Yizige Village Committee of Xiyang Town in Jinning District, Kunming
Yizige Village (一字格村) is located in the southeastern part of Xiyang Yi Ethnic Township (夕阳彝族乡) in Jinning District (晋宁县), Kunming, Yunnan Province (云南省昆明市). The village is situated 20 kilometers from the township government and 60 kilometers from the county center, with convenient transportation links. It is bordered by Yuxi (玉溪) to the east, Dahei (打黑) to the south, Xinshan (新山) to the west, and Shuanghe (双河) to the north.
Population and Health
The village has 113 households, with a total population of 401 people. Of these, 194 are male, and 207 are female. All 401 villagers are from the Yi ethnic group (彝族). The village has 281 individuals classified as labor force.
Yizige Village: A Hidden Gem
Yizige Village, part of Xiyang Township, is a typical minority mountain village located in the southernmost part of Kunming. The village is surrounded by undulating mountains and is rich in traditional ethnic culture. The natural environment has nurtured a vibrant and colorful folk culture. Six of the traditional villages in Xiyang Township, including Yizige Village, have been listed in Yunnan Province’s China Traditional Village Directory.
Surrounded by Nature
Nestled in a mountain hollow formed by two green hills, Yizige Village sits quietly in its serene surroundings. Two ancient stone-paved paths, once part of the Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道), pass through the village, hinting at the prosperity of the past. This Yi ethnic village is one of the most well-preserved examples of traditional residential architecture in Yunnan Province.
The Tea-Horse Road Legacy
Yizige Village, located in Xiyang Yi Ethnic Township, is recognized as a national-level traditional village. It is part of the third batch of traditional ancient villages named by the Ministry of Culture.
The village has a rich history, with remnants of ancient farming culture visible throughout its rural landscape. The sight of the village offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors back in time.
Aerial View of the Village
An aerial view of Yizige Village reveals its stunning location. Surrounded on three sides by lush, green forests, the village sits in a hollow. Tall, ancient trees are scattered throughout the surrounding mountains and the village itself. These trees have stood for centuries, witnessing the daily life and changes of the Yi people and the comings and goings of the caravans on the Tea-Horse Road.
Yizige Village is located at the “throat” of three mountains. The sunlight reflects off the dark tiles of the roofs, making the white walls of the houses appear even brighter. The village has preserved its ancient houses and customs due to the difficulty of access, making it a well-preserved historical site.
Traditional Yi Architecture
Yizige Village’s traditional architecture has been well-preserved. The village serves as an important stop along the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Many of the houses in Yizige are “courtyard-style” siheyuan (四合院), with the largest old house comprising three small courtyards. Built on sloping ground, the homes are reinforced with stone foundations and earthen walls, ensuring stability and durability. Many of the houses feature corner pavilions with arched windows on the second floor, decorated with blue stone bricks. The second floors have corridors with delicate railings, providing a beautiful view of the surroundings.
The Rustic Charm of Yizige
Yizige Village has a simple, rustic charm, with its roads paved with large slabs of stone. According to the elders of the village, these stone slabs were quarried from the mountains and transported using two wooden rollers.
The winding stone-paved paths, once traversed by caravans, still retain their ancient charm. The stone paths have witnessed the passage of time, and the village still holds onto its traditional ways of life.
Artifacts of Village Life
The walls of the villagers’ homes are adorned with various farming tools such as plows, harrows, straw raincoats, and saddles, providing a glimpse into the centuries-old rural lifestyle. The traditional ethnic murals (民族墙画) in Yizige Village are rich in cultural significance, displaying the village’s connection to its heritage.
Yizige Folk Museum
In addition to the well-preserved Yi-style houses, Yizige Village is home to a small museum, the Yizige Ethnic Museum (一字格民族博物馆). This museum showcases a wide variety of farming tools and traditional Yi artifacts, offering a glimpse into the life of the village’s ancestors.
The museum contains hundreds of items used in daily life, such as bamboo baskets, wooden basins, rat traps, and wooden oil presses. These relics provide insight into the lives of the Yi people from centuries ago, preserving the memory of their cultural heritage.
The Unchanging and the Changing
Amid the changes of time, Yizige Village remains a place where traditional life overlaps with modern development. The preserved homes and ancient paths tell the story of the village’s past, offering a unique travel experience for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in history.
Visitors to Yizige Village in Xiyang Yi Ethnic Township will gradually find themselves drawn into the village’s ancient rural atmosphere, as if stepping back in time.
Historical Importance of Yizige
Located in the southernmost part of Jinning District, this Yi village is an ancient relay station along the Tea-Horse and Salt Road (茶马盐道), a vital trade route. It stands as a living embodiment of the agricultural and multi-ethnic cultural integration that has taken place over centuries.
Attractions and Notable Names:
- Yizige Village (一字格村)
- Xiyang Yi Ethnic Township (夕阳彝族乡)
- Jinning District (晋宁县)
- Yuxi (玉溪)
- Dahei (打黑)
- Xinshan (新山)
- Shuanghe (双河)
- Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道)
- Yizige Ethnic Museum (一字格民族博物馆)
- Siheyuan Courtyard (四合院)
Yizige Village is not just a place to explore traditional Yi culture but also a living relic of China’s ancient trade history. Its preserved buildings, cultural museum, and connection to the Tea-Horse Road make it a unique and valuable destination for anyone interested in Yunnan’s rich history and ethnic heritage.
