High above the lush tea terraces of Yunnan province in the Chinese mainland, Jingmai Mountain’s village roofs emerge from the mist as living museums. Here, every ridge and eave transforms into a vivid expression of centuries-old traditions.
Rather than merely shelter homes, these roofs serve as canvases for ethnic identity. From a distance, the layered tiles appear uniform—up close, they tell intimate stories of two local communities.
The Blang people crown their eaves with the "one bud, two leaves" decoration, a motif inspired by the tea mountain’s bounty. Each curved tile mimics the unfurling of tea leaves, celebrating renewal and the fragrant heart of Jingmai’s famous brews.
Nearby, the Dai people carve ox horn ornaments into the rooflines, their sweeping arcs echoing the raw power of the wilderness. These horn-like curves symbolize strength, harmony with nature and the gentle flow of life down the mountain slopes.
Together, these intricate details bridge past and present, engraving ethnic heritage into everyday life. Wandering village lanes, travelers become witnesses to a dialogue between architecture and culture, where art and function merge under the open sky.
For globally minded explorers seeking immersive experiences, every rooftop on Jingmai Mountain is an invitation to look up, listen closely and discover the hidden narratives woven into Yunnan’s ancient tea heartland.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
