Madougou Village of Shizishan Town in Wuding County, Chuxiong

Chinese Name: 武定县狮山镇马豆沟村
English Name: Madougou Village of Shizishan Town in Wuding County, Chuxiong

Madougou Village is located in the Old Town Community of Shishan Town, Wuding County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. On December 31, 2019, it was recognized as one of the third batch of “Chinese Ethnic Characteristic Villages” by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission. The village is a multi-ethnic settlement inhabited by Yi, Miao, and Han people, situated 4 kilometers from Wuding County’s main town.

Historical and Economic Background

Historically, Madougou Village faced significant poverty, with villagers primarily relying on the cultivation of corn and rice. The economy was limited, and villagers lived in thatched houses with inadequate infrastructure, including poor transportation and water facilities. Despite its advantageous resources and location, the village struggled to improve its quality of life.

Cultural Activities and Festivals

Madougou Village is renowned for its vibrant cultural activities during major festivals. Notable events include the Spring Festival, Yi Torch Festival, and Miao Flower Mountain Festival. The Yi Torch Festival, held annually on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, attracts visitors from Sichuan, Chengdu, Hunan, and Guizhou.

Torch Festival

The Torch Festival is a traditional Yi celebration known for its grand scale, spectacular events, and strong ethnic characteristics. The Madougou Ethnic Bull-fighting Culture Garden has successfully hosted two Torch Festival events. On the festival day, attendees can enjoy traditional songs, dances, and musical performances, as well as the mass “Foot Stomping Dance.” This folk dance, popular in Wuding, can involve numerous participants, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Outdoor Sports Events

Madougou Village not only offers rich natural and cultural resources but also has the infrastructure and conditions to host outdoor sports events. In April this year, the village hosted the 28th Yunnan·Wuding 2019 Peony Culture Tourism Festival series event, the China·Wuding 2019 Luowu Cup International Off-road Motorcycle Race. This event featured diverse themes and attracted over 120 riders from around the world, competing for a 500,000 yuan prize. It provided visitors with an exhilarating and unique bullfighting-themed off-road motorcycle endurance race.