New Village of Deng People

Garyo in Zayu, Nyingchi, is where people of the Deng ethnic group live. Since 1960, when they moved down the mountain, they have been engaged in farming.

Under feudal serfdom, they resorted to slash-and-burn cultivation, eking out a precarious existence. This lasted until 1959, when they joined Tibetan serfs and slaves to win emancipation and became masters of their own fate. In 1960, and thereafter, the local people抯 government built houses in Zayu, offering good living conditions, and the Deng people were persuaded to move there.

Garyo villagers were organized to transform the soil, build irrigation canals and farm scientifically. The village抯 23.8 hectares of farmland now yield 145,000 kg of grain, averaging 600 kg per person. This success is coupled with booming sideline occupations. With income increasing with each passing year, and now averaging 1,750 Yuan per person, many have bought radio cassette recorders and washing machines. With an investment of 5,000 Yuan, the village even built a Karaoke hall for its members to sing and dance.