Page 14 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (99)

13 INTERACTION | 你来我往

r. Chea Munyrith, a member of the Executive Committee of the Cambodia-China Friendship Association (CCFA) and President
of the Cambodian-Chinese Evolution Research Association (CCERA), had a thought-provoking experience during his visit to
Azheke Village in Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. He discovered many sur-
Dprises and gained deeper insights into the world cultural heritage, the Honghe Hani Terraced Rice Fields.

Exploring Yunnan: Reveling in the splendor of Hani Terraced Rice Fields

游云南：感受哈尼梯田直击心灵之美

Text by Li Zha □ 李吒 / 文
On a delightful spring afternoon, as the paid to incorporating the ethnic cultural
gentle breeze carried the scent of blossoms, elements of the Hani community and the
Dr. Chea Munyrith came to Azheke Village, architectural style of traditional dwellings
located in Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani during the design and construction of the
and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan lodging. Their ultimate goal was to create a
Province. Adorned in traditional Cambodi- homestay hotel that would serve as a win-
an attire, he strolled along the meandering dow on the Hani ethnic culture.
path. Azheke Village is a national-level Upon hearing Xiaohua’s account, Dr.
traditional village in China and serves as a Chea was deeply touched by her remark-
pivotal component within the cultural land- able dedication. Her passion and unwa-
scape heritage zone of the Hani Terraced vering determination to contribute to the
Rice Fields, a UNESCO World Cultural betterment of her cherished homeland left a
Heritage site. lasting impression on him.
As Dr. Chea walked along the field In the reading corner of the homestay
ridge, he ventured away from the ancient hotel, Dr. Chea noticed a book titled
village and stumbled upon a cluster of “Red Rice Is Ripe.” Intrigued, he delved
modern-style houses permeated with the into its pages and discovered a detailed
enticing aroma of coffee. While the vil- account of the construction and promotion
lage initially exuded an air of solitude and ly the manager of the homestay hotel. and the terraces, in turn, sustain us. With of the homestay hotel, enriched with the
charm, it seamlessly harmonized with mod- From the terrace of the homestay hotel, the arrival of tourism, our lives have been personal reflections and experiences of the
ern development, unveiling a distinctive Dr. Chea marveled at the mesmerizing enriched both materially and spiritually.” villagers involved. Observing Dr. Chea’s
vitality. expanse of terraced rice fields, his gaze Embracing their traditional way of life, the interest in the book, Xiaohua graciously
Dr. Chea stepped into a homestay hotel tracing the intricate contours with admi- villagers still rely on time-honored means presented it to him as a gift, which he
named “Yuanshe Azheke,” where he was ration. He confessed that he had always of transportation, including carrying loads gratefully accepted.
warmly welcomed by a lovely young lady regarded this ethereal beauty as something on their backs or utilizing horses for la- The village of Azheke has pleasantly
adorned in traditional Hani clothing. “I’m confined to paintings, but now, standing bor-intensive tasks. Even the daily supply surprised Dr. Chea, sparking deep reflec-
Zhang Ping, but you can call me Xiaohua,” amidst the layers of shimmering terraced runs to the homestay hotel adhere to these tions within him. The villagers’ approach of
she kindly introduced herself. “Allow me to rice fields, witnessing the magnificent col- customary methods. Their aspiration is to harnessing the beautiful natural surround-
guide you through our terraced fields, and laboration between humankind and nature, preserve their cherished way of life while ings and the rich humanistic landscape
I’ll also treat you to our Pu-erh tea.” It soon he was able to truly grasp the awe-inspiring simultaneously safeguarding the delicate to drive tourism has yielded remarkable
became apparent that Xiaohua was precise- splendor that unfolded before him. As they local ecosystems. results. Not only have they succeeded in
savored their tea, Xiaohua shared the story Continuing her narrative, Xiaohua re- preserving the ecological environment and
of Azheke. vealed that her homestay hotel had under- local ethnic culture, but they have also
Our village is inhabited by diligent and gone a remarkable transformation, evolving achieved sustainable economic develop-
skilled Hani people. “For generations, we from five traditional Hani dwellings. She ment for the village. Dr. Chea said, “The
have dedicated ourselves to the cultivation clarified that her motive for establishing the northern mountainous regions of Cambodia
of these remarkable terraced rice fields,” homestay was not solely driven by profit, boast breathtaking natural scenery and a
she explained. “Our ancestors, fueled by but rather by a desire to showcase the cul- diverse array of ethnic cultures. The devel-
their profound understanding of nature and heir profound understanding of nature and tural allure of Azheke and safeguard the opment model of Azheke Village, focusing
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