In Xishuangbanna, several ethnic groups that were previously distinct have been officially classified into larger recognized ethnic groups, mainly the Blang (布朗族) and the Hani (哈尼族) people.

(A) People classified as Blang

1. Manmi People (曼咪人)
   • History: The Manmi people once referred to themselves as the “Manmi tribe.” After the ethnic classification work in 1958, they were categorized as part of the Blang ethnic group.
   • Population and Location: They primarily live in the villages of Xiao Manmi, Da Manmi, Jiangtou, and Manmi Village of the Manmai Village Committee in Jinghong City. There are 219 households with a population of 904 people.
   • Culture and Language: The Manmi people have their own language, which belongs to the Wa-De’ang branch of the Mon-Khmer language family, part of the Austroasiatic language family. Due to long-term contact with the Dai people, Manmi people have adopted Dai customs, including housing, clothing, religion, and festivals, and can speak fluent Dai language.
2. Kunge People (昆格人)
   • History: The Kunge people call themselves “Hu.” According to legend, during their migration, most crossed the Lancang River to Thailand, while some stayed behind. The Dai people called them “Kunge,” meaning “those left behind.” Over time, they began to call themselves “Kunge.”
   • Population and Location: The Kunge people are mainly concentrated in Kunke Village, Mengyang Town, spread across seven small communities. They comprise 338 households with 1,656 people.
   • Culture and Language: Their language belongs to the Wa-De’ang branch of the Mon-Khmer language family. The Kunge people build stilted houses, wear distinctive traditional clothing, and follow animist beliefs. Their traditional festivals include the “Longlie Festival” (Ironwork Festival) and the “Longen Festival.”

(B) People classified as Hani

1. Ake People (阿克人)
   • History: The Ake people, who call themselves “Guoke,” were given the name “Ake” by the Han people.
   • Population and Location: The Ake people live in 21 villages in Jinghong, Menghan, Menglong, Bulangshan, and Menglun towns in Xishuangbanna, with a population of over 6,000.
   • Culture and Language: Their language is similar to Hani, allowing them to communicate easily with the Hani people. While men’s clothing is similar to that of the Hani, women’s traditional attire is more distinct. They celebrate festivals such as “Wotuo Festival” (Glutinous Rice Festival) and “Yelie Festival” (Tangyuan Festival), and they practice animism.

1. Buguo People (补过人)
   • History: The Buguo people call themselves “Longbi,” while the Dai people refer to them as “Buguo.”
   • Population and Location: The Buguo people live in the villages of Manpa, Buguo, Manhui, and Nanni in Mengla County. There are 181 households with a population of 883 people.
   • Culture and Language: Their houses are stilted, and their women wear traditional Dai clothing. They follow Theravada Buddhism, similar to the Dai, and have their own monasteries. They celebrate festivals like the Water Splashing Festival and the Buddhist Lent Festival.

1. Paijiao People (排角人)
   • History: The Paijiao people call themselves “Chushuo,” meaning “comfortable.” The Han people refer to them as “Paijiao” due to their horn-like headgear.
   • Population and Location: They reside in the village of Mangang in Mengban Township, Mengla County, with 41 households and 175 people.
   • Culture and Language: The Paijiao people have no written script and practice animism. They celebrate the New Rice Festival in January and have a tradition of using a “father-son linked naming system.” Paijiao people often have multiple names, including Han and Dai names.

These groups’ integration into larger ethnic categories reflects the efforts of Chinese ethnic classification and the influence of local and regional interactions, shaping their distinct identities within the recognized Blang and Hani ethnic groups.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 西双版纳勐腊县勐仑镇阿克人窝托节/舂粑粑节/新年节
• English Name: Wotuo Festival of Ake Ethnic People in Mengla County, XishuangBanna
• Location: Ake ethnic group in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna,

The Wotuo Festival is a significant cultural celebration observed by the Ake ethnic group in Mengla County of Xishuangbanna. This festival is a vibrant expression of the Ake people’s agricultural roots, spiritual beliefs, and community cohesion. While the specifics can vary, typically, the festival occurs around the harvest season, often in the late summer to early autumn.

Origin

The Wotuo Festival has deep historical and cultural roots within the Ake ethnic community. It is believed to have originated as a rite of passage to celebrate the end of the busy agricultural season and to pay homage to nature, ancestors, and local deities. The festival serves as a communal gathering, reinforcing the values of friendship, gratitude, and the interconnectedness of the community with the land. Traditionally, the Ake people engage in this festival to ensure peace and harmony, promote agricultural prosperity, and renew spiritual connections.

