Did you know Putaoshan literally means Grape Mountain? We are about to enter a world where culture is not just observed but experienced. Putaoshan lies in the captivating region of Guilin. Guilin is known for its karst mountains and jade rivers. For centuries, Guilin’s beauty has inspired poets and artists.
Let’s journey to Putaoshan. This village offers a glimpse into the lives of the Yao people. They are one of China’s fifty-five ethnic minorities. The Yao have migrated over centuries. They originated in Hunan province. Today, many live in Guangxi. That is where Guilin is. They maintain a distinct identity.
As we approach Putaoshan, notice how the village is perched atop a hill. We have to climb about fifty meters to reach the core. The wooden gates are adorned with buffalo skulls. The buffalo symbol is pervasive here. The Yao people greet us. They line up in two rows wearing traditional clothes. The men wear blue shirts and black tunics. The women wear black and blue tops and striped skirts.
Before entering the village, we must pass a test. Long bamboo sticks lay on the ground. Locals kneel and begin knocking the sticks together. We must jump between the sticks avoiding contact. It is a traditional dance game. This immersive experience transports us to a world of imagination.
Once inside, Putaoshan reveals itself as an exhibition of Yao culture. We follow a path passing through caves. Buffalo skulls and wooden structures surround us. Red ribbons are tied to tree branches. This creates a great backdrop for our tour.
Notice the emphasis on women’s traditional clothing. One description highlights the open shirts. This leaves part of the chest visible. This is almost an invitation for the public to look. Some find this unsettling.
Further along, we learn about women’s writing. Yao women developed it in opposition to Han characters. Only Yao women can write and read it. We also see wine production. Big pots of rice wine boil on the fire. The smoke contrasts with sunlight. This creates a mysterious scene.
Putaoshan is more an exhibition center than a village. Local Yao perform aspects of their culture. There is little communication between visitors and the community. Information is conveyed by panels or the guide.
Finally, we arrive at a theater. We watch a show performed by the local community. They perform traditional dances and acrobatic exercises. They even perform with fire.
As the show ends, we head to a terrace on the hilltop. Everyone takes a picture of the sunset. This seals the experience. It certifies that we have been to Putaoshan.
Putaoshan teaches us about tourism. It shows how cultures can be turned into products. It is an experience for tourists. It leaves them with the feeling of having tried something different. The flashy setting seems to reflect an expectation of an ethnic group. It’s more of a show than an exchange. There is a clear distance between the Yao and the visitors. It feels like we are just observers passing by.
As we leave Putaoshan, consider what we have seen. Has tourism carved out Yao culture? Has it turned it into a product?