Page 17 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (107)

16
VILLAGES | 村寨

Revealing delightful surprises in the

Dai village of Manghuang

随心慢晃 发现惊喜

By Yunnan Daily □ 云南日报

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.

干净整洁的小路，潺潺流淌的溪泉，古朴温暖的特色小屋……在德宏傣族景颇族自治州芒市孔雀湖
畔，有一个世居傣族村寨——芒晃村。这里依山傍水，与勐焕大金塔遥相呼应，不仅是芒市的新晋网红

打卡地，也是新晋旅居目的地。

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