"As I held the torch and walked along the edge of Nangang Village, I felt as if I had traveled back in time and become part of the culture. This immersive experience is incredible! I have to share it on my social media," said Capisonda Joey Alvarez, a content creator from the Philippines, after participating in the torch parade with the Yao ethnic minority in Liannan, Qiangyuan.
The Go Guangdong Tour, a project aimed at connecting global partners with the industries, culture, and lifestyle of Guangdong, took place from December 5 to 7. This event welcomed over 20 scholars and journalists from various countries to Qingyuan City, where they explored the vibrancy of modern agriculture and the allure of the Yao ethnic group.
Millennial Yao village seizes new economic growth
Walking along the stone path, the tour members ascended to the summit of Nangang Village, where they admired the beauty of Yao Village, renowned for its distinctive black and gray rooftops. They were invited to participate in the torch parade and savor the Yao cuisine, accompanied by a traditional Yao long drum dance performance.
"This is the first time I've visited a minority autonomous area. What struck me is how well-developed the region is. All the roads are exceptionally well-maintained," said Kyle Ferrana, a U.S. writer and author of Why the World Needs China.
He noted that many remote mountainous areas in the U.S. have uneven roads that become muddy during rainy days, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through. However, these issues are often not addressed by the local government. "It demonstrates that the local government of Qingyuan is very proactive in the community, effectively serving the needs of its residents."
Nangang Village's origins date back to the Song Dynasty, over a thousand years ago. It is the largest, oldest, and best-preserved Yao minority village in China. In recent years, the residents have redecorated their traditional houses and begun offering bed and breakfast services to increase their income. As of today, the village has attracted more than 300 households to return and has created over 1,000 jobs.
"We have 50 ethnic groups in Laos, including the Yao minority group," said Sangkhane Choumkhamphanh, former Deputy Director General of Lao National Radio. He mentioned that he visited a small Yao village in Laos, where the population is sparse and the houses are widely spaced apart. "When I return home, I can share the Nangang story with the Yao minority in Laos to help improve their income and enhance their living conditions."
According to the local government, Liannan's tourism industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a total of 401,300 tourists in 2023 and a comprehensive tourism income of 427 million yuan. This represents an increase of 28.21% and 55.52% year-on-year, respectively.
Multiple efforts paid to preserve ethnic culture
"I'm deeply impressed by the Museum of Chinese Yao Nationality because I have never seen any country put in such detailed work for an ethnic group, from their language and living habits to their clothing," said Zafar Uddin Mahmood, former Special Envoy for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
He observed students preparing for a cultural performance at the museum and noticed that many of them were Han people, yet they were wearing Yao costumes and practicing alongside their Yao classmates. "This indicates that the Chinese government has been encouraging different ethnic groups to live in harmony," he remarked.
The Museum of the Chinese Yao Nationality showcases the largest and most comprehensive collection of Yao cultural relics in China. This collection was developed with the support of scholars and experts from Guangdong, Yunnan, and Guizhou, as well as from foreign countries, including Thailand, France, and the United States. The collection includes categories such as pottery, porcelain, clothing, silver jewelry, brocade embroidery, production tools, and religious artifacts.
Qingyuan is the prefecture-level city with the largest population of ethnic minorities in Guangdong Province. Cultural practices such as the long drum dance and Yao wedding customs have been recognized as national intangible cultural heritages. At the 1016 Yao Ethnic Cultural and Creative Park, tour members had the opportunity to try their hand at Yao embroidery under the guidance of a local embroiderer.
"These young people are incredibly intelligent! By creating cultural and creative products, they can earn more money while simultaneously protecting and promoting their culture!" Sangkhane Choumkhamphanh hopes to share this development model with the Yao people in Laos.
The industrial park was established in 2020 by Fang Xin, a young woman of Yao ethnicity, along with her friends. The park highlights the cultural heritage of various towns, providing tourists with an opportunity to immerse themselves in Yao culture. The young founders blend traditional craftsmanship with modern trends, making Yao traditional products popular and creating additional employment and income for nearby communities.
Reporter: Yin Juewen, Ding Hefei
Video: Zhang Ruilin
Poster: Wu Junli, Lin Ruoyun
Editor: Wei Shen, Chen Longyan, James, Shen He
(Qingyuan Daily also contributed to the video)
