Page 15 - Yunnan Tourism Culture Times (97)

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VILLAGES | 村寨

Carrying forward

the “Little Elephants”

initiative in Jinuo The story traces back to 2001 when Xiaobu ephant” project continued to progress, significant

Mountain went from Jinuoshan Township to Beijing for transformations unfolded within Xiaobu’s family

and the Jinuo villages.
work and encountered Chen Si. Bonding over
common interests, the two developed a profound In conjunction with the poverty alleviation
点亮基诺山 friendship. Following Xiaobu’s return to her policies at that time, the strategy of integrated de-
homeland, they believed their paths would never
velopment encompassing agriculture, culture, and
cross again. Nevertheless, their friendship en- tourism began to take shape in the Jinuo villages.
“小象之旅” dured beyond expectations. Tourists are drawn to activities such as admiring
In 2006, Chen Si traveled to Kunming to visit
the tea trees and enjoying tea on the tea moun-
relatives. While in Kunming, she deeply missed tains, observing villagers engage in weaving and
Xiaobu and made the decision to journey to rubber harvesting, trekking through the rainforest,
By Lin Lihua □ 林丽华 / 文 Jinuoshan Township. Upon arrival at the village and immersing themselves in Jinuo ethnic culture.
where Xiaobu resides, Chen Si was taken aback. Jinuo cuisine is particularly popular among visi-
In Jinuoshan Township, located in Jinhong City, Xish- The Jinuo village, consisting of over 30 house- tors, who often hire Jinuo villagers as tour guides
uangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, lush green holds, featured simple wooden plank houses that and opt to stay at homestays managed by the
trees, flourishing vines, and vibrant life abound. In this appeared worn and dimly lit. locals. As awareness of the “Little Elephant” ini-
picturesque setting, Chen Si, originally from Beijing, and The first thought that struck Chen Si was, “I tiative expanded, an increasing number of tourists
Xiaobu, a local Jinuo girl, are diligently working on imple- must help them.” Upon her return to Beijing, began to visit. During this year’s Spring Festival
menting the “Little Elephants” initiative to assist the local she began to collect donations, including funds, holiday, eco-tours and sales of agricultural prod-
community in boosting their incomes. Chen Si first met clothing, and other essentials, to aid the villagers. ucts generated over 100,000 yuan in income for
Xiaobu 23 years ago and has maintained a strong bond Subsequently, Chen Si extended her support to the villagers.
Today, Xiaobu’s family enjoys a comfortable
with the Jinuo villages for the past 18 years. She has Xiaobu’s family and other villagers by assisting life, residing in a spacious and well-lit house,
them in selling Pu’er tea. Ultimately, she initi-
been residing in Yunnan for the last 11 years.
ated the “Little Elephant” project to expand her at the forefront of rural tourism development in
assistance and provide greater support to a larger Jinuoshan Township. The success of the “Little
在西双版纳傣族自治州景洪市基诺山乡，青树翠蔓，生机盎然。
number of Jinuo villagers. Elephant” tours has resulted in increased funding
北京女子陈思正和基诺族姑娘小布商量着下一批游客的“小象之旅”。 In 2013, to advance the “Little Elephant” and backing for the initiative, empowering Chen
今年是她们友谊开始的第 23 年，是陈思与基诺族村寨结下不解之 initiative, Chen Si relocated with her family to Si to venture into additional areas such as Asian
settle down in Xishuangbanna. As the “Little El- elephant conservation, rainforest restoration, and
缘的第 18 年，也是她在云南生活的第 11 年。
underwood cultivation.