In recent years, Da Mo Yu Village and Le Ju Village in Xishan District, Kunming, have successfully attracted numerous travelers to settle down, thanks to their unique natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant artistic atmosphere. This distinctive living model has not only injected new vitality into the two villages but has also enabled them to undergo a remarkable transformation from traditional villages to modern travel destinations.

Da Mo Yu Village

Le Ju Village

Da Mo Yu Village: Artistic Renaissance in an Ancient Yi Village

Da Mo Yu Village is an ancient Yi village with a history of over 300 years, surrounded by mountains and rich in natural resources. Tu Guozhang, a member of the Publicity Committee of the Unity Street Party Working Committee, explained that in recent years, through the renovation of abandoned houses and rental properties, Da Mo Yu Village has successfully welcomed more than 80 new residents who engage in the integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism. These new villagers have transformed abandoned old houses into studios, B&Bs, and art galleries, preserving the village's historical memory and cultural heritage while injecting new life into the old structures. The cooperative model of "new and old villagers" not only promotes the vibrant development of the local economy but also fosters the inheritance and advancement of local culture.

Street view of Da Mo Yu Village

Street view of Da Mo Yu Village

Street view of Da Mo Yu Village

In Da Mo Yu Village, travelers can experience a rich rural life that includes farming, beautiful scenery, gourmet food, and educational opportunities, all while immersing themselves in the strong cultural atmosphere of the Yi people. Ethnic elements such as ancient Yi-style houses, Yi hand embroidery, and traditional minority festivals have been fully explored and utilized to offer travelers a unique experience. Li, the Secretary of the Party Committee of Yuhua Community on Unity Street, stated, "The natural scenery here is beautiful, and many visitors from other provinces wish to stay in the village. Our villagers and new residents get along very well, which makes tourists want to return."

Ethnic cultural costumes

Ethnic Cultural Costume Studio

Fucishanfang Studio

Le Ju Village: Ancient Settlement's New Look Through Cultural Tourism Integration

Le Ju Village also attracts many travelers with its unique charm. This ancient Yi village, with a history of over 600 years, is listed in the second batch of China's traditional village protection directory. According to Qili, a local promoter, Le Ju Village leverages its rich natural landscape and cultural environment, digging deep into its core to create a distinctive brand that successfully attracts a large number of new residents. They bring their industries and creativity, transforming Le Ju Village into a beautiful home that integrates cultural design, artistic creation, and rural tourism.

Le Ju Ethnic Cultural Park

Exhibitions at Le Ju Ethnic Cultural Park

Street view of Le Ju Village

Street view of Le Ju Village

Mrs. Zhou, who runs "Le Ju's Eye B&B", mentioned that since the B&B opened, shops have sprung up around it, and tourists keep coming. It becomes particularly challenging to find a room during holidays. Le Ju Village has introduced new business models and established a mutually beneficial mechanism linking villagers, collectives, and enterprises. While focusing on protecting and inheriting traditional culture, Le Ju Village is actively incorporating modern residential concepts, creating a tourism and leisure resort that showcases traditional villages, displays traditional residences, preserves intangible cultural heritage, and offers unique ethnic cultural experiences.

Le Ju's Eye B&B

Jiuxi Handmade Bakery in Le Ju Village

Jiuxi Handmade Bakery in Le Ju Village

Today, Da Mo Yu Village and Le Ju Village have become shining examples of Kunming's travel scene. Moving forward, both villages will continue to prioritize ecological sustainability and green development, enhancing infrastructure and service levels, improving village aesthetics and cultural depth, and increasing investment efforts to attract more talented individuals and industries to settle in the villages. This will inject new momentum into rural development and provide travelers with an even higher-quality experience. (Kunming Information Hub, Reporter Feng Yao, Intern You Guiling)

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(Editors: Reena, Jennifer)