Walabie Village Mosuo Ethnic Culture Protection Area in Yongning Town of Ninglang County, Lijiang

Wala Bi Village is located in Wenquan Administrative Village (温泉行政村), Yongning Township (永宁乡), Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province. It is a settlement of the Naxi Mosuo people. Situated at an elevation of 2680 meters, the village consists of 56 households with a population of 422 people. Wala Bi Village is strategically located at the crossroads of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet, where people and goods are frequently exchanged. The locally produced Mosuo linen cloth, Surima wine, and wooden tableware are known for their ethnic characteristics and certain fame. In 2006, Wala Bi Village was designated as the “Mosuo Traditional Culture Protection Area” by the Yunnan Provincial Government.

Backed by green mountains and facing clear waters, Wala Bi Village boasts extremely beautiful natural surroundings. The hot spring in the village is a famous plateau hot spring. The spring water gushes out from the rock crevices at the foot of Wadu Mountain (挖都山), with crystal-clear water that is always steaming hot and suitable for bathing all year round. The spring water has a constant temperature of 38℃ and contains hydrogen sulfide, which has certain therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis and some skin diseases. In the past, there was only a natural pond of more than 50 square meters here. Now, separate bathhouses for men and women have been built, and hotels and shops have been constructed nearby.

Wala Bi Village has preserved many traditional customs and cultural characteristics of the Mosuo people. The local residences are mostly traditional matrilineal courtyards, preserving the most traditional architectural style of the Mosuo people. The Mosuo people believe in their own primitive religion, Dabaism (达巴教), and Tibetan Buddhism, and they still retain the custom of worshipping the Goddess Gemu (格姆女神). The folk literature is rich, and the folk songs are unrestrained, bright, and passionate. In addition, the hand – woven textiles of Wala Bi Village have been listed by the United Nations Development Programme as a “Demonstration Base for Sustainable Development Projects of Minority Nationalities Cultural Industry in China.”

In recent years, Wala Bi Village has transformed from traditional agriculture to tourism by developing rural tourism. The village’s infrastructure has been improved while retaining its original appearance and cultural characteristics. Homestays, cafes, and folk culture experience courts here offer a wide range of choices for visitors. Wala Bi Village is not only a showcase of Mosuo culture but also an ideal place for visitors to experience the traditional way of life of the Mosuo people. Here, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquility and harmony of the Mosuo people.