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Mosuo Matriarchal Society: Yunnan, China

I Had To Leave China (#164)

Destination:ChinaProvince:YunnanCity:Luguhu
I Had To Leave China  (#164)
Sabbatical17 min

China travel video

I Had To Leave China (#164). This China travel video was filmed by Sabbatical. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

There is a region in Yunnan province, in rural China, where the Mosuo people live. The Mosuo are, shall we say, quite a distinct group of people. They're known as one of the only truly matriarchal societies in the world: women run the show, and men are just kinda there helping out.

But is that still the case in 2023? Have the cultural traditions withered away, as they have in so many other regions of China? I wanted to visit and find out.

This video uses clips from a documentary called "Tisese: A Documentary on Three Mosuo Women".

--- Sabbatical
October 22, 2023, Autumn in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Sabbatical travels to rural Yunnan to learn about Mosuo culture and family traditions. He visits villages, talks with residents and considers the differences between traditional homes and newer settlements. The trip covers matrilineal inheritance, walking marriage and the roles of men and women in family life, while acknowledging that customs are changing. He also sees the region’s rice fields and houses, stays at a local hotel and visits Zhu-long Cave. An unexpected illness cuts the journey short, turning the final part of the visit toward rest and health.

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I Had To Leave China  (#164)

Visiting Mosuo communities in Yunnan

Sabbatical travels to a rural part of Yunnan to meet Mosuo people and learn about their distinctive family traditions. He explores village areas, looks at traditional Chinese houses and rice paddies, and speaks with residents when he can. The trip contrasts older ways of living with newer settlements built by the government, showing how modernization affects village life. Sabbatical asks questions about matrilineal family structures, the role women have in the household and how family relationships are organized.

One custom discussed is walking marriage, in which men visit their partners at night but do not live with them. The video describes this as a tradition that is gradually changing. Sabbatical also hears about men’s roles in the community and the meaning of family connections. These are observations from a short visit, not a complete account of Mosuo life, and individual families may follow traditions in different ways. The people he meets offer a personal perspective on customs and daily routines.

A trip cut short

The region’s landscapes provide a striking backdrop to the visit. Sabbatical sees rice fields and traditional homes, considers the differences between village and modern settlement, and stays at a local hotel. He also visits Zhu-long Cave, which he says did not require a ticket during his trip. His itinerary gives him a chance to spend time in the area and ask questions, but it ends sooner than planned when he becomes ill. He leaves China early to rest and receive treatment.

The unexpected illness changes the trip’s ending and underlines the importance of looking after health while traveling. The account includes practical thoughts about choosing locally owned accommodation, preparing for limited opportunities to speak with people in rural areas and respecting local customs. Sabbatical’s journey combines cultural questions with the uncertainty of travel. Although he has to leave before exploring everything he hoped to see, the visit introduces viewers to Mosuo traditions and the landscapes of rural Yunnan. The video also includes footage from “Tisese: A Documentary on Three Mosuo Women,” adding another perspective on Mosuo culture without claiming to represent every community member’s experience.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What is distinctive about Mosuo family traditions?
A: The video describes Mosuo family life as matrilineal and says women may have multiple husbands. It also discusses walking marriage, while noting that traditions and family arrangements can vary.
Q: What does walking marriage mean in the account?
A: It refers to a tradition in which men visit their partners at night but do not live with them. Sabbatical hears that the practice is gradually changing.
Q: Why did Sabbatical end the trip early?
A: He became ill and left China early to rest and receive treatment.
Q: What surprised Sabbatical at Zhu-long Cave?
A: He says he did not need a ticket to enter the cave during his visit.

Previous travel video:

Mosuo Matriarchal Society: Yunnan, China

There is a region in Yunnan province, in rural China, where the Mosuo people live. The Mosuo are, shall we say, quite a distinct group of people. They're known as one of the only truly matriarchal societies in the world: women run the show, and men are just kinda there helping out. But is that...

Exploring Yunnan's Mosuo Matriarchal Society: A Cultural Journey

Explore the unique matriarchal society of the Mosuo people in rural Yunnan, China. This captivating journey delves into their cultural traditions and challenges the perceptions of a society where women hold the power. Discover if these traditions have endured in modern China and witness a fascinating glimpse into a world unlike any other. This video includes footage from a documentary offering further insight into the lives of Mosuo women.

Attractions in this video: Rice Patties