Tongle Village of Yezhi Town in Weixi County, Diqing

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Tongle Village (同乐村) is located in Yezhi Town (叶枝镇), Weixi Lisu Autonomous County (维西傈僳族自治县), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Situated on the eastern bank of the Lancang River (澜沧江) at an elevation of approximately 2,210 meters, it is about 2 kilometers from the Yezhi Town (叶枝镇) government. The village lies in the core area of the “Three Parallel Rivers” (三江并流) region and is the most representative and ancient Lisu (傈僳族) mountain settlement in the Lancang River basin of Weixi County (维西县).

Cultural History

Tongle Village (同乐村) has a history of over 200 years, with all villagers belonging to the Lisu ethnic group. In 2006, it was designated as one of the first batch of provincial-level traditional cultural protection zones by the Yunnan Provincial Government. In August 2013, it was listed in the second batch of China’s Traditional Villages. In 2019, the Tongle Lisu (同乐傈僳族) Residential Architecture Complex became a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Folk Customs

Tongle Village (同乐村) preserves rich Lisu (傈僳族) folk culture, including traditional wooden houses, Lisu  clothing, and the Achimugua (阿尺木刮) dance and songs. Achimugua (阿尺木刮) is a popular Lisu (傈僳族) folk performance with unique ethnic characteristics and cultural value.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Located in the Yunling Mountains (云岭山脉) valley of the Hengduan Range (横断山脉), Tongle Village (同乐村) enjoys a mild and humid climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions

• Tongle Lisu Residential Architecture Complex: Experience traditional Lisu (傈僳族) architecture and learn about their residential culture.
• Scenery Along the Lancang River: The Lancang River (澜沧江) flows through the gorge, offering stunning views ideal for hiking and photography.
• Achimugua Cultural Heritage Center: Discover and experience traditional Lisu (傈僳族) dance and music.

Suggested Duration for Each Destination

• Tongle Lisu  Residential Architecture Complex: Half a day to explore the architectural culture.
• Scenery Along the Lancang River: Half a day to enjoy the natural beauty.
• Achimugua Cultural Heritage Center: 1-2 hours to immerse in the cultural atmosphere.

Transportation

• Self-Driving: From Weixi County (维西县), take the highway to Yezhi Town (叶枝镇) and then proceed to Tongle Village (同乐村), covering approximately 85 kilometers.
• Public Transportation: Take a bus from Weixi County Bus Station (维西县客运站) to Yezhi Town (叶枝镇), then transfer to local transportation.

Food

• Traditional Lisu Cuisine: Such as Pisirou (琵瑟肉) and Zanba (糌粑).
• Lancang River Fish: Fresh and delicious.

Shopping

• Ethnic Handicrafts: Including wooden bowls and Zanba boxes (糌粑盒), showcasing strong ethnic characteristics.
• Local Specialties: Such as Weixi Baihua Honey (维西百花蜜) and Weixi Walnuts (维西核桃).

Accommodation

Tongle Village (同乐村) and its surroundings offer Tibetan-style homestays with good facilities, allowing visitors to experience Tibetan culture.

Travel Tips

• Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of Lisu (傈僳族) religious beliefs and traditions.
• Protect the Environment: Tongle Village (同乐村) has a pristine ecosystem; please help preserve it.
• Safety Note: The roads to Tongle Village (同乐村) are rugged; drive carefully if self-driving.

Itinerary Suggestions

• Day 1: Arrive in Tongle Village (同乐村), visit the residential architecture complex, experience local folk culture, and enjoy traditional cuisine.
• Day 2: Explore the Lancang River (澜沧江) scenery; in the afternoon, visit the Achimugua (阿尺木刮) Cultural Heritage Center.
• Day 3: Return to Weixi County (维西县) or continue to other attractions.

Tongle Village (同乐村) is a place rich in ethnic charm and cultural heritage, perfect for travelers interested in folk traditions and natural landscapes. Here, you can experience the warm hospitality of the locals and appreciate the unique allure of ancient ethnic culture. May your journey to Tongle Village (同乐村) be rewarding and leave you with unforgettable memories.