Customs and Local Activities

1. Ritual Offerings:
   • The festival typically begins with a series of rituals where offerings are made to ancestors and deities. This may include the presentation of food, such as rice, fruits, and other produce, as well as incense. The offerings are intended to express gratitude for a good harvest and to seek blessings for future crops.
2. Feasting and Food Sharing:
   • Feasting is a central aspect of the Wotuo Festival. Families prepare various traditional dishes, showcasing local ingredients and culinary practices. Community members come together to share meals, which fosters a sense of unity and communal spirit.
3. Traditional Music and Dance:
   • Music and dance play an integral role in the festival, with traditional performances taking place throughout the celebrations. The Ake people perform folk dances that often narrate stories from their history, culture, and daily life. Traditional instruments, such as drums and flutes, accompany the performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
4. Cultural Games and Competitions:
   • Various games and competitions are organized during the festival, such as tug-of-war, archery, and running races. These activities not only provide entertainment but also strengthen community bonds and promote friendly competition.
5. Community Gatherings:
   • The Wotuo Festival serves as an opportunity for the Ake people to come together, socialize, and reinforce their community ties. It is common for extended families and neighbors to visit each other’s homes, exchange greetings, and participate in the celebrations together.
6. Display of Traditional Crafts:
   • Local artisans often take part in the festival, showcasing their traditional crafts and artwork. This may include textile weaving, pottery, and other hand-made items, providing a platform for cultural exchange and promotion of local craftsmanship.
7. Cultural Education and Transmission:
   • Elders often share traditional stories, songs, and teachings with younger generations during the festival. This transmission of cultural knowledge is essential for preserving the unique heritage of the Ake people and ensuring that younger members of the community understand and appreciate their traditions.
8. Visiting Sacred Sites:
   • In some instances, the festival may also include visits to local sacred sites or natural landmarks, where the Ake people engage in prayers and further rituals to honor nature and their ancestry.

Overview and Significance

• Chinese Name: 西双版纳勐腊县勐仑镇阿克人俄托节
• English Name: Etuo Festival of Ake Ethnic People in Mengla County, XishuangBanna
• Location:  Daka Village of Menglun Town in Mengla County

The Etuo Festival is one of the most significant traditional celebrations for the Ake ethnic minority in Mengla County, and itis an important occasion for the Ake people, reflecting their cultural identity, agricultural heritage, and deep connections to their community and nature.The Festival is typically celebrated annually and serves multiple purposes, including the commemoration of harvests, the honoring of ancestors, and the reaffirmation of community spirit. The celebration usually falls in the late summer or autumn, coinciding with the traditional agricultural cycle related to harvesting rice and other crops. The festival provides an opportunity for the Ake people to express gratitude for their blessings and pray for continued prosperity in the coming year.

Local Activities and Customs

1. Ritual Offerings:
   • The festival begins with rituals dedicated to ancestors and local deities. Offerings of food, such as rice, fruits, and livestock, are made at community altars or sacred spaces. This practice symbolizes gratitude for the harvest and seeks blessings for future fertility and abundance.
2. Traditional Music and Dance:
   • Music and dance are at the heart of the Etuo Festival. The Ake people perform traditional dances wearing colorful costumes, accompanied by drums, gongs, and other traditional instruments. These performances often narrate stories of their history, convey messages of social harmony, and celebrate the beauty of nature.
3. Community Feasting:
   • Food plays a central role in the festival. Families prepare a variety of traditional dishes, highlighting local ingredients and culinary traditions. Community feasting encourages sharing and strengthens bonds among participants, as everyone comes together to enjoy the rich flavors of Ake cuisine.
4. Games and Competitions:
   • Various games and competitions are held during the Etuo Festival, fostering camaraderie and friendly rivalry. Popular activities may include traditional sports, races, tug-of-war, and even skill-based contests that highlight physical prowess and teamwork.
5. Cultural Exhibits:
   • Local artisans often showcase their crafts during the festival, displaying traditional artwork, textiles, and handmade items. These exhibitions provide opportunities for cultural exchange and allow participants to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistic talents of the Ake community.
6. Social Gatherings and Visiting:
   • The festival is a time for socializing, with extended families and community members visiting each other’s homes. This practice reinforces social ties and encourages mutual support within the community, aligning with the values of cooperation and solidarity that are central to Ake culture.
7. Passing on Traditions:
   • Elders play a crucial role during the Etuo Festival by sharing stories, songs, and wisdom with younger generations. This cultural transmission is vital for preserving the Ake heritage, ensuring that traditions and values are passed down and maintained.
8. Spiritual Activities:
   • Alongside feasting and merrymaking, certain spiritual activities may also take place, including prayers and blessings at sacred sites or natural locations. These rituals foster a connection to the Ake people’s spiritual beliefs and the natural environment.

