Tongle Dacun Village of Yezhi Town in Weixi County, Diqing
Tongle Da Village (同乐大村) is situated in Yezhi Town (叶枝镇), Weixi Lisu Autonomous County (维西傈僳族自治县), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Located on the eastern bank of Lancang River (澜沧江) at approximately 2,210 meters above sea level, this ancient Lisu (傈僳族) settlement lies in the core area of the “Three Parallel Rivers” (三江并流) region. It is about 85 kilometers from Weixi County (维西县) and 2 kilometers from Yezhi Town (叶枝镇) government.
Cultural History
With over 200 years of history, Tongle Village (同乐村) is exclusively inhabited by the Lisu (傈僳族) people. The area served as a central hub for ancestral activities of both Naxi (纳西族) and Lisu (傈僳族) communities. Notably:
- Birthplace of Wang Renbo (汪忍波), creator of Lisu (傈僳族) syllabic script
- Origin of Achimugua (阿尺木刮), a national intangible cultural heritage
- Listed in China’s second batch of Traditional Villages (August 2013)
- Designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit (2019) for its residential architecture
Folk Customs
The village preserves rich Lisu (傈僳族) traditions including:
- Traditional log-house construction
- Ethnic costumes
- Achimugua (阿尺木刮) song-and-dance performances
Adhering to the “settle on mountains, not plains” principle, houses cascade along slopes. Unique coming-of-age ceremonies involve special pants/skirt rituals for 13-year-olds.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Tongle Da Village (同乐大村) enjoys mild, humid weather with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn offer optimal conditions with pleasant temperatures and picturesque scenery.
Recommended Attractions
- Lisu Residential Complex: Showcasing traditional architecture
- Ethnic Cultural Square: Venue for performances
- Achimugua Heritage Center: Preserving folk dances
- Natural Landscapes: Primeval forests, rhododendron fields, and golden snub-nosed monkeys
Suggested Duration
| Attraction | Recommended Time |
|---|---|
| Residential Complex | 1-2 hours |
| Cultural Square | 1 hour |
| Achimugua Center | 1 hour |
| Natural Landscapes | Half-day |
Transportation
- Self-driving: From Weixi County (维西县) to Yezhi Town (叶枝镇), then Tongle Village (同乐村) – 85km total
- Public Transport: Bus from Weixi Bus Station (维西县客运站) to Yezhi Town (叶枝镇), then local transfer
Food
- Lisu (傈僳族) specialties: Pisirou (琵瑟肉), Zanba (糌粑)
- Local delicacies: Shuqi Baba (水汽粑粑), Roast Suckling Pig
Shopping
- Ethnic handicrafts: Wooden bowls, Zanba boxes (糌粑盒)
- Medicinal herbs: Aucklandia (木香), Platycodon (桔梗)
Accommodation
Tibetan-style homestays available near the village for authentic cultural experiences.
Travel Tips
- Respect Lisu (傈僳族) customs and beliefs
- Preserve the pristine environment
- Exercise caution on mountain roads
Itinerary
Day 1:
- Village arrival & architectural exploration
- Cultural immersion & local cuisine
Day 2:
- Morning: Cultural performances
- Afternoon: Nature excursions
Day 3:
- Return to Weixi (维西县) or continue journey
Tongle Da Village (同乐大村) offers an unparalleled fusion of ethnic heritage and natural splendor. Visitors will treasure memories of warm hospitality and living traditions in this mountain sanctuary, where ancient culture continues to thrive amidst breathtaking landscapes.
