Zhalv Village of Jinuo Ethnic Town in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna

Zalu Village (扎吕村) is located in Jinuo Township (基诺族乡), Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), and is one of the main settlements of the Jinuo people (基诺族). It is situated in the northern part of Jinuo Mountain (基诺山), about 24 kilometers from the center of Jinghong City (景洪市).

History and Culture

The Jinuo people (基诺族) are the last officially recognized ethnic group in China. They primarily reside in Jinuo Mountain Township (基诺山基诺族乡). The Jinuo people were originally known as the “Youle people” (悠乐人), with “Ji” (基) meaning “uncle” and “Nuo” (诺) meaning “descendant,” symbolizing a people who respect their elders. Most of the residents of Zalu Village (扎吕村) are of Jinuo descent, and the village has been inhabited by the Jinuo people for generations. According to legend, their ancestors migrated from Pu’er (普洱), Mojiang (墨江), and even further northern regions to the eastern edge of Jinuo Mountain (基诺山), a place called “Sijie Zhuomi” (司杰卓米). Over time, their population grew, and three main branches—Wuyou (乌优), Aha (阿哈), and Axi (阿希)—were formed.

Local Customs

The Jinuo people (基诺族) have a unique cultural heritage, including traditional songs and dances such as the Jinuo Drum Dance (基诺大鼓舞), Bamboo Pole Dance (竹竿舞), and Seed-planting Dance (播种舞). Their traditional crafts mainly include weaving, embroidery, and textile work. Zalu Village (扎吕村) preserves a rich collection of Jinuo culture, with local attractions like the village granaries, the Village History Museum (村史馆), and the hand-painted walls depicting Jinuo customs and traditions, providing great opportunities for visitors to experience their culture.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Jinuo Mountain (基诺山) and Jinuo Township (基诺族乡) are located in a tropical mountain area. The average annual temperature is between 18 and 20°C, with an annual rainfall of about 1100 mm. The climate is mild, with abundant rainfall and no frost throughout the year. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Recommended Attractions and Suggested Visit Time

Village History Museum:
This museum displays tools used in the daily life and production of the Jinuo people, models of traditional dwellings, and items such as the Sun Drum (太阳鼓).
Recommended time: 1–2 hours.

Hand-painted Cultural Walls:
The walls depict traditional Jinuo culture and lifestyle.
Recommended time: 1 hour.

Tea Mountains and Rubber Forests:
Explore the tea plantations and rubber forests in Jinuo Mountain (基诺山) to understand the local agricultural economy.
Recommended time: 2 hours.

Transportation

From Jinghong City (景洪市), take a road trip to Jinuo Township (基诺族乡) and then to Zalu Village (扎吕村), a journey of about 24 kilometers. You can take local rural buses or taxis.

Cuisine

The cuisine in Zalu Village (扎吕村) mainly features traditional Jinuo dishes. Recommended dishes include:

  • Bamboo Rice (竹筒饭): Rice steamed in bamboo, with a refreshing bamboo fragrance.
  • Stir-fried Preserved Meat with Wild Flowers (火烧花炒腊肉): A unique dish made with local wildflowers.

Shopping

Local specialties such as Pu’er tea (普洱茶) and handcrafted souvenirs can be found at the village market.

Accommodation

Zalu Village (扎吕村) offers a small number of homestays and guesthouses, though the facilities are basic. If you require higher accommodation standards, it is recommended to stay in Jinghong City (景洪市).

Travel Tips

  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting villages.
  • Be mindful of insect bites when traveling in mountainous areas and bring necessary protective gear.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Zalu Village (扎吕村), check into a homestay, and visit the Village History Museum (村史馆) to learn about the history and culture of the Jinuo people.
Day 2: Visit the hand-painted cultural walls (民俗文化手绘墙), and then head to the tea mountains and rubber forests (茶山与橡胶林) to enjoy the natural scenery of Jinuo Mountain (基诺山).
Day 3: Shop for local specialties at the village market, then conclude your journey.

Zalu Village (扎吕村) is a fascinating destination, offering not only beautiful natural landscapes but also unique ethnic culture. Here, you can experience the charm of the borderlands and immerse yourself in the traditional way of life of the Jinuo people. May you have an unforgettable journey in Zalu Village (扎吕村).