Manhejing Village of Zhengdong Town in Jiangcheng County, Puer

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Chinese Name: 普洱市江城县整董镇曼滩村委员会曼贺井寨
English Name: Manhejing Village of Zhengdong Town in Jiangcheng County, Pu’er

Manhejing Village (曼贺井寨) is part of Zhengdong Town (整董镇) within Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous County (江城哈尼族彝族自治县), located in Puer City (普洱市), Yunnan Province. The village is situated just 0.02 kilometers from both the Zhengdong Village Committee and Zhengdong Town, nestled in a basin area with rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural surroundings.

Key Information

• Area: 0.88 square kilometers

• Population: 215 people (46 households as of 2007)

• Altitude: 894 meters above sea level

• Average Annual Temperature: 19.6°C

• Annual Precipitation: 1,620 mm

• Economy: Primarily agricultural, with a focus on rice and rubber farming. In 2006, the village earned a total income of 445,000 yuan, with a per capita net income of 1,289 yuan.

Recognition

• Chengzi Three Villages (城子三寨), which includes Manhejing, Manhe, and Manjing Villages, was listed as part of the First Batch of China’s Traditional Villages (中国传统村落名录) in 2012.

• Chinese Ethnic Minority Characteristic Village (中国少数民族特色村寨).

• National Civilized Village (全国文明村) in 2014.

Ethnic and Cultural Heritage

Ethnic Composition

Manhejing Village is predominantly inhabited by the Dai ethnic group (傣族), which maintains its rich traditions, including language, clothing, and festivals. The village, together with Manhe and Manjing Villages, forms the core Dai cultural preservation zone in Zhengdong Town.

Architectural Heritage

• Stilt Houses (干栏式民居): The traditional Dai-style stilt houses have been standing for over 200 years. These houses are raised to protect from dampness, and the village still preserves many of these buildings, showcasing the traditional way of life.

• Hejing Tower (贺井塔): Built during the Daoguang era (清道光年间), this 7.5-meter tower is decorated with Dai motifs and is a local cultural heritage site since 1988.

• Cultural Preservation: The village adheres to the Traditional Village Protection Regulations (传统村落保护条例), ensuring the preservation of its unique architecture and cultural practices.

Tourism Resources

Special Experiences

• Festivals:

  • Water Splashing Festival (泼水节) from April 13-15: A major celebration featuring the Bathing Buddha Ceremony, water splashing fun, and traditional Zhangha singing.

  • New Rice Festival (新米节): A harvest festival that showcases local agricultural traditions.

• Handicrafts:

  • Experience Dai brocade weaving (傣锦纺织) and traditional slow-wheel pottery (慢轮制陶), both of which are important aspects of Dai culture and intangible cultural heritage.

• Local Cuisine:

  • Taste traditional Dai dishes such as roast chicken (烤鸡), roast fish (烤鱼), Sapai (撒撇), Chopped raw fish (剁生), Grilled packages (包烧), and Seven-color sticky rice (七彩糯米饭).

Tourism Facilities

• Accommodation: New traditional Dai-style stilt guesthouses are being built, with completion expected by August 2024.

• Dining: Enjoy authentic Dai cuisine at local restaurants like Baixi Dai Garden (百姓傣园).

• Shopping: Purchase handcrafted Dai brocade tea sets and scarves (手工艺品) as souvenirs.

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

• Ideal Seasons: Spring and Autumn offer the best weather for exploring the village, with mild temperatures and clear skies.

• Avoid Rainy Season: From June to September, the region experiences heavy rainfall, which could affect travel plans.

Getting There

• By Car: Manhejing Village is about 1 hour’s drive from Pu’er City. Follow the GPS to the Zhengdong Town People’s Government parking lot for easy access.

• Public Transport: Take a bus from Pu’er City to Zhengdong Town, then transfer to a local vehicle to reach the village.

Nearby Attractions

• Mantan Ancient Village (曼滩古村落) – 8 km away, featuring Qing Dynasty-style stilt houses and the “Forest of Trees” (独树成林) scenic spot.

• Mengsang Luo Town (勐桑洛小镇) – A 4A-rated scenic area with attractions such as Buddhist temples and hot springs.

• Dahebian Waterfall (大河边瀑布) – A natural wonder worth exploring.

Travel Tips

• Sun Protection: The region experiences strong UV radiation due to its tropical location, so remember to bring sunscreen.

• Respect Local Customs: It’s customary to remove your shoes when visiting Buddhist temples.

• Water Splashing Festival: Bring spare clothes if you plan to participate in the festival activities.

Manhejing Village offers a unique cultural experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions and beauty of the Dai ethnic group, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore Yunnan’s rural heritage and natural splendor.