Bazhu Village in Tacheng, Diqing
Bazhu Village (巴珠村) is located in the southeastern part of Tacheng Town (塔城镇), 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). It is 25 kilometers from Tacheng Town (塔城镇) and 80 kilometers from the county seat of Weixi (维西). To the south, it borders Luogu Village (洛固村) in Tacheng, Lijiang (丽江塔城). It is the most remote and highest-altitude village in Tacheng Town (塔城镇). Surrounded by mountains, the village boasts beautiful scenery and is a typical mountainous settlement.
Cultural History
In Tibetan, Bazhu (巴珠村) means “the place where Batang people live.” Before liberation, it was called Zongpu Township Bazhu Bao (宗普乡巴珠保). In 1950, it was officially renamed Bazhu Village (巴珠村). In December 2021, Bazhu Village (巴珠村) was selected as one of Yunnan Province’s Beautiful Villages (at the prefectural level). The village is primarily inhabited by ethnic minorities such as Tibetans and Lisu people, with rich and diverse ethnic cultures.
Folk Customs
Bazhu Village (巴珠村) preserves many unique folk customs, including the Lisu people’s “Achimugua” (阿尺木刮) song and dance, the Pumi people’s traditional clothing, and festivals. The locals are warm and hospitable, and visitors can experience traditional ethnic attire, dance performances, and local cuisine.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Bazhu Village (巴珠村) has a plateau climate, with an average annual temperature of around 13°C and annual precipitation of about 1,000 mm. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is cooler and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.
Recommended Attractions
- Damozushi Cave : A famous Buddhist cultural site not far from Bazhu Village (巴珠村).
- Tongle Lisu Traditional Residential Complex : Offers an in-depth look at the traditional architecture and lifestyle of the Lisu people.
- Tacheng Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park : A primary habitat for the Yunnan golden snub-nosed monkey, ideal for nature lovers.
Suggested Duration for Each Destination
- Damozushi Cave (达摩祖师洞): 2 hours.
- Tongle Lisu Traditional Residential Complex (同乐傈僳族民居建筑群): 3 hours.
- Tacheng Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park (塔城滇金丝猴国家公园): Half a day to a full day.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take a long-distance bus from Weixi County (维西县城) to Tacheng Town (塔城镇), then transfer to local transportation to reach Bazhu Village (巴珠村).
- Self-Driving: From Weixi County (维西县城), drive about 80 kilometers along rural roads, taking approximately 2 hours.
Food
Bazhu Village (巴珠村) and its surrounding areas offer a variety of local delicacies, such as Weixi walnuts (维西核桃), Weixi black-boned sheep (维西乌骨羊), Pumi-style pig head meat (普米族猪头肉), and Pise meat (琵瑟肉).
Shopping
Visitors can purchase local specialties like Weixi honey (维西百花蜜) and walnuts (核桃).
Accommodation
Bazhu Village (巴珠村) and Tacheng Town (塔城镇) have several homestays and inns. While the facilities are simple, they offer an authentic ethnic experience.
Travel Tips
- Respect local religious beliefs and customs.
- Protect the environment and avoid littering.
- The plateau has strong UV radiation, so bring sunscreen.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Weixi County (维西县城), acclimatize to the plateau climate, and stay overnight in a county hotel.
Day 2: Travel to Tacheng Town (塔城镇), visit Damozushi Cave (达摩祖师洞), and stay overnight in a Tacheng inn.
Day 3: Head to Bazhu Village (巴珠村), explore the Tongle Lisu Traditional Residential Complex (同乐傈僳族民居建筑群), experience local folk culture, and return to Tacheng Town (塔城镇) in the evening.
Day 4: Visit Tacheng Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park (塔城滇金丝猴国家公园), enjoy the natural scenery, and return to Tacheng Town (塔城镇) in the evening.
Day 5: Return to Weixi County (维西县城) and conclude the trip.
Bazhu Village (巴珠村) is a place filled with natural beauty and ethnic charm. Whether you’re exploring nature or immersing yourself in culture, this village has something to offer. We hope you have an unforgettable journey here!