Banwan village is nestled among mountains. [Photo/zgqxn.com]

Isolated among the mountains in Ceheng county of Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Banwan village is home to 108 households of the Bouyei ethnic group.

Setting off from downtown, it takes about an hour to get the village on a bus meandering its way along mountainous roads. Upon arrival, visitors are never disappointed by the idyllic landscapes and delightful Bouyei people welcoming them. Stilted buildings dot the scenery here, each surrounded by rows of banana trees. The stone alleys sweep past the mountain abodes, connecting each with each other, and allowing villagers to get around.

Just a few years ago, the village looked very different, as many locals had moved to bigger cities to find work after floods and fires ravaged the area.

However nowadays, many are coming back.

An old house in Banwan village. [Photo/zgqxn.com]

“In the early years, I almost left the village too to work in other places. The brewery even closed down,” said Li. Fortunately for Li and other Bouyei men, Li stayed on and continued to make his wine -- becoming popular in nearby villages.

People began to travel across the mountains to come and buy his wine, placing big orders for wedding ceremonies. Li’s skill not only earned him enough money to support his family, but his wine also became a signature of Banwan village, attracting visitors from afar.

A remodeling of his old house in the village was carried out this year and completed on Nov 15. From the outside, Li’s house is almost the same as before, but the inside has been completely refitted with the latest mod-cons. Visitors are able to catch a glimpse of the brewing process and sample different kinds of wine.

Early each morning, Li begins to make his wine and get ready to greet visitors from different places. “More and more people are getting to know our village and I can sell much more wine,” Li said, contently.

Edited by Owen Fishwick