Dabao Old Village, Sakai Township

Introducing Dabao Old Village, Sakai Township

Lao Dabao Village in Menggen Village, Jiujing Township is one of the inheritance bases of "Mu Pa Mi Pa", which is included in the national intangible cultural heritage protection list. The houses still retain the traditional pole-rail architectural style of the Lahu people. The Lahu culture is profound. You can watch the twilight of the ancient village, experience Christian hymns, taste Lahu roasted tea, try Lahu-style meals, and listen to the Lahu people's soul-stirring chorus music.

Laodabao is a typical Lahu village. The ancestors of the Lahu people were the ancient Qiang people. They originally lived in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and later migrated to Yunnan, Myanmar and other places. Laodabao has a history of thousands of years. The entire village is Lahu. "La" means tiger and "Hu" means roasting meat. Therefore, the Lahu people are also known as the tiger hunting people.

"Happy Lahu" leverages the Lao Dabao Village's expertise in multi-part choral singing, drawing on the rich cultural and artistic resources of the Lahu people from all regions of the county. While preserving the original ecological forms of the ethnic group's folk performances, it explores, organizes, develops, and enhances them. By skillfully combining excellent original songs and dances from various regions and types of Lahu with the unique customs of the Lahu people, the performance is presented on stage, allowing the audience to fully experience the infinite cultural and artistic charm of the Lahu people.

Climate and best time to travel

The mountain monsoon climate; Dabao Village in Jiujing Township is a village with very strong ethnic characteristics, especially the ethnic music and dance are very interesting, suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Dabao Old Village, Sakai Township

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Dabao Old Village (大堡老寨) in Sakai Township (撒凯乡) is a village in Menggen Village group, Sakai Township, Jiujing Township area, Yunnan, noted for its preservation of Lahu minority culture. The houses retain the traditional Lahu architectural style (railings, timber) and the village is listed as a base for intangible cultural heritage “Mupa Mipa” (a Lahu cultural tradition).
The village offers a valuable window into rural Lahu life: architecture, customs, communal singing, roasted tea culture. It is significant not only for its scenic and rustic qualities, but for conserving cultural heritage of the Lahu people.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Dabao Old Village is located in Menggen Village (勐根村), Sakai Township (撒凯乡), Jiujing Township (旧景乡) in Yunnan Province, under the jurisdiction of the prefecture-level city of Pu’er City.
Getting there:

• From the nearest county/town centre, hire a taxi or ride-hail to Menggen Village/Sakai Township since public metro doesn’t serve remote rural villages.
• Once you arrive in Menggen/Sakai area, you may need to walk or take a local village road into the old village-core of Dabao.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

There are no formal “opening hours” recorded for Dabao Old Village. As a rural village, access is available throughout daylight hours.
Best time to visit: Early morning or afternoon when village life is active, avoid midday heat. Also choose a dry weather day to ensure walking paths are safe.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

I found no specific ticket price or online-booking system listed for Dabao Old Village. It appears to be an open traditional village destination rather than a commercial scenic area with gated entry.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No advance booking appears required for general visit. If you plan to join a local cultural performance or stay overnight in village-host accommodation, then booking ahead is advisable.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Allow 1 to 2 hours to wander the village core, take photographs, interact with locals. If you intend to participate in cultural experiences, meals or stay longer, plan half a day.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The cluster of traditional Lahu timber houses with railing balconies — capturing authentic architecture.
• The communal area where Lahu chorus singing or hymns may be performed (look for signs of local music).
• A spot for tasting Lahu-style roasted tea or a meal of Lahu cuisine in the village setting.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

No mention of formal guided tours or audio guides in English is found for this village. Visiting will likely be self-guided; consider hiring a local guide through the village host or village committee if you wish interpretive commentary (likely in Chinese/Lahu).

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The front façade of the traditional Lahu houses with their wood railings at golden hour light.

• Village lanes framed by timber houses and the surrounding rural scenery, capturing village life and architecture.

• During cultural performance or communal singing session, be ready for ambient photo opportunities of Lahu people in traditional setting.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Enter via the village lane, walk through the main house-clusters, pause at communal area, enjoy a roasted tea session or local snack, then stroll around outer vantage points to view surrounding countryside and houses from above. Finish at a resting spot in village for local music or conversation.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There is no indication of organised night light-shows or special tours at Dabao Old Village. Its appeal is daytime-rural and cultural.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Being a rural-heritage village rather than a major commercial tourist site, it is likely not crowded. The least crowded times would be weekdays (non-holiday) and early morning.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities appear modest: expect basic village toilets, small local eateries/snack spots, benches or shaded rest areas in the village lanes. Shops are likely local village stores rather than commercial tourist souvenir shops.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Access is via village lanes and uneven rural terrain. Children and relatively mobile elderly should manage it; however, visitors with limited mobility or in wheelchairs may face challenges due to village pathways and steps.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Since there is no major ticket purchase, you may not need cash for entry. Local village snack shops likely accept cash; mobile payments (WeChat/Alipay) might be accepted depending on the village – best to carry some cash as backup.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Inside the village you will find local Lahu-style meal options (roasted tea, simple village fare). In the broader Sakai Township or county town there will be more eateries and cafés.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Specific vegetarian or halal restaurants are not listed. In village settings you may be able to request simpler vegetarian-style meals; for halal certification you may need to inquire locally.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodation likely available in nearby township or village guesthouses rather than luxury hotels. For a rustic stay within or near the old village, you may need to book a village guesthouse or homestay in advance.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Nearby villages of the Lahu minority in Sakai Township or the wider Jiujing Township area, offering similar cultural-heritage experiences.

• Scenic countryside drives in Sakai Township, rural landscape exploration, tea-forest walks in the broader Pu’er region.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Within or near the village you may find local artisan crafts, Lahu cultural items (woven textiles, small carvings) or local roasted tea as a souvenir. The setting is modest, so selection may be limited compared to tourist hubs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After your visit you can:

• Return by taxi or ride-hail to the township or county centre.
• Continue by private car to explore other nearby minority villages, rural routes or tea-forest areas in the Pu’er region.