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 西双版纳勐腊县哈尼族阿卡人嘎汤帕节
• English Name: Gatangpa Festival of Aka Ethnic People in Mengla County, XishuangBanna
• Location: Aka Ethnic People in Mengla County, XishuangBanna

“Ga Tang (嘎汤)”  is a term in the Hani language.It is said that the Hani people refer to their calendar era as the “Gā Tāng Era.”“(Ga Tang Pa)” (Gā tāng pà) means “all things are renewed” or “the revival of all things and new beginning. The Gatangpa Festival is a longstanding traditional festival of the Hani people. It is said that in ancient times, the Gā Tāng Pà Festival lasted for 15 days. However, due to the immense costs involved, during the time of the Hani people’s 14th ancestor, Zun Tang Pan, the festival duration was set to 4 days. In July 1987, the Standing Committee of the Xishuangbanna Prefectural People’s Congress officially designated the Gā Tāng Pà Festival as the New Year festival for the Hani people, with the celebration period standardized from January 2 to 4 of the Gregorian calendar. During these days, there is a strong festive atmosphere in Hani villages, as villagers come together to decorate their homes, slaughter pigs and sheep, prepare a lavish New Year’s meal, and celebrate the New Year festival together.

Customs and Activities: 

• During the festival, every household invites one another to share meals and drinks. People drink from morning until noon, and then continue from noon until evening, visiting each other’s homes, exchanging blessings, and enjoying a harmonious atmosphere.
• When talking about “Gatangpa,” there’s also a traditional custom of the Hani people known as the “Long Street Feast.” When major festivals approach, the Hani community sets up banquets in their villages to celebrate together. During the celebration, hundreds of tables are lined up, resembling a long dragon, which is how the “Long Street Feast” got its name.
• When the festival arrives, people prepare rice wine, pound glutinous rice cakes, slaughter pigs and chickens, and prepare rice, glutinous rice cakes, rice wine, meat dishes, and tea. They offer sacrifices and prayers at the ancestral altar – Apèibōluó.
• To celebrate the arrival of the festival, villages set up swings and traditional spinning top arenas. Young men and women perform traditional bamboo pole dances and various cultural and entertainment programs showcasing Hani customs.
• The young men and women dress in new clothes and invite each other to the mountains to pick wild fruits, gather wildflowers, and sing to each other, enjoying themselves to the fullest. Those who enjoy hunting form groups to chase birds or engage in mountain hunting.

Overview of The Festival

• Chinese Name: 西双版纳勐腊县傣族泼水节
• English Name: Water Splashing Festival of Dai Ethnic Minority in Mengla County, XishuangBanna
• Location: Dai Ethnic Minority in Mengla County, XishuangBanna

The Water Splashing Festival in Mengla County reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Dai people, fostering a spirit of unity, joy, and collective celebration. It attracts not only local residents but also tourists from all over China and beyond, making it a vibrant spectacle of culture and community spirit. The Water Splashing Festival, known as “Shenzhenjie” in Mandarin, is one of the most important traditional festivals celebrated by the Dai ethnic group in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China. Typically held around mid-April, this vibrant and joyous festival marks the beginning of the Dai New Year and is celebrated with various water-related activities symbolizing purification, renewal, and good fortune.

