzhai Village in Xiaobazi Town to visit the Douyang Museum and Spinning Hemp Museum, experiencing Miao folk culture.

Day 2: Continue exploring Lao Dongzhai Village, engage in traditional Miao handicrafts and cuisine, and immerse yourself in rural life.

Lao Dongzhai Village is a place rich in ethnic charm and cultural heritage. Here, you can experience the hospitality of the Miao people, enjoy unique natural landscapes, and delve into the profound ethnic culture. We hope your journey is filled with joy and unforgettable memories.

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