Yunshe Ancient Village

Scenic Area Introduction

Nestled at the foot of Mount Fanjing, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and along the banks of the Taiping River, Yunshe Village—hailed as “China's Premier Tujia Village”—boasts a rich history spanning over six centuries. Its name ‘Yunshe’ carries dual meanings: derived from the ancient Tujia pronunciation for “where monkeys drink water,” it also evokes the ethereal poetry of “houses amidst the clouds.”

At the village's heart lies the enigmatic Shenlong Pool, where spring water gushes from the earth at a constant year-round temperature. Its remarkable phenomenon—“tide rises with rain, recedes with drought”—makes it a natural “weather forecaster.” The village's backbone comprises over four hundred Ming and Qing dynasty “barrel-roofed houses”—these courtyard-like complexes of blue-tiled brick buildings, connected by winding alleys, form a living museum of Tujia architecture. Strolling along the cobblestone paths, you'll find time gently suspended here.

Yun She's charm extends far beyond quiet contemplation, offering vibrant immersive experiences. Here, the ancient papermaking techniques dating back to the Tang Dynasty are fully preserved. In the historic workshops, you can witness firsthand or even touch the seventy-two processes that transform tree bark into supple paper. When festivals arrive or honored guests visit, warm villagers don festive attire, performing joyful Baishou dances and singing melodious mountain ballads. They even showcase the unique Tujia wedding custom of “crying at the wedding,” inviting you to join in. From the “Nostalgia Pavilion”—a repurposed grain silo—to the poetic riverside living scenes, Yun She shares with the world the vibrant, uninterrupted daily life of an ethnic group spanning centuries.

For visitors from afar, Yunshe offers an exceptional window to escape the clamor and delve into the soul of China's southwestern ethnic minorities. It serves not only as an ideal resting spot after climbing Mount Fanjing but also as a place where you can slow down, stay in rustic homestays, and truly understand the spiritual homeland of Tujia culture and philosophy through hands-on labor, interactive songs and dances, and fireside nighttime conversations.

Address

Tujia Folk Culture Village, Fanjingshan, Jiangkou County, Tongren City, Guizhou Province.