Gelei Village of Pingzhai Town in Quibei County, Wenshan

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Chinese Name: 文山壮族苗族自治州丘北县平寨乡革雷村
English Name: Gelei Village of Pingzhai Town in Qiubei County, Wenshan

Gelei Village (革雷村), located in Pingzhai Town (平寨乡), Qiubei County (丘北县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), is a charming, traditional village nestled in a mountainous area. It is about 4 kilometers from the village committee and 30 kilometers from the town center, covering an area of 11.72 square kilometers at an altitude of 1,242 meters. The village enjoys a temperate climate with an annual average temperature of 16°C and receives 1,150 millimeters of rainfall each year, making it ideal for agriculture, particularly rice and corn cultivation.

Village Profile

The village consists of 174 households and a population of 874 people (2023 data), with a labor force of 581 individuals. The primary sources of income for the villagers are farming and animal husbandry, and in recent years, the village has also focused on developing the cultivation of chili peppers and early winter vegetables. The main industry generated an income of 240,000 yuan in 2009.

Cultural and Historical Background

The name “Gelei” comes from the Zhuang (壮族) language, where “Gelei” means “foot of a big river,” a reference to the village’s location near a significant river. Established during the Qing Dynasty (清朝), Gelei Village is home to the Zhuang people, with most residents belonging to the Nong (侬) surname.

In 2013, Gelei Village was officially listed as one of the second batch of China’s Traditional Villages (中国传统村落名录), recognizing its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved traditional architecture.

Village Features

Traditional Architecture

Gelei Village features typical Zhuang stilt-style houses (干栏式民居), a traditional building method that elevates the living area above the ground. This style was designed to protect inhabitants from rain and pests, while the upper level of the house remains dry, cool, and well-ventilated. The stilt houses are constructed using local materials such as pine wood, green tiles, and stone, and they are characterized by their rectangular layout, with 3, 4, or 6 compartments. The lower level is used to house livestock or store tools, while the upper level serves as the family living area, complete with a communal hall, hearth, and ancestral shrine.

These stilt houses are often surrounded by lush greenery, with ancient banyan trees (榕树) dotting the landscape, giving the village a picturesque, peaceful atmosphere. The banyan trees are an integral part of Gelei Village, with the largest tree said to be over 300 years old, towering at 40 meters in height and with a girth of about 14 meters.

Natural Landscape

The village is situated along the Qing Shui River (清水江), offering a stunning landscape of waterfalls, mountain ranges, and dense forests. Notably, Gelei Waterfall (革雷叠水), located 7 kilometers south of the village, is a breathtaking sight. The waterfall, which spans about 30 meters in width and 8 to 32 meters in height, cascades over cliffs, creating a dramatic visual effect. During the rainy season, the waterfall often produces rainbows, adding to the natural splendor of the area.

Nearby, two natural stone bridges (天生桥) cross over the Gelei River, adding to the scenic allure of the village. These stone bridges are a marvel of nature, with heights reaching up to 10 meters and a width of nearly 20 meters, making them an exceptional feature of the village’s environment.

Cultural Heritage

Gelei Village is home to a vibrant Zhuang (壮族) culture, with its traditional dress, customs, and festivals playing an important role in daily life.

Traditional Dress

The Zhuang people typically wear self-woven, self-dyed clothes in shades of black and blue. Men wear a blue cloth headband and black robes, while women wear short tops and long skirts. These garments are decorated with red, blue, and yellow flowers, symbolizing the Zhuang people’s pride in their heritage.

Festivals and Rituals

One of the most significant events in the village is the Dragon Worship Festival (祭龙节), celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month. This festival is marked by a grand ceremony where locals gather to offer prayers for good weather and a bountiful harvest. The village prepares glutinous rice cakes in vibrant colors and decorative eggs for the occasion. After the religious rituals, young men and women engage in mountain singing (山歌), expressing romantic feelings through folk songs.

Spiritual Sites

The Longshan Land God Temple (龙山土地神庙), located near the village, is a spiritual site dedicated to the Land God. The temple is surrounded by ancient trees, creating a serene atmosphere. The villagers believe that the Land God offers blessings for prosperity and protection.

Tourism and Recreation

Key Attractions

Gelei Waterfall (革雷叠水)
Located about 7 kilometers south of the village, this stunning waterfall is known for its sheer size and the rainbows that appear after rainfall. The surrounding area is ideal for camping, picnicking, and outdoor activities.

Traditional Village Landscape
The village has maintained its traditional Zhuang-style architecture, with its iconic stilt houses and ancient banyan trees, making it a perfect destination for those interested in experiencing rural China’s cultural heritage.

Natural Bridges and Stone Formations
The natural stone bridges over the Gelei River provide a unique spectacle, especially when combined with the surrounding natural beauty of mountains and cliffs.

Unique Experiences

Nature Exploration: Enjoy a hike through the gorge, witness the karst topography, and discover the natural wonders of the Qing Shui River.

Cultural Immersion: Participate in local customs and explore ethnic traditions, including Zhuang festivals and folk music.

Photography: The ever-changing light around the waterfall and surrounding landscape offers excellent opportunities for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Practical Information

Transportation

By Car: Gelei Village is 1.5 hours from Puzhehei High-Speed Rail Station (普者黑高铁站) by car. A 30-minute taxi ride from Qiubei County (丘北县) to the village is also possible.

By Foot: Some roads in the village require walking, so be prepared with non-slip shoes for a comfortable journey.

Best Time to Visit

Best Seasons: The ideal time to visit is between May and September, when the waterfall is most powerful, and the area is lush with greenery. This is also when lotus flowers bloom in nearby Puzhehei Scenic Area (普者黑景区).

Travel Tips

Environmental Responsibility: Please help protect the natural environment by carrying out your waste.

Clothing: For hiking and exploration, we recommend wearing sturdy footwear and comfortable clothing.

Local Customs: Be respectful of local traditions and customs, especially during festival seasons.