Nestled near the China-Myanmar border, the Dai ethnic communities in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province have been the custodians of their ancient survival skills for millennia. In recent years, with support from both the government and society, they have adeptly adapted to modern living. This transformation has turned their traditional villages into vibrant tourist attractions, offering a unique blend of history and contemporary lifestyle.
The Xishuangbanna Dai Garden, comprising five traditional villages, has become a testament to this cultural preservation and adaptation. In this scenic location, the Dai people engage in traditional crafts such as weaving, carving, fabric dyeing, and pottery, creating a lively cultural hub for visitors and locals alike.
Each morning, the Dai villages come to life with the sound of looms in the bamboo and wooden stilted houses. Here, weaving masters skillfully transform cotton yarn into a variety of products, ranging from laptop-sized handbags to beautiful shawls, each taking a significant amount of time and skill to create. The Dai-produced brocade, crafted on traditional wooden frame looms, is not only a staple in religious rituals but also an integral part of daily life.
Xishuangbanna Dai Garden is a 4A-level scenic spot located in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. The preserved villages of Manting, Manfeng, Mani, Manlong, and Manyuan offer a glimpse into a world where tradition and modernity coexist. While continuing their age-old handicraft traditions, the villagers have also embraced tourism. They offer Dai-style accommodation, catering, entertainment, shopping, and other services, thus actively participating in the development of rural tourism.
The inception of Xishuangbanna Dai Garden dates back to the late 20th century, during the rise of the tourism industry in Xishuangbanna. However, the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Dai people faced threats of extinction. To counter this, the Xishuangbanna prefecture government initiated a project in 1998, integrating the five villages into a scenic spot. This project received significant backing from the National Tourism Administration, Yunnan Provincial Government, and Yunnan Provincial Tourism Bureau. Over the years, it has evolved into a popular destination, attracting thousands of tourists daily, thereby promoting Dai culture and economic growth.
The architecture of the Dai houses reflects a deep connection with nature. Initially made of bamboo, these structures evolved into wooden and later reinforced concrete buildings. However, the essence of Dai architecture, characterized by its harmony with nature, remains preserved. The living rooms on the second floor, completely open on both sides, seamlessly integrate the natural environment into the daily life of the residents.
The Dai houses, typically stilted square double-story buildings, provide an ideal living environment, being warm in winter and cool in summer. Visitors often describe walking through these villages as a journey through a living museum, where each resident is a guardian of their intangible cultural heritage. This sentiment is echoed by Ai Yong, a young inheritor of the elephant foot drum dance, who emphasizes the community’s commitment to preserving and passing on their cultural legacy.
Xishuangbanna Dai Garden is more than just a tourist spot; it’s a living, breathing showcase of the Dai people’s rich cultural heritage, harmoniously blended with the demands of the modern world. It stands as a glowing representation of rural tourism in Yunnan, offering an immersive experience into the Dai way of life, their artistic expressions, and their enduring connection with nature.
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