Chengzi Village: Yunnan's Ancient Rammed-Earth Houses
Forgotten Village hidden deep in rural Yunnan
In this episode, we explored the enchanting Chengzi Ancient Village, a historic Yi settlement tucked away in the rolling hills of Yunnan Province. Legend has it that this area once belonged to the realm of the ancient Ziqi Kingdom.
During the Ming Dynasty, a tusi—an official appointed to govern local ethnic minority groups—established a government office here and began stationing troops. Over time, more houses were built, the village expanded, and it gradually evolved into the Chengzi Village we see today.
What makes this place truly unique is its fascinating architecture. The homes, known locally as tu zhang fang, are made of rammed clay and wood, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. One of the most intriguing features is that Your rooftop is my courtyard. These flat, terraced roofs double as spaces for drying crops and connecting homes. With over 1,000 of these interconnected houses, the village’s design cleverly maximizes land use and takes full advantage of the mountainous terrain.
The population here has been decreasing year by year, from over a thousand households to just over 30 today. The ancient village is gradually being transformed into a tourist attraction. Things are slowly changing, hope we’re not too late to be there.
