Bapo Village of Jinuo Ethnic Town in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna

Bapo Village (巴坡村) is located in Jinuo Township (基诺族乡), Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), and is one of the main settlements of the Jinuo people (基诺族). Bapo Village (巴坡村) is situated in Jinuo Mountain (基诺山), approximately 26 kilometers from Jinghong City (景洪市), 10 kilometers from Mengyang Town (勐养镇), and 3 kilometers from the Jinuo Township government (基诺乡政府).

History and Culture

The Jinuo people (基诺族) are the last officially recognized ethnic group in China, and they mainly live in Jinuo Mountain (基诺山). The Jinuo people call themselves “Jinuo” or “Yanuo,” meaning “descendants of the uncle.” According to legend, the Jinuo people are descendants of Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮), the prime minister of the Shu Han Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period, who migrated south due to war. Bapo Village (巴坡村) is a cultural preservation area for the Jinuo people and is the only place that fully and centrally displays the Jinuo culture through live performances and experiences.

Local Customs

The Jinuo people (基诺族) have unique cultural traditions, including dances such as the Jinuo Drum Dance (基诺大鼓舞), Bamboo Pole Dance (竹竿舞), and Seed-planting Dance (播种舞). Their traditional crafts include weaving, embroidery, and textile work. Bapo Village (巴坡村) preserves a rich collection of Jinuo traditions, with attractions like the village granaries, the Village History Museum (村史馆), and hand-painted cultural walls (民俗文化手绘墙), all of which provide visitors an opportunity to experience Jinuo culture firsthand.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Jinuo Mountain (基诺山) and Jinuo Township (基诺族乡) are located in a tropical mountainous area. The average annual temperature is between 18 and 20°C, with an annual rainfall of about 1100 mm. The climate is mild, with abundant rainfall and no frost year-round. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Recommended Attractions and Suggested Visit Time

Jinuo Mountain Village Scenic Area (基诺山寨景区):
This scenic area, centered around the natural village of Bapo (巴坡), integrates the rich ethnic customs, history, culture, vibrant traditional costumes, ethnic handicrafts, traditional sports, and beautiful natural scenery of the Jinuo people.
Recommended time: 2–3 hours.

Village History Museum (村史馆):
The museum showcases tools used by the Jinuo people in their daily lives, model houses, and items like the Sun Drum (太阳鼓).
Recommended time: 1–2 hours.

Hand-painted Cultural Walls (民俗文化手绘墙):
The walls depict the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Jinuo people.
Recommended time: 1 hour.

Transportation

From Jinghong City (景洪市), take a road trip to Jinuo Township (基诺族乡) and then to Bapo Village (巴坡村), approximately 26 kilometers in total. You can take local rural buses or taxis. Additionally, there are tourist shuttle buses that depart from designated stops such as the Water Splashing Square (泼水广场) and the main entrance of Gaozhuang (告庄正门口), with fixed departure times at 8:30 and 9:00 AM.

Cuisine

Bapo Village (巴坡村) features Jinuo-style cuisine, with recommended dishes such as:

  • Bamboo Rice (竹筒饭): Rice steamed inside bamboo, infused with a delicate bamboo aroma.
  • Stir-fried Preserved Meat with Wild Flowers (火烧花炒腊肉): A unique dish made with local wild flowers.

Shopping

The area is rich in local products, such as Pu’er tea (普洱茶) and handmade crafts, which can be purchased at the local markets.

Accommodation

Bapo Village (巴坡村) offers a small number of homestays and guesthouses, with relatively simple conditions. For higher standards of accommodation, it is recommended to stay in Jinghong City (景洪市).

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting villages.
  • Be mindful of insect bites when traveling in the mountains and bring necessary protective gear.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Bapo Village (巴坡村), check into a homestay, and visit the Jinuo Mountain Village Scenic Area (基诺山寨景区) to experience traditional Jinuo culture and lifestyle.
Day 2: Visit the Village History Museum (村史馆) and hand-painted cultural walls (民俗文化手绘墙) to learn about the history and culture of the Jinuo people.
Day 3: Shop for local specialties at the market, then conclude your journey.

Bapo Village (巴坡村) is a captivating destination, offering both rich natural scenery and unique ethnic culture. Here, you can experience the charm of the borderlands and immerse yourself in the traditional way of life of the Jinuo people. We hope you have an unforgettable journey in Bapo Village (巴坡村).