Upcoming Destination: Taoping Village, an Enduring Blend of Culture and Nature

Taoping Village, situated in Lixian County within the Aba Zang and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of southwest China's Sichuan Province, serves as a significant community for the Qiang ethnic group, recognized as one of China's oldest ethnic minorities.

Upcoming Destination: Taoping Village, an Enduring Blend of Culture and Nature
Taoping Village, located in Lixian County within the Aba Zang and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of southwest China's Sichuan Province, serves as a significant hub for the Qiang ethnic group, one of the country's oldest minority communities. This village, nestled among mountains, boasts a rich cultural heritage reflecting 3,000 years of Qiang traditions. In 2024, Taoping Village distinguished itself in the "Best Tourism Villages" competition organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, becoming the first village in Sichuan to receive this accolade.

The village is home to the most well-preserved ancient Qiang architectural complex globally, characterized by fortress-style homes that integrate watchtowers and residences. It features a unique underground water network that functions similarly to natural air conditioning, helping regulate indoor temperatures, and its maze-like alleys vividly showcase the traditional settlement layout of the northwest Sichuan plateau.

In addition to its architectural significance, Taoping Village plays a crucial role in cultural preservation. The area is a nurturing ground for intangible cultural heritage, encompassing Qiang watchtower construction techniques, sheepskin drum dances, love songs, and mouth harp performances. The village implements a balanced strategy of protection and transmission, employing village regulations and cultural ecological protection plans to effectively monitor, assess, and safeguard its cultural resources.

Taoping Village is also renowned for its stunning natural scenery. Enveloped by mountains and meandering streams, it offers an experience akin to stepping into a picturesque landscape. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to the village to immerse themselves in Qiang customs and savor the distinctive flavors of Qiang cuisine.

Recently, Taoping Village has been making strides in promoting green tourism. The village has enhanced its tourism infrastructure, established agricultural demonstration parks, and transitioned traditional agriculture into a tourism framework that emphasizes leisure, sightseeing, and fruit picking. Its ecological orchards have emerged as popular destinations for visitors.

In summary, Taoping Village embodies a unique blend of culture and beauty while standing as a beacon of rural revitalization. Here, the threads of history intertwine with the fabric of modernity; tradition meets innovation. Each step reveals a taste of the past, and every corner resonates with the echoes of culture.

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Jessica Kline for TROIB News