Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1The closest road to the village is unpaved, offering a glimpse into the remote nature of the location. It's a dirt and gravel road that winds its way up the mountain. (2:16)
- Tip 2The village is just one hour's drive from Kunming, the largest city in Yunnan, highlighting the contrast between the modern and the traditional. (2:36)
- Tip 3Most old houses in this region are built with mud and wood. The unique red color of the houses here is due to the iron and aluminum-rich soil. (3:15)
- Tip 4The Yikeyin house style, inspired by Siheyuan, is characterized by a square layout, central courtyard, and sturdy outer walls, offering privacy, protection, and natural cooling. It's a practical and culturally significant design. (7:12)
- Tip 5With urban expansion, traditional Yikeyin houses in Kunming are becoming rare, making this village's survival even more remarkable. (12:46)
- Tip 6The village has a monitoring device, indicating the potential risk of geological disasters and the reasons behind the relocation. (14:05)
- Tip 7While the predicted natural disaster hasn't happened, villagers have moved to safer, flatter land. Some still visit their old homes. (16:19)
This video documents Honglin Li's journey to a vanishing village in Yunnan, China. The village, with its unique blend of Han Chinese and local architecture, is on the brink of disappearance due to a mass relocation. Honglin explores the village's history, connecting it to a 14th-century imperial migration. Through interactions with locals, we discover the reasons behind the exodus and witness the resilience of a community adapting to change. The video is a poignant exploration of cultural heritage and the impact of modernization on rural life.
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This video follows Honglin Li's exploration of a disappearing village nestled in the heart of Yunnan, China. The village showcases a unique architectural style, a fascinating blend of traditional Han Chinese design and local influences. Its history is deeply rooted in a significant 14th-century migration ordered by the emperor, aiming to strengthen imperial control and develop the region. However, the village now stands nearly empty, a consequence of various factors, most notably the threat of geological disasters and subsequent relocation.
Honglin's journey begins on the outskirts of the village, where the contrast between the modern road and the ancient, seemingly abandoned structures is striking. The proximity of Kunming, Yunnan's largest city, further emphasizes the village's isolation and vulnerability. The video reveals that only a handful of residents remain, clinging to their heritage. The once-vibrant community of 23 households and 125 people has largely dispersed.
Inside the village, Honglin captures the essence of Yunnan's unique architecture. The traditional houses, built with mud and wood, are colored red due to the iron and aluminum-rich soil. The video explores the Yikeyin house style, characterized by its square layout, central courtyard, and sturdy outer walls—a testament to the practicality and cultural significance of the design. Honglin also meets a local grandma, who continues to raise chickens in her old home, adding a personal touch to the narrative.
The story unfolds through conversations with villagers, revealing a tale of adaptation and resilience. The threat of geological disasters prompted a relocation, with residents resettled in a nearby area. While many have moved, some return to their old homes occasionally, demonstrating the enduring emotional connection to their ancestral land. The video poignantly contrasts the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, leaving the viewer with a deeper understanding of the complexities of cultural preservation and change.
The video highlights the impact of both historical events and modern challenges on the lives of the villagers, showcasing their strength and ability to adapt to a changing world. It is a visual and emotional journey into a community that is both disappearing and enduring.
