Chinese Traditional Village - Niulu Village, Helukou Town, Jianghua County, Hunan Province

Описание: Niulucun, a village of the Yao ethnic minority in China, was founded in the fourth year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, boasting a history of over seven hundred years. Historical records regarding the establishment of the village describe how in the fourth year of the Hongwu reign, seventeen Yao households, led by Li Donglu, were recruited to settle down from the mountains. The founding ancestor, Li Donglu, cleared over twenty acres of barren land in Hushan Cave and, with an additional hundred acres of fertile land allocated by the county magistrate, began farming the following year, achieving a bountiful harvest. With affluent living conditions, news spread quickly among the Yao people living in the mountains, who flocked down to seek refuge. The founding ancestor reported this to the county magistrate, who was delighted and granted permission for the Yao people who had settled down to join the registered residence of Daming. All barren land could be cleared, and within three years, over three hundred Yao households had settled down, with a population of over a thousand. The county magistrate reported this to the imperial court, and the founding ancestor was ennobled as the hereditary "Yao Chief," holding the title of "Head of a Thousand Households," to manage the Yao people who had settled down. Furthermore, all Yao people aged fifteen and above, up to forty-five, were required to be enrolled as Yao soldiers, serving as civilians in their leisure time and ready for deployment in times of war.

Due to frequent flooding from the nearby river in Hushan Cave, the fields were often inundated. Therefore, our ancestors led everyone to relocate to the higher ground near Tongluo Mountain. However, tigers often roamed the mountainous area, causing harm to people. Consequently, they moved to Shuzhu Duan. In the 16th year of the Hongwu reign, they noticed the beautiful scenery and fertile land along the Zhatouyuan River, as well as abundant tin resources. Therefore, they relocated to the current Niulu Village. The name "Niulu" originated from a cloud that resembled a cow, which would often float over the village when it was first established.

Niulu Village boasts a profound cultural heritage of the Yao ethnic group. Notable traditions include the Yao Long Drum Dance, Dragon and Lion Dance, Sitting Song Hall, Butterfly Song, Singing Old Man, Yao Song Duet, and Kujia (a traditional Yao wedding custom involving mourning for the bride's parents).

Niulu Village was selected into the fourth batch of the List of Traditional Villages in China in 2016!