
Guineng Dazhai Village, located in Lianzhu Town, Mojiang County, Yunnan Province, was founded in the fourth year of the reign of Emperor Xianzong of the Yuan Dynasty, giving it a 360-year history. Located 14 kilometers from Mojiang County, it is a Hani village located on the Tropic of Cancer. It has four villager groups, 219 farming households, and a population of 890.
At the foot of the village lies the Shuigui River. Its upper reaches flow through the Mojiang Gold Mine, one of the "Ten Thousand Taels of Gold Lines in China." As a result, the river carries a large amount of gold sand. As the Shuigui River passes through Guineng, its flow slows, causing the gold sand to settle on the riverbed. This is where our ancestors began panning for gold, sparking a village-wide gold rush. Every household in the village had a homemade panning bed, attracting a large number of non-local prospectors. Later, the government banned illegal gold panning, and the craze subsided. Now, with approval from relevant authorities, the Shuigui River is open to tourists, allowing them to experience the thrill of gold panning for themselves.
Dazhai Village is home to the largest concentration of the Haoni (Budu) branch of the Hani ethnic group in Mojiang. The village retains a large number of traditional Hani dwellings—the earthen houses. These are the primary building type in Dazhai Village. Nestled against a hillside, the village is lushly forested. Rows of these houses are shaded by bamboo and palm trees. Surrounded by terraced fields and a tranquil stream, the industrious and resourceful Hani people have integrated their beautiful architecture into nature. This makes Dazhai Village a prime example of the Hani landscape, a quintessentially integrated landscape of forest, village, terraced fields, and river.
Guineng Village has a subtropical monsoon climate. You can see the most distinctive earthen houses with a civil structure. They are simple and solemn, connected to each other layer by layer. In the distance, there are green mountains and clear waters in the village, making it a suitable place for travel in all seasons.
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Guineng Village is a traditional Dai ethnic village in Pu’er, Yunnan. It preserves Dai culture, architecture, and agricultural practices, offering insight into the region’s ethnic heritage and rural life.
The village is located in Pu’er, Yunnan. Visitors can reach Guineng Village by taxi or private car from Pu’er city center. Local buses may connect nearby towns, and walking is ideal for exploring the village itself.
The village is open year-round. Morning or late afternoon visits are best for photography and avoiding midday heat.
Entrance is generally free. Certain cultural shows or guided experiences may charge a small fee, payable onsite.
Advance booking is not required for general visits. If attending special cultural performances, booking a few days ahead is recommended.
2–3 hours is usually sufficient to walk around the village, interact with locals, and enjoy the scenery.
Guided tours are occasionally available in Chinese. English tours are limited, so self-guided exploration is common.
Enter from the main village entrance, walk through the central streets, visit temples and gardens, then explore the outskirts and nearby fields for scenic viewpoints.
Night visits are generally not available. Special events or cultural performances may be scheduled during festivals.
The village is usually quiet. Weekdays and non-festival periods are the least crowded.
Basic facilities include public restrooms, small cafes, local craft shops, and resting areas. Water and snacks can be purchased from village vendors.
Main streets are walkable, but some areas have uneven paths. Elderly and children should take care on stairs or sloped paths; wheelchair access may be limited.
Cash is commonly used. Some shops may accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Local eateries serving Pu’er and Dai cuisine are available nearby, including small tea houses and family-run restaurants.
Vegetarian options are available; vegan or Halal options may be limited, so checking in advance is recommended.
Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and homestays in Guineng Village or nearby Pu’er towns offer convenient accommodations.
Souvenirs include local handicrafts, woven textiles, bamboo products, tea, and small cultural artifacts.
Taxis, ride-hailing services, or private cars are recommended to continue exploring nearby villages, temples, or Pu’er city.