Mosuo Matriarchal Society: Yunnan, China

I Had To Leave China (#164)

Destination:ChinaProvince:YunnanCity:Luguhu
I Had To Leave China  (#164)
Sabbatical2023-10-2217 min

There is a region in Yunnan province, in rural China, where the Mosuo people live. The Mosuo are, shall we say, quite a distinct group of people. They're known as one of the only truly matriarchal societies in the world: women run the show, and men are just kinda there helping out.

But is that still the case in 2023? Have the cultural traditions withered away, as they have in so many other regions of China? I wanted to visit and find out.

This video uses clips from a documentary called "Tisese: A Documentary on Three Mosuo Women".

--- Sabbatical
October 22, 2023, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:10Arrival in Yunnan
  2. 0:35Mosuo traditions
  3. 1:09Modernization impact
  4. 2:04Rural China exploration
  5. 4:55Searching for a wife
  6. 5:21Matriarchal home
  7. 6:41Husband's role
  8. 9:41Beautiful region
  9. 10:27Hotel stay
  10. 11:18Night in village
  11. 12:07Unexpected illness
  12. 13:01Mosuo uniqueness

Sabbatical's China vlog explores Yunnan's Mosuo culture, revealing a matriarchal society with surprising traditions. An unexpected illness cuts his journey short, leaving a memorable impact.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Explore rural China and experience the authentic lifestyle, interacting with locals to gain deeper insights into their culture and traditions. Be prepared for limited interactions, as rural areas may have fewer people to talk to. (2:04)
  2. Tip 2Admire the breathtaking beauty of the region. Take the time to appreciate the stunning landscapes, including rice paddies and traditional Chinese houses, especially during sunset. (9:41)
  3. Tip 3Find affordable and comfortable accommodations. Look for locally owned hotels or guesthouses for a more immersive experience and a chance to interact with local people. (10:27)
  4. Tip 4Experience the nighttime activities in a Mosuo village, observing the men's visits to their girlfriends. Be respectful of local customs and traditions. (11:18)
  5. Tip 5Embrace the unexpected. Travel can be unpredictable, so be prepared for unforeseen circumstances, such as illness. Prioritize your health and well-being during your journey. (13:01)

Sabbatical's China journey takes an unexpected turn in this captivating vlog. He ventures into the Mosuo region of Yunnan Province, seeking to uncover the mysteries of their unique matriarchal society. His exploration reveals surprising insights into their traditions, from women having multiple husbands to the distinct roles of men in the community. However, an unforeseen illness cuts his trip short, leaving viewers wanting more of his incredible adventure. Will he return to explore more of this fascinating culture?

More about the current video:( 4 / 9 )

I Had To Leave China  (#164)

This vlog follows Sabbatical's journey to the Mosuo region of Yunnan Province in China, a place renowned for its unique ethnic groups and stunning landscapes. He delves into the fascinating matriarchal society of the Mosuo people, where women hold significant power and can have multiple husbands.

Sabbatical explores rural villages, encountering the daily lives of Mosuo people. He observes traditional homes and interacts with locals, attempting to understand their customs and beliefs. The video highlights the contrast between the traditional Mosuo way of life and the impact of modernization, showing new settlements built by the government alongside traditional villages.

His journey is marked by surprising discoveries, such as the local interpretation of 'walking marriage' and the unusual family structures. He learns about the cultural significance of these practices and observes how they are evolving with changing times. Sabbatical's interactions with Mosuo individuals reveal their warmth and resilience, offering a glimpse into their daily lives.

However, the video takes an unexpected turn when Sabbatical falls ill and must cut his trip short. This unexpected event adds a poignant layer to the narrative, highlighting the unpredictable nature of travel and the importance of prioritizing health. Despite the abrupt ending, the vlog leaves a lasting impression of the Mosuo people's unique culture and the beauty of the Yunnan region. The video also includes footage from a documentary called "Tisese: A Documentary on Three Mosuo Women," adding another dimension to the exploration of the Mosuo culture. Sabbatical's personal insights and experiences make this vlog a captivating and informative account of a unique part of China.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What is the most unique thing about the Mosuo people?
A: They're one of the few truly matriarchal societies left in the world, and the women can have as many husbands as they want!
Q: What's the deal with "walking marriage"?
A: It's a traditional practice where men visit their partners at night but don't live with them. It's slowly dying out though.
Q: How did my trip end?
A: I got really sick and had to leave China early to get some rest and treatment.
Q: What's the most surprising thing I found?
A: Probably the fact that I didn't need a ticket to enter the Zhu-long cave!

Mosuo Matriarchal Society: Yunnan, China

There is a region in Yunnan province, in rural China, where the Mosuo people live. The Mosuo are, shall we say, quite a distinct group of people. They're known as one of the only truly matriarchal societies in the world: women run the show, and men are just kinda there helping out. But is that...

Exploring Yunnan's Mosuo Matriarchal Society: A Cultural Journey

Explore the unique matriarchal society of the Mosuo people in rural Yunnan, China. This captivating journey delves into their cultural traditions and challenges the perceptions of a society where women hold the power. Discover if these traditions have endured in modern China and witness a fascinating glimpse into a world unlike any other. This video includes footage from a documentary offering further insight into the lives of Mosuo women.

Attractions in this video: Rice Patties