Cultural tapestry unveiled: Guangxi’s unique ethnic traditions propel booming rural tourism

Friday, December 15, 2023

The picturesque Longji Rice Terraces, nestled in Dazhai village, Longji township, Longsheng county, Guilin, within China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, showcase a vibrant tapestry of rice paddies.

Longsheng county, renowned for its mountainous terrain, predominantly comprises highlands, interspersed with water bodies and fields. The industrious Yao ethnic group meticulously sculpted these slopes into tiered terraces, ushering in an era of precision farming. With water channels etched into the landscape and fields meticulously plowed for rice cultivation, the result is a breathtaking panorama of terraced rice paddies cascading from mountain foothills to their peaks.

Over generations, the inhabitants of Dazhai, primarily the Yao ethnic group constituting 98 percent of the village’s population, labored on these slopes, transforming them into a magnificent terraced spectacle resembling a ladder to the sky. Once among the poorest villages in Longsheng county, Dazhai has undergone a transformative journey propelled by tourism development.

Leveraging the allure of its scenic terraces and the distinct cultural practices of the Red Yao ethnic subgroup, Dazhai has emerged as a sought-after tourist destination. Recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages of 2022 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the village’s fortunes have changed.

Early mornings in Dazhai witness Red Yao women adorning their homes with vibrant attire, creating a captivating display of color. The Red Yao costumes, characterized by passionate red hues and harmonious tones, reflect the people’s aspirations for a better life. Designated as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2014, the traditional Yao ethnic clothing showcases intricate patterns—geometric, animal, plant, and landscape—that not only captivate aesthetically but also embody cultural significance.

The Red Yao people’s affinity for the color red, coupled with their expertise in traditional craftsmanship like weaving, dyeing, and embroidery, has been passed down through generations. These rich cultural elements have breathed life into Dazhai’s tourism industry, where visitors can immerse themselves not only in the terraced landscapes but also in the unique customs of the Yao ethnic group.

Beyond the visual spectacle, Dazhai village hosts a variety of folk activities, such as singing toasting songs, offering local sweet wine, making sticky rice cakes, performing bamboo pole dances, and showcasing the art of combing long hair. Dazhai has become a living museum of Yao culture, preserving and sharing its ancient traditions.

The village’s unique farming culture, exemplified by the 12 techniques employed on the Longji Rice Terraces, adds another layer to the tourist experience, illustrating the locals’ commitment to terrace preservation. Yu, the Party head of Dazhai village, emphasizes that tourism is integral to promoting the prosperity of Yao culture in the region.

Through years of innovation and development in local tourism, the villagers have transitioned into diversified farmers engaged in both agricultural work and tourism enterprises. The flourishing B&B and catering industries, along with activities like handmade crafts and ethnic dances, have liberated the villagers from reliance solely on agriculture, allowing the vibrant local culture to flourish and gain recognition beyond the mountainous confines of Dazhai.

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