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VILLAGES | 村寨

A fresh glimpse of an ancient village

古寨新貌

By Yunnan.cn □ 云南网
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 prac-
tices offer a rich cultural and historical experience representative of the Wa people.

左都古寨位于普洱市澜沧拉祜族自治县，至今已有 480 多年的历史，是目前保存较为完整的佤族古
村落，这里的民居建筑群、服饰饮食、传统农耕文化，均具有浓厚的佤族历史文化韵味。

Early in the morning, sunlight pierces thatched roofs and bull’s head totems returned to the ancient village to main-
through the clouds, bathing the thatched highlighting the cultural characteristics tain the thatched cottages and perform
roofs of every cottage in Zuodu in a of the Wa people. for tourists.
bright golden hue. Alongside the construction of the new In late 2022, the ancient village of
Walking into the ancient village, you settlement, a restoration and repair project Zuodu was designated a AAA-rated
can see bamboo bridges, flowing water, for the old settlement was also initiated. tourist attraction in China. This Wa an-
flagstone-paved paths, thatched cottages, By preserving the original characteristics cient village, which has traversed time
and villagers dressed in traditional Wa of the ancient village residences and cre- and space, is undergoing a remarkable
costumes. As you listen to the pleasant atively sustaining Wa culture, Zuodu has transformation. The village itself is
and ancient Wa melody “Song of Comb- developed its tourism industry, becoming evolving into a scenic spot, traditional
ing Hair,” you feel as if you are in a par- the most distinctive Wa cultural experience folk residences are being converted into
adise beyond this world. resort in Lancang County. In November homestay hotels, and local farmers are
In 2019, Zuodu eradicated poverty 2020, the first phase of the village restora- becoming performers.
and began constructing a new settlement tion project was completed. In the evenings, the small theater of
called “Wengbangla” to support the pro- Meanwhile, with the development Zuodu resonates with the lively sounds
duction and daily life of villagers relocat- of tourism in the ancient village, the of Wa music. The village’s performance
ing from the old village. “Wengbangla,” villagers have seized the opportunity. troupe rehearses traditional Wa songs and
meaning “a street in the mountain” in the In the new settlement, some have taken dances. Other villagers learn to dance,
Wa language, has retained the distinctive up beekeeping, others are planting tea, weave Wa brocades, work as tour guides,
features of Wa ethnic residences. The Bambusa schreb, Orah mandarins, and and manage homestay hotels in prepara-
new houses are arranged in rows, with Chinese herbs. Additionally, some have tion for the influx of tourists.