A fresh glimpse of a Pu’er ancient village

Located in Lancang Lahu Autonomous County of Pu’er City, the ancient village of Zuodu boasts a history of over 480 years and is a well-preserved settlement of the Wa ethnic group. The village’s residential complexes, traditional costumes, cuisine, and farming practices offer a rich cultural and historical experience representative of the Wa people.

Early in the morning, sunlight pierces through the clouds, bathing the thatched roofs of every cottage in Zuodu in a bright golden hue.

Walking into the ancient village, you can see bamboo bridges, flowing water, flagstone-paved paths, thatched cottages, and villagers dressed in traditional Wa costumes. As you listen to the pleasant and ancient Wa melody “Song of Combing Hair,” you feel as if you are in a paradise beyond this world.

  

In 2019, Zuodu eradicated poverty and began constructing a new settlement called “Wengbangla” to support the production and daily life of villagers relocating from the old village. “Wengbangla,” meaning “a street in the mountain” in the Wa language, has retained the distinctive features of Wa ethnic residences. The new houses are arranged in rows, with thatched roofs and bull’s head totems highlighting the cultural characteristics of the Wa people.

Alongside the construction of the new settlement, a restoration and repair project for the old settlement was also initiated. By preserving the original characteristics of the ancient village residences and creatively sustaining Wa culture, Zuodu has developed its tourism industry, becoming the most distinctive Wa cultural experience resort in Lancang County. In November 2020, the first phase of the village restoration project was completed.

  

Meanwhile, with the development of tourism in the ancient village, the villagers have seized the opportunity. In the new settlement, some have taken up beekeeping, others are planting tea, Bambusa schreb, Orah mandarins, and Chinese herbs. Additionally, some have returned to the ancient village to maintain the thatched cottages and perform for tourists.

  

In late 2022, the ancient village of Zuodu was designated a AAA-rated tourist attraction in China. This Wa ancient village, which has traversed time and space, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The village itself is evolving into a scenic spot, traditional folk residences are being converted into homestay hotels, and local farmers are becoming performers.

In the evenings, the small theater of Zuodu resonates with the lively sounds of Wa music. The village’s performance troupe rehearses traditional Wa songs and dances. Other villagers learn to dance, weave Wa brocades, work as tour guides, and manage homestay hotels in preparation for the influx of tourists.

Text by Yunnan.cn
Translated by YNTA