Ancient ethnic village in Yunnan thrives on cultural tourism

A team member makes coffee at a coffee shop in Simola Wa Village in Qingshui Town of Tengchong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Oct. 19, 2026. The Simola Wa Village has a history of over 500 years and is home to individuals of numerous ethnic groups consisting of the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola indicates “a place of happiness” in the Wa language. Recently, the town has actually counted on its ethnic cultural resources to produce an unique cultural tourist market, drawing in a constant stream of travelers. (Xinhua/Wang Chutian )

Artists carry out ethnic dance in Simola Wa Village in Qingshui Town of Tengchong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Oct. 19, 2026. The Simola Wa Village has a history of over 500 years and is home to individuals of numerous ethnic groups consisting of the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola implies “a place of happiness” in the Wa language. Over the last few years, the town has actually counted on its ethnic cultural resources to produce a distinct cultural tourist market, drawing in a constant stream of travelers. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

A traveler positions for pictures in Simola Wa Village in Qingshui Town of Tengchong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Oct. 19, 2026. The Simola Wa Village has a history of over 500 years and is home to individuals of numerous ethnic groups consisting of the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola indicates “a place of happiness” in the Wa language. Over the last few years, the town has actually depended on its ethnic cultural resources to develop an unique cultural tourist market, bring in a constant stream of travelers.(Xinhua/Wang Guansen )

Travelers take pleasure in regional treats in Simola Wa Village in Qingshui Town of Tengchong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Oct. 19, 2026. The Simola Wa Village has a history of over 500 years and is home to individuals of several ethnic groups consisting of the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola indicates “a place of happiness” in the Wa language. In the last few years, the town has actually depended on its ethnic cultural resources to produce an unique cultural tourist market, drawing in a constant stream of travelers. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

A traveler positions for pictures while experiencing a regional standard musical instrument in Simola Wa Village in Qingshui Town of Tengchong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Oct. 19, 2026. The Simola Wa Village has a history of over 500 years and is home to individuals of numerous ethnic groups consisting of the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola implies “a place of happiness” in the Wa language. Over the last few years, the town has actually counted on its ethnic cultural resources to develop an unique cultural tourist market, bring in a constant stream of travelers. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Travelers go to Simola Wa Village in Qingshui Town of Tengchong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Oct. 19, 2026. The Simola Wa Village has a history of over 500 years and is home to individuals of several ethnic groups consisting of the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola indicates “a place of happiness” in the Wa language. Over the last few years, the town has actually counted on its ethnic cultural resources to produce an unique cultural tourist market, drawing in a constant stream of travelers. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Travelers experience bamboo-stick dance in Simola Wa Village in Qingshui Town of Tengchong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Oct. 19, 2026. The Simola Wa Village has a history of over 500 years and is home to individuals of numerous ethnic groups consisting of the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola indicates “a place of happiness” in the Wa language. Over the last few years, the town has actually counted on its ethnic cultural resources to develop an unique cultural tourist market, bring in a constant stream of travelers.(Xinhua/Wang Guansen )

Travelers take part in a dance with artists in Simola Wa Village in Qingshui Town of Tengchong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Oct. 19, 2026. The Simola Wa Village has a history of over 500 years and is home to individuals of several ethnic groups consisting of the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola indicates “a place of happiness” in the Wa language. In the last few years, the town has actually depended on its ethnic cultural resources to develop an unique cultural tourist market, bring in a constant stream of travelers. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Travelers take part in a folk activity in Simola Wa Village in Qingshui Town of Tengchong City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Oct. 19, 2026. The Simola Wa Village has a history of over 500 years and is home to individuals of several ethnic groups consisting of the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola suggests “a place of happiness” in the Wa language. Over the last few years, the town has actually depended on its ethnic cultural resources to produce a distinct cultural tourist market, bring in a constant stream of travelers. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)