Delightful surprises in the Dai village of Manghuang
Well-maintained paths wind through the area, accompanied by bubbling streams and springs, while charming, rustic cottages exude warmth and simplicity. Nestled by Peacock Lake in Mangshi, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, lies Manghuang Village, home to the Dai people for generations. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and water, the village is in harmony with the distant Menghuan Golden Pagoda. Manghuang Village has emerged as a popular tourist destination for both short visits and extended stays.
A view of Manghuang Village, home to the Dai people for generations
As you enter the village, you are greeted by vibrant murals showcasing the distinctive characteristics of the Dai culture. These colorful and lively paintings serve as open history books, quietly narrating the ancient and enchanting stories of the Dai people. Bathed in the warm winter sun, the murals appear even more vivid and full of life.
The village roads are clean and well-maintained, flanked by lush flowers and plants that thrive under the gentle warmth of the sun. This picturesque scene invites you to slow your pace and immerse yourself in a rare sense of tranquility and beauty. Villagers stroll back and forth, their faces adorned with warm and genuine smiles as they greet one another with kindness. The strong local accents and friendly exchanges create a comforting atmosphere that evokes the warmth of home.
According to Yang Xinli, director of the Cultural Center of Mangshi Town, the term “Manghuang” translates to “a cornucopia held in the palm of the hand” in the Dai language. The village comprises 126 households and a total population of 556. Despite its small size, Manghuang Village holds significant development potential. Since 2016, the village has been developing rural tourism, resulting in the establishment of over twenty agritourism restaurants and seven unique homestays, offering tourists a wide range of options for leisure and enjoyment.
A guest house in Manghuang Village
With the growth of rural tourism, a positive trend has emerged in Manghuang Village: college students are returning to their hometowns to start businesses. In the past, many young people left the village to pursue their studies and seek better opportunities elsewhere. However, they have now recognized the potential and opportunities available in their hometown, leading them to return to Manghuang Village, where they apply their knowledge and skills to enhance local industries. According to statistics, since 2020, the number of residents from Manghuang Village seeking employment in other provinces has decreased to zero.
Xiao Li, a post-2000s graduate, is one of the college students who has returned to her hometown to start a business. After graduating from university in 2020, she was drawn to the development prospects of her village. After discussing it with her parents, she transformed their small courtyard into a homestay, embarking on a journey into the tourism industry. “As soon as we hung the sign, tourists began to inquire one after another. Many visitors come to Mangshi to escape the winter cold, and our ten rooms are usually fully booked,” Xiao Li said. She noted that most of her guests stay for extended periods, often living in Manghuang Village for three months, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere. “This sense of community was something I never expected when I decided to open the homestay,” Xiao Li expressed, feeling a renewed determination to continue her venture because of this unexpected outcome.
At Xiao Li’s homestay, Jiang and her husband from Chengdu have been enjoying their visit for over a month. Each day, they take leisurely strolls around the nearby Peacock Lake, visit the pristine ecological Dai village, and shop for fresh, delicious ingredients. Upon returning, they showcase their culinary skills in the homestay’s communal kitchen. Afterward, they share their meals with fellow guests from across the country who are also staying at the homestay.
A visitor poses for a photo at a guest house in Manghuang Village.
Jiang mentioned that she had “inspected” many places, but ultimately, she was drawn to the unique “sense of intimacy” that Manghuang offered. As a result, they have decided to return next year.
In Manghuang Village today, there is a steady flow of tourists arriving to experience its charm, while the local tourism offerings are diversifying and becoming more distinctive. Visitors can don beautiful Dai ethnic costumes, wander along the village paths, and capture the unique beauty around them. When tired from walking, they can relax in one of the quaint courtyards and admire the vibrant mural paintings adorning the walls. And, of course, no visit to an ancient Dai village would be complete without sampling authentic Dai cuisine. Dishes like sapie, pineapple rice, and grilled streaky pork are sure to tantalize the taste buds.
“Today, Manghuang is already a charming community that many people admire. Looking ahead, the small village will continue to leverage its unique resources and strengths to offer tourists even more high-quality and enriching experiences,” said Yang Xinli.
Text by our staff correspondents
Translated by YNTA