Wengding Village

Wengding Village is located approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, in the Mengjiao Dai, Yi, and Lahuzu Township. It is currently one of the most well-preserved primitive Wa ethnic villages in China.

The "Wengding Primitive Tribe" scenic area, in Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County, can be found about 33 kilometres west of the county seat, forming an administrative village in Mengjiao Ethnic Township.

In the Wa language, "Wengding" means "a place surrounded by clouds and mist." Wengding Dazhai consists of 103 households with over 500 people, all belonging to the Wa ethnic group, and the village’s history dates back more than 400 years.

The village is composed of the village gate, residential houses, village pillars, sacred groves, and burial grounds, covering an area of 6.3 square kilometres. Before liberation, it remained in the primitive stage of slash-and-burn agriculture. After liberation, it swiftly transitioned to modern society, leaving many traces of the primitive era, with Wengding Ancient Village being the most prominent.

Cangyuan Wengding Wa Ethnic Village is the most primitive Wa ethnic tribe in China, known for its natural scenery and ancient Wa ethnic customs. It has been acclaimed by National Geographic magazine as the "last primitive tribe in China."

Cangyuan Autonomous County is the gathering place of the Wa ethnic group, and Wengding is one of the well-preserved Wa ethnic villages. The landscape here is characterized by towering mountains, lush forests, green fields, and quiet rivers winding through the village. Wa ethnic houses, constructed with bamboo and wood, nestle at the foot of the mountains. In the early morning, wisps of smoke rise above the village.

The frugal farmers, dressed plainly, guide their plowing oxen, starting another day of work. Due to the inconvenience of transportation, they seem to live a secluded life in the deep mountains, preserving a pristine environment untouched by modern civilization.

Visitors can not only enjoy the fresh and charming rural scenery but also experience the simplicity and warmth unique to the Wa people. Despite their modest material comforts, the genuine smiles emanating from their hearts are incredibly beautiful and infectious. Tourists, immersed in this environment, often forget their troubles and sorrows, irresistibly blending into the shared joy.

Wengding Village serves as a living museum of Wa traditional history and culture, currently the most intact primitive settlement in China. It still retains complete Wa ethnic village gates, totem pillars, village pillars, sacred groves, wooden drum houses, traditional craft workshops, and Wa ethnic ganlan-style thatched houses. The architectural style and original Wa customs have been passed down through generations, surrounded by mountains, ancient, thatched houses, secluded paths, and bamboo buildings standing silently in the mist.

Wengding Ancient Village experienced a fire on the third day of the Chinese New Year in 2021. This place, which countless people had yearned for, was reduced to ashes. After the destruction, Wengding Village entered into a reconstruction phase, meticulously restoring Wa culture, history, and customs.

After two years of reconstruction, the once-destroyed Wengding Ancient Village has been revitalized. The village is now lush and the ancient village is scientifically planned. It reopened to tourists on 28 December 2022, just in time for New Year's Day 2023, hosting a series of park-opening and New Year's activities with the theme "Mysterious Cangyuan, Remote Wengding—Enter Happy Wengding."

The natural environment here is exceptionally beautiful, with picturesque mountains, clear waters, and fresh air. Upon entering the village gate, a row of Wa ethnic women in traditional costumes welcomes you with song and dance. A dignified elder from the Wa community may mark a black dot on your forehead, symbolizing good luck and auspiciousness.

The primitive way of life and cultural traditions are preserved here, allowing people to experience a simple and natural lifestyle. In this place, you can participate in local worship activities, experience brewing tea with an elderly gentleman, taste specialty foods and drinks like Chunbaba, and enjoy the unique pleasures of life.