Labadi Village of Baohe Town in Weixi County, Diqing

Laba Di Village（腊八底村） is located in the southeastern part of Baohe Township, Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, approximately 18 kilometers from Baohe Township. The village lies in a semi-high mountain area, with an average elevation of about 2,700 meters.

Cultural History

Laba Di Village is a traditional settlement predominantly inhabited by the Lisu ethnic group. Its name derives from the Lisu language, where “Laba” (毡子) means “mat” and “Di” (坪) means “flat ground,” collectively meaning “matting flat ground.” In August 2013, Laba Di Village was included in the second batch of the list of traditional villages in China.

Customs and Traditions

Laba Di Village retains a rich Lisu ethnic culture, with the most representative tradition being the Lisu “Waqi Qi” dance and song. This dance combines singing, dancing, and music, and is an important traditional art form in the area. Additionally, the villagers still maintain traditional Lisu clothing and customs.

Weather and Best Travel Time

Laba Di Village has a subtropical and temperate monsoon plateau mountain climate, characterized by mild and humid weather with distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn, when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions

  • Traditional Residential Buildings of Laba Di Village: Experience the traditional Lisu architectural style.
  • Damo Patriarch Cave: Located near Laba Di Village, this is an important religious and cultural site.
  • Tongle Lisu Ethnic Residential Group: Located not far from Laba Di Village, this group allows for an in-depth understanding of traditional Lisu architecture.

Suggested Duration for Each Destination

  • Traditional Residential Buildings of Laba Di Village: Stay for half a day to explore the local architectural culture.
  • Damo Patriarch Cave: Stay for half a day to appreciate the religious culture.
  • Tongle Lisu Ethnic Residential Group: Stay for half a day to experience Lisu traditional culture.

Transportation

  • By Car: Depart from Weixi County and drive along the Xiangwei Line to Laba Di Village, approximately 18 kilometers.
  • By Public Transport: Take a bus from Weixi County Bus Station to Baohe Township, then transfer to local transport.

Cuisine

  • Traditional Lisu Cuisine: Dishes such as Pi Se Meat and Tsampa are local specialties.
  • Ecological Agricultural Products: The area is rich in sweet peppers, edamame, and okra.

Shopping

  • Ethnic Handicrafts: Items such as wooden bowls and Tsampa boxes, showcasing ethnic characteristics.
  • Local Specialties: Products like Weixi Honey and Weixi Walnuts.

Accommodation

Laba Di Village and the surrounding area offer Tibetan-style guesthouses with good conditions, allowing visitors to experience Tibetan customs and culture.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: Please respect the religious beliefs and traditional customs of the Lisu ethnic group during your visit.
  • Protect the Environment: Laba Di Village has a well-preserved ecological environment, so please help protect it while traveling.
  • Safety: The roads leading to Laba Di Village are relatively rugged, so be cautious when driving.

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive at Laba Di Village, visit the traditional residential buildings, experience local cultural customs, and taste special dishes.
  • Day 2: Visit Damo Patriarch Cave to learn about the religious culture, and in the afternoon, explore the Tongle Lisu Ethnic Residential Group to experience Lisu traditional culture.
  • Day 3: Return to Weixi County or continue to other attractions.

Laba Di Village is a place rich in ethnic features and cultural heritage, ideal for visitors who enjoy folk culture and natural beauty. Here, you can experience the hospitality of the local people and appreciate the unique charm of ancient ethnic cultures. We hope your trip to Laba Di Village will be fulfilling and leave you with unforgettable memories.