Ancient village vitalizes with century-long charm

Shiwei ancient village, nestled in Zhongshi village, Dongmen town, within the Luocheng Mulao autonomous county, lies just 3.5 kilometers from downtown. Home to 126 households and 526 people of the Yin Mulao ethnicity, this ancient village is recognized as one of the birthplaces of the Mulao ethnic group, boasting a rich history spanning over 650 years.

For many years, Shiwei ancient village faced significant challenges of long-term neglect and natural destruction. To preserve this invaluable national historical and cultural heritage, Luocheng introduced a residential protection project in 2012. The project aimed to retain the village's original style and charm as much as possible. Efforts included constructing double-layered flying-eave wooden village gates, ethnic corridors, and a folk museum.

In November 2016, Luocheng elevated Shiwei ancient village to a three-star rural tourist attraction in Guangxi. Aligning with the villagers' wishes, a professional service team was established, featuring dance troupes, interpreters, and straw-weaving artists. This team highlights the village's distinctive folk culture to meet the needs of tourists and enhance their experiences.

In recent years, Shiwei has hosted numerous ethnic, cultural, and folk activities. Events such as the Mulao Grand Ethnic Costume Show on May 1 attracted more than 800 people from various ethnic groups, including Dong, Han, Miao, Yao, Zhuang, and Maonan. These events have promoted interaction and integration among different ethnic groups.

Shiwei ancient village is located in Zhongshi village, Dongmen town, Luocheng Mulao autonomous county. [Photo/Hechi Daily]