Geographic Location
Manlong Village (曼竜村) is located in the Haizi Village Committee (海子村委会) of Jijie Township (鸡街乡), Xichou County (西畴县), in the mountainous area where Xichou County (西畴县) borders Guangnan County (广南县). The village is about 4.5 kilometers from the government office of Jijie Township (鸡街乡).
Cultural and Historical Background
Manlong Village (曼竜村) is home to the Hualao (花倮) branch of the Yi (彝族) people. The ancestors of the Hualao people were once nomadic tribes from the northwest plateau, who eventually settled in this area after a long and difficult journey. The ethnic culture here is well-preserved, and the village has attracted visitors to study the protection of the Hulusheng Dance (葫芦笙舞), which was listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items in China.
Local Customs and Traditions
The Hualao people of Manlong Village (曼竜村) worship buckwheat, bamboo, and fish sticks as “sacred objects” and carry on the tradition of playing the Hulusheng (葫芦笙) and performing the accompanying Hulusheng Dance (葫芦笙舞). In addition, the village features unique dry-column, two-story wooden houses arranged along the mountainside, showcasing the distinctive architectural style of the Hualao people.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Manlong Village (曼竜村) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with distinct seasons and a mild climate. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is cool and ideal for outdoor activities.
Recommended Attractions, Visiting Duration, and Admission Fees
- Manlong Village (曼竜村): Experience the customs and traditional crafts of the Yi (彝族) Hualao people. Recommended visit duration: Half a day. Admission: Free.
- Nearby Attractions: Jijie Township (鸡街乡) and surrounding areas have other Yi (彝族) villages where visitors can further explore local ethnic culture.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take a bus from Xichou County (西畴县) to Jijie Township (鸡街乡), which takes about 1 hour. Then transfer to local transport or walk to Manlong Village (曼竜村).
- Self-Drive: Drive from Xichou County (西畴县) along the local roads to Jijie Township (鸡街乡), and then proceed to Manlong Village (曼竜村), approximately 15 kilometers in total.
Local Cuisine
- Yi (彝族) Specialty Dishes: Taste traditional Yi (彝族) dishes such as Buckwheat (荞菜) and Roast Whole Lamb (烤全羊).
- Farmhouse Meals: The village has local restaurants that serve fresh vegetables and poultry.
Shopping
- Ethnic Handicrafts: You can buy traditional Yi (彝族) clothing, embroidery, and other unique handicrafts.
- Local Specialties: Local products such as Eight-Treasure Tribute Rice (八宝贡米) and Oil Tea (油茶).
Accommodation
- Homestays: You can stay in local Yi (彝族) villages to experience the ethnic atmosphere.
- County Hotels: Xichou County (西畴县) offers a variety of hotels for accommodation.
Travel Tips
- Respect Local Customs: Please respect the local customs and traditions when visiting and participating in cultural activities.
- Environmental Protection: Be mindful of the environment when visiting natural areas and avoid littering.
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Xichou County (西畴县), check into a hotel, and visit Manlong Village (曼竜村) in the Haizi Village Committee (海子村委会) of Jijie Township (鸡街乡) to explore the Yi (彝族) Hualao villages and experience their customs.
- Day 2: Visit other nearby villages in Jijie Township (鸡街乡) to learn more about the local ethnic culture.
Manlong Village (曼竜村) is a place filled with ethnic charm and cultural richness. Here, you can experience the warm hospitality of the Yi (彝族) Hualao people, enjoy unique natural landscapes, and immerse yourself in the vibrant ethnic culture. We hope your journey will be filled with joy and unforgettable memories!
