Village of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Kunming
Overview of the Zhuang Ethnic Minority
The Zhuang (壮族) people predominantly reside in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山州), with a population of approximately 1.22 million. Their villages are mostly located near mountains and water. The Zhuang are skilled rice cultivators and practice customs such as sun worship and ancestor veneration. They regard the bronze drum as a significant cultural artifact, favor silver jewelry, and are known for their culinary skills in preparing five-color rice (五色花米饭). The Zhuang people are also known for their singing, dancing, and hospitality.
Architectural Features of the Zhuang Village
Upon entering the Zhuang Village (壮族村) in Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村), visitors are greeted by the Dragon Pillar (龙柱) dedicated to the worship of the Dragon King. On either side, there are paintings on the cliffs known as Heavenly King’s Cliff Paintings (天王崖画) created by their ancestors, and a Stone Gourd Pavilion (石葫芦亭) built to commemorate the legends of ancestral assistance during a great flood.
Flanking the square are the Haotian Pavilion (昊天阁), dedicated to the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝), and a large bronze drum (硕大铜鼓) believed to ward off evil and attract good fortune. The village features various architectural styles, including:
- Rafted-style houses (杆栏式民居)
- Hemp-fenced houses (麻栏式民居)
- “Love Corridor” (情廊) for Zhuang youth to socialize and relax
- Elder’s Pavilion (老人亭) for village elders to hold discussions
Additionally, the village includes Dragon Trees (龙树) and “Sanqi” Gardens (三七园). A little further away, visitors can find a uniquely designed Wind and Rain Bridge (风雨桥) and a rotating waterwheel (水车), which together create a picturesque pastoral scene of Zhuang countryside.
Cultural Festivals and Arts
The Zhuang people hold several traditional folk song gatherings throughout the year, with the “March 3” Song Festival (三月三) being the most grandiose, celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month each year.
Zhuang brocade (壮锦) is a unique weaving art passed down through generations within the Zhuang community. It is recognized as one of China’s Four Famous Brocades, alongside Nanjing Yunjin (南京的云锦), Chengdu Shujin (成都的蜀锦), and Suzhou Songjin (苏州的宋锦).
