Though the village is only an hour’s drive from bustling downtown Kunming, here, people lead a much slower pace of life. The village was inhabited by local Yi dwellers for centuries before being abandoned when many residents moved to nearby cities in pursuit of higher-paying jobs. A few years back, a university teacher discovered the hamlet, remodeled one of the earthen houses, and settled down here to lead a laid-back and sustainable lifestyle and practice permaculture.

Ever since like-minded people tired of fast-paced lifestyles and heavy pollution in the major cities all over China have moved to Damoyu Village. Today about 150 new members living in harmony with the indigenous people and the surrounding nature.