Manyangguang Dai Ethnic Village in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna
Overview of Manyangguang Village (曼养广村)
Manyangguang Village (曼养广村) is located in Jinghong City (景洪市), within the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province, China. It is managed by the Man Nong Feng Village Committee (曼弄枫村委会) under the Xishuangbanna Tourism District Authority. This village is situated in the lowland area, known for its rich Dai ethnic culture and well-preserved traditional Dai architecture. The homes in this village are typical “ganlan-style” bamboo houses (干栏式竹楼), each with its own courtyard, surrounded by bamboo fences. Visitors to Manyangguang can immerse themselves in the traditional lifestyle and customs of the Dai people, and after touring the village, they can purchase local handicrafts such as Dai brocade (傣锦), bamboo weaving products, and wood carvings.
A Glimpse into Traditional Dai Life
By the end of 2008, Manyangguang Village consisted of 68 households, with a total population of 295 residents. Among them, there were 144 men and 151 women, 292 of whom were engaged in agriculture, with 201 people forming the village’s labor force. The Dai people make up the majority of the population, with 291 Dai residents and 4 Han residents.
The village is a typical Dai ethnic settlement, where the houses are built in the traditional “ganlan-style,” raised on stilts with bamboo walls and roofs. Each household is surrounded by bamboo fences, creating a distinct and intimate courtyard environment. The village is small, making it easy to explore and enjoy within a short visit.
Ethnic Handicrafts and Local Customs
In addition to experiencing the traditional Dai lifestyle, visitors can purchase unique ethnic crafts such as Dai brocade (傣锦), wooden carvings, bamboo weavings, and pottery. Dai girls, known as sao duo le (搔多勒), will guide visitors into their homes and explain the customs, traditions, and daily life of the Dai people. For example, in Dai culture, young women are called sao duo le (搔多勒), and young men are called mao duo le (猫多勒).
One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting this village is observing how the Dai people live. Upon entering the village, you are welcomed by a beautiful Dai girl who introduces the local customs. The Dai people are very particular about privacy, and taking photos inside their homes is generally not allowed. Inside the houses, their living rooms are spacious, and you might notice that Dai women have very slim waists, comparable to willow branches. Interestingly, the elderly Dai women are known for their lustrous black hair, which they maintain by washing it with rice water.
Location and Ticket Information
- Address: Menglong Town (勐龙镇), Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province.
- Type: Ethnic Village (民俗村).
- Recommended Time: 1-2 hours.
- Admission Fee: Free.
- Operating Hours: Open all day (from January 1st to December 31st, Monday to Sunday).
Attractions in Manyangguang Village (曼养广村)
- Traditional Dai Houses (干栏式竹楼): These elevated bamboo houses are a distinctive feature of Dai architecture.
- Ethnic Handicraft Shops: Visitors can buy traditional items like Dai brocade (傣锦), bamboo weaving, pottery, and wooden carvings.
- Cultural Tours with Local Dai Guides: Dai girls (搔多勒) will lead visitors through the village, introducing them to local customs and traditions.
How to Get There
By Car:
From downtown Jinghong City, you can drive along Galan Zhong Road (嘎兰中), continue on Xuanwei Avenue (宣慰大道), turn onto Menghai Road (勐海路), and finally head down Mengle Avenue (勐泐大道) to reach Manyangguang Village.
Travel Tips
- Cultural Respect: While visiting the Dai village, be mindful of local customs. The Dai people typically do not allow photos to be taken inside their homes, so it’s best to ask for permission before photographing.
- Dress Modestly: The Dai culture places a strong emphasis on modesty. Visitors, particularly women, are advised to dress modestly when visiting the village.
- Shopping for Handicrafts: If you’re interested in purchasing authentic ethnic crafts such as Dai brocade or bamboo weavings, Manyangguang Village offers plenty of options directly from the villagers.
- Weather: Xishuangbanna is known for its tropical climate, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Carrying sunscreen and a hat is advisable, as the region can be hot and sunny throughout the day.
- Guided Tours: Take advantage of the local guides, as they provide valuable insight into the history, customs, and everyday life of the Dai people.
