Nanlong Ancient Village (南龙布依古寨), established during the mid-Qing Dynasty, is nestled in Xingyi City, Guizhou Province. It stands out as one of the most picturesque and culturally rich ancient villages of the Bouyei ethnic group discovered within the city limits of Xingyi. The village is home to 218 households comprising 813 residents, all belonging to the Bouyei ethnic group, who still reside in the original 147 stilted houses built some one to two centuries ago.
Legend has it that during the Ming Dynasty’s Hongwu reign, as part of a policy shift to control the southern regions, a massive migration from Hubei and Jiangxi provinces brought settlers to Guizhou. In Guizhou, administrative centers were established, including Nanlong Prefecture, which was founded within Nanlong Ancient Village.
Remnants such as the Bagua Village, the Command Platform, and the Battlefield evoke numerous historical mysteries. The village boasts over 360 ancient banyan trees, among which more than 160 are steeped in legendary tales, some forming dense forests, others serving as natural bridges, or even having wells formed within their roots, all captivating visitors and keeping them enthralled.
The simple and rustic charm of Nanlong Ancient Village is deeply rooted in Bouyei culture. Traditional festivals, including the Sixth of June and the Third of March, hold significant importance. The Sixth of June stands out as the most pivotal and ethnically distinctive festival, akin to a local New Year celebration. On this day, rituals like the “Field God Worship” are performed to pray for favorable weather and bountiful harvests in the coming year. The Third of March, on the other hand, is a traditional Bouyei festival for ancestral worship and commemoration.
Basic Information
Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
Ticket Price | Free |
Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Nanlong Bouyei Ancient Village is situated in the southern part of Xingyi City within the Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou Province. Specifically, it is in Bajie Town, approximately 48 kilometers away from the downtown area of Xingyi City. While there are occasional buses traveling to and from Nanlong Ancient Village from the Xingyi City bus station, the frequency of these services is limited. Therefore, taking a taxi is often a more convenient option for reaching the village.