Ancient ethnic village in Yunnan thrives on cultural tourism

A staff member makes coffee at a cafe 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 people of multiple ethnic groups including the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola means "a place of happiness" in the Wa language. In recent years, the village has relied on its ethnic cultural resources to create a distinctive cultural tourism industry, attracting a continuous stream of tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Chutian)

Artists perform 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 people of multiple ethnic groups including the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola means "a place of happiness" in the Wa language. In recent years, the village has relied on its ethnic cultural resources to create a distinctive cultural tourism industry, attracting a continuous stream of tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

A tourist poses for photos 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 people of multiple ethnic groups including the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola means "a place of happiness" in the Wa language. In recent years, the village has relied on its ethnic cultural resources to create a distinctive cultural tourism industry, attracting a continuous stream of tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Tourists enjoy local snacks 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 people of multiple ethnic groups including the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola means "a place of happiness" in the Wa language. In recent years, the village has relied on its ethnic cultural resources to create a distinctive cultural tourism industry, attracting a continuous stream of tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

A tourist poses for photos while experiencing a local traditional 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 people of multiple ethnic groups including the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola means "a place of happiness" in the Wa language. In recent years, the village has relied on its ethnic cultural resources to create a distinctive cultural tourism industry, attracting a continuous stream of tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Tourists visit 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 people of multiple ethnic groups including the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola means "a place of happiness" in the Wa language. In recent years, the village has relied on its ethnic cultural resources to create a distinctive cultural tourism industry, attracting a continuous stream of tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Tourists 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 people of multiple ethnic groups including the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola means "a place of happiness" in the Wa language. In recent years, the village has relied on its ethnic cultural resources to create a distinctive cultural tourism industry, attracting a continuous stream of tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Tourists participate 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 people of multiple ethnic groups including the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola means "a place of happiness" in the Wa language. In recent years, the village has relied on its ethnic cultural resources to create a distinctive cultural tourism industry, attracting a continuous stream of tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

Tourists participate 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 people of multiple ethnic groups including the Wa, Han, Bai and Dai. Simola means "a place of happiness" in the Wa language. In recent years, the village has relied on its ethnic cultural resources to create a distinctive cultural tourism industry, attracting a continuous stream of tourists. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)