Village of Jinuo Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Kunming
Overview
The Village of Jinuo Ethnic Minority is located in Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Kunming, at 1310 Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming (云南省昆明市西山区滇池路1310号). It is a place that offers a deep insight into the culture of the Jinuo people (基诺族). The village showcases unique architectural styles, predominantly featuring stilted bamboo houses (“干栏式”竹楼) made of bamboo and thatch. This architectural style is commonly seen among ethnic minorities in Yunnan and is well-suited to the hot and humid climate of the region.
Visitors to the Jinuo village can experience traditional Jinuo lifestyles and cultural customs. The village offers numerous ethnic activities, such as the Jinuo Drum Dance (基诺大鼓舞) and Fire Dance (刀山火舞), which highlight the bravery and wisdom of the Jinuo people. Additionally, tourists can explore the communal longhouses, residential buildings, grain storage facilities, and the central Sun Square (太阳广场), where they can learn about the Jinuo way of life and customs.
Sun Square (太阳广场)
Sun Square is a significant area within the Jinuo village, reflecting the Jinuo people’s worship of the sun and their solar calendar. At the square, visitors can enjoy the lively and joyous “Sun Drum Dance” (太阳鼓舞), one of the most distinctive cultural activities of the Jinuo people. This dance not only celebrates the sun but also showcases the Jinuo’s strong connection to their natural environment.
Overall, the Village of Jinuo Ethnic Minority is an excellent destination for those looking to immerse themselves in Jinuo culture. Whether through its architectural style, daily life, or ethnic activities, visitors are sure to be captivated by the unique charm of the Jinuo people.
Introduction to the Jinuo Ethnic Group (基诺族介绍)
The Jinuo ethnic group has a population of approximately 23,000 people, making it one of the unique ethnic groups in Yunnan Province. They mainly reside in the mountainous areas of Jinuo in Jinghong County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture (西双版纳州景洪县的基诺山区). The Jinuo people are known for their musical and dance talents and possess a rich cultural heritage.
In Jinuo culture, there is a strong reverence for the sun. They worship the drum and decorate it with sun motifs, referring to it as the “Sun Drum” (太阳鼓). The Sun Square (太阳广场) is a sacred space where the powerful beats of the Sun Drum and the lively movements of the dancers express the Jinuo’s deep connection to the sun. The Sun Drum Dance (太阳鼓舞) is one of the most sacred and culturally significant activities for the Jinuo people, symbolizing their vibrant traditions and energetic spirit.
Jinuo Village Attractions
Jinuo Village is connected to other ethnic villages, such as the Lahu Village (拉祜族寨), and faces the Wa Village (佤族寨) and Bulang Village (布朗族寨) across the water. Upon entering the Jinuo Village, visitors will be greeted by striking rock formations surrounded by lush greenery and flowers. The thatched bamboo houses of the Jinuo people are scattered across the landscape, reminiscent of the rolling hills of the Jinuo Mountain region.
The village features various traditional structures, including the large communal house (大公房), residential buildings (民居楼), granaries (粮仓), and the Sun Square (太阳广场). Each of these attractions offers visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of the Jinuo people and their close relationship with nature.
Festivals and Traditions
The most significant and grandest traditional festival for the Jinuo people is “Temaoke” (特懋克). This festival, which marks the Jinuo New Year, translates to “Strike the Big Iron” (打大铁) and is a celebration of the creation and use of iron tools. In 1988, the People’s Congress of Xishuangbanna Prefecture officially designated February 6-8 of the Gregorian calendar as the “Temaoke” Festival (特懋克节) for the Jinuo people, based on their cultural traditions and customs.
The Jinuo Drum Dance
One of the most iconic and culturally important dances for the Jinuo people is the Jinuo Drum Dance (基诺大鼓舞). This dance has been recognized as part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage and Yunnan Province’s intangible cultural heritage. It is an expression of the Jinuo people’s connection to their ancestors, their reverence for the sun, and their vibrant cultural identity. The powerful drum beats and graceful movements of the dancers make the Jinuo Drum Dance a must-see for anyone visiting the village.
In conclusion, the Village of Jinuo Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages is a culturally rich destination, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant traditions, customs, and lifestyle of the Jinuo people. From the stunning stilted bamboo houses to the lively Sun Drum Dance, every aspect of the village provides an unforgettable insight into the heritage of one of Yunnan’s most distinctive ethnic groups.
