Village of Deang Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Kunming

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Architectural Features of Deang Village

The architecture of Deang Village includes the traditional Deang big house, capable of accommodating dozens of people, small houses topped with felt hats, and romantic large and small public houses. There are also significant structures such as the “Longyang Tower” (龙阳塔) and Buddhist prayer halls and pagodas.

Deang Ethnic Minority Overview

The Deang (德昂) ethnic group is unique to Yunnan, with a population of over 20,000, mainly distributed across Dehong Prefecture (德宏州) and Baoshan City (保山市) in the counties of Luxi (潞西), Lianghe (梁河), Ruili (瑞丽), Longchuan (陇川), and Longyang (隆阳). The Deang people predominantly practice Theravada Buddhism, with their folk activities closely linked to Buddhist ceremonies. Similar to the Dai (傣) ethnic group, important festivals include the Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节, also known as the Flower-Splashing Festival), Door-Opening Festival (开门节), and Door-Closing Festival (关门节). The traditional attire of the Deang is colorful, and oral literature, especially folk songs, is widely celebrated, with a distinctive tea culture.

Architectural Style and Living Conditions

Deang residential buildings are primarily constructed in a stilt-style with bamboo and wooden structures topped with grass. The architectural layout accommodates communal living, including the large Deang house and various smaller romantic structures. The customs of building sand pagodas during the Water-Splashing Festival are well reflected here. Traditional festivals for the Deang include the Water-Splashing Festival, Door-Closing Festival, Door-Opening Festival, and various other rituals like making arrangements and burning white firewood. The Water-Splashing Festival (locally referred to as “Jiaohua Water”) is an annual traditional celebration occurring on the seventh day after the Qingming Festival (清明节), lasting three days in total.

Cultural and Religious Practices

The Deang are devout Buddhists, with most villages having their own Buddhist temples and monks, including young novices (小和尚) who have entered the monastery. The Deang have a custom of dancing during major festivals, with the “Water Drum Dance” (水鼓舞) being a unique ethnic dance known in the Deang language as “Gagelingdang,” typically performed during celebratory events.

How to Get There

To reach Deang Village in Kunming, you can take a flight to Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场) and then use local transportation options like buses or taxis to the Yunnan Ethnic Village. Alternatively, if you’re already in Kunming, you can use public transportation to reach the village.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The Water-Splashing Festival is a great time to experience local culture.
• Local Customs: Respect local traditions, especially during religious events.
• Photography: Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially during festivals.
• Culinary Delights: Don’t miss trying local dishes and tea, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Deang people.