Ancient Earth Houses and the Legend of Miyilu: A Journey into the Authentic Yi Ancient Town

The Authentic Soul of the Yi People

Located approximately 5 kilometers north of the Nanhua County seat in the Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Yi Ancient Town (formerly known as "Miyilu Town") offers a deeply immersive journey into the traditional life of the Yi people. Situated about 30 kilometers from Chuxiong city center and 180 kilometers from Kunming, this town is situated in a typical plateau mountain Yi settlement area at an altitude of around 1,800 meters. Unlike the more commercialized urban attractions, this ancient town is celebrated for being the largest and best-preserved cluster of traditional Yi earth palm houses (Tuzhangfang) in Yunnan. It is built upon the prototype of Ming and Qing dynasty Yi mountain villages, designed according to the traditional Feng Shui concept of "sitting north facing south, backed by mountains and facing water." Here, visitors can step into a living painting of history, where layers of earth houses stack against the Ailao Mountain remnants, and golden corn and red chili peppers drying on rooftops glisten under the highland sun.

Architecture and the Legend of Miyilu

1.The town is centered around the cultural: IP of "Miyilu", which means "beautiful girl" in the Yi language. Legend has it that Miyilu was a Yi girl who transformed into an azalea flower after singing on the mountain in longing for her lover, a story that adds a romantic and poignant layer to the town's atmosphere. The most striking feature of the town is its architecture. The Tuzhangfang (Earth Palm House) is the quintessential Yi dwelling, characterized by flat earthen roofs that serve as drying platforms, thick rammed earth walls that ensure warmth in winter and coolness in summer, and excellent fire resistance. The town preserves hundreds of these original ecological houses, allowing tourists to stay in converted inns and sleep on the drying platforms under a canopy of stars, listening to the insect chorus and folk songs—a truly unforgettable "once in a lifetime" experience.

Bimo Culture and Living Traditions

Culturally, Yi Ancient Town is a custodian of the mysterious Bimo culture. The Bimo are the traditional priests, doctors, and scholars of the Yi people, responsible for passing down history and conducting rituals. The village still houses Bimo families, and visitors can observe their unique religious instruments and scriptures in the Yi Museum or arguably witness a ceremony (with respect). The town is also the home of the "Left Foot Dance" (Zuojiao Wu), a communal dance where men, women, and children form large circles, stepping in unison to symbolize unity and the cycle of life. Every evening, the town comes alive with bonfires and singing, inviting guests to join the locals in this rhythmic celebration. During the Torch Festival (around the 24th of the 6th lunar month), the town transforms into a sea of fire, with thousands participating in torch parades, bullfighting, and horse racing, offering the most primitive and enthusiastic festival atmosphere in the region.

A Feast for the Senses

Beyond visual and spiritual experiences, Yi Ancient Town is a culinary destination. The "Yi Cuisine Street" offers authentic local flavors such as Yi-style Tuo Tuo Meat (boiled pork chunks), buckwheat cakes (Kuqiao Baba), wild mushroom hotpot, and Yi rice noodles. The dining experience often includes the traditional "Three Courses of Tea," reflecting the hospitality of the Yi people. Whether you are wandering through the ancient寨 gates, admiring the intricate wood carvings of the "Dragon Gate," or watching the large-scale live performance Miyilu set against the backdrop of real earth houses and the starry sky, Yi Ancient Town provides a genuine and touching connection to the ancient pulse of the Yi civilization.