Key Activities during Festival:

1. Water Splashing: The most iconic activity of the festival is the playful splashing of water. People pour water on one another, symbolizing the washing away of the past year’s misfortunes and inviting happiness and good luck for the coming year. This spirited engagement brings together friends, family, and visitors alike.
2. Traditional Parades: Colorful parades featuring traditional music and dance take place throughout the festival. Participants often dress in beautiful Dai attire, showcasing intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The parades also include floats adorned with flowers and fruits, as well as musicians and dancers performing traditional folk dances.
3. Buddha Bathing: Another significant ritual involves the bathing of Buddha statues. Locals pour scented water over the statues, a practice believed to bring blessings and good luck. This ritual emphasizes respect for their culture and deep-rooted spiritual beliefs.
4. Cultural Performances: Performers engage the audience with various traditional dances and musical instruments, presenting a vivid display of the Dai culture. These performances often narrate local legends and showcase traditional stories.
5. Food and Market Activities: Local markets come alive during the festival, offering an array of traditional Dai foods, snacks, and handicrafts. Visitors can enjoy delicious dishes, such as sticky rice, grilled fish, and a variety of fresh fruits. This is a great opportunity to experience local culinary delights and purchase handmade crafts.
6. Games and Competitions: Various traditional games and competitions, including boat racing or tug-of-war, take place, enhancing the festive atmosphere and encouraging community participation.

The Overview

• Chinese Name: 西双版纳勐腊县克木人玛格勒节/红花节
• English Name: Magele Festival of Kemu Ethnic People in Mengla County, XishuangBanna
• Location:西双版纳勐腊县卡咪村、南欠村和回伞村/Magele Festival of Kemu Ethnic People is held in Kami Village, Nanqian Village and Huisan Village in Mengla County, XishuangBanna.

The Magele Festival is an important traditional celebration for the Kemu ethnic group in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna, located in Yunnan Province, China. This festival typically occurs in the autumn season, marking the end of the harvest period and the arrival of the new year for the Kemu people. It is a time for celebration, thanksgiving, and cultural expression.

Origin of the Magele Festival

The origins of the Magele Festival can be traced back to the Kemu people’s agricultural practices and their deep connection to nature. The festival is rooted in traditional beliefs that emphasize harmony between humans and the environment. It celebrates the successful harvest and the bounty of nature, while also invoking blessings for the next planting season.

The term “Magele” translates to “harvest festival” in the Kemu language, and it is a time when families come together to give thanks to their ancestors, deities, and the natural world for providing sustenance and protection throughout the year.

Local Activities during the Magele Festival

1. Harvest Ceremonies: The festival begins with ceremonies to honor ancestors and deities. Families prepare offerings of food and other gifts at ancestral altars or in communal settings, expressing gratitude for the bounty received during the past year.
2. Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance are central to the Magele Festival. Performers dress in colorful Kemu attire and engage in folk dances that reflect their cultural heritage, often telling stories of their ancestors and celebrating nature. These performances contribute to the festive atmosphere and foster a sense of community pride.
3. Feasting: Food plays a significant role in the Magele Festival. Families gather to prepare and share delicious traditional dishes, including locally sourced ingredients such as rice, vegetables, and meats. This communal feast symbolizes unity and togetherness.
4. Traditional Games and Competitions: Various games and sports are organized during the festival, promoting friendly competition and community bonding. These can include tug-of-war, relay races, and other traditional games that engage participants of all ages.
5. Craft Display and Market: Local artisans showcase their crafts, including handmade textiles, pottery, and traditional instruments. The market atmosphere allows visitors to appreciate Kemu artistry and purchase unique souvenirs while supporting local artisans.
6. Rituals for Good Fortune: Various rituals are performed to invoke good fortune for the coming year, including prayers and offerings to deities for blessings on the crops and community well-being.

History and Culture

Folk Customs

• Hani People: The Hani people believe in polytheism and ancestor worship, with rituals presided over by the shaman “Beima”. Their traditional festivals include the October Festival and the June Festival. The October Festival is the Hani New Year, lasting 5 to 6 days, or even half a month. Hani architecture is mostly bamboo stilt houses. Men typically wear right-lapelled jackets, while women wear right-lapelled collarless jackets with short skirts and strings of silver ornaments on their chests.
• Yao People: The Yao culture is rich and colorful, with unique clothing, songs, dances, and handicrafts. Yao clothing is brightly colored with exquisite patterns. Men often wear headscarves, and women wear embroidered dresses.

Weather and Best Travel Time

Recommended Attractions

• Maocao Mountain : Located 32 kilometers from Huisan Village and just about 2 kilometers from the border with Laos, it is a Hani border village. Surrounded by mountains and covered with nut forests, it is a beautiful scenic spot on the border. It is recommended to spend half a day here.
• Kami Village : Located in the semi-mountainous area of Luohui Village Committee, the village has well-paved roads and a beautiful environment. It is a good place to experience rural life. It is recommended to spend half a day here.

Transportation

• Public Transport: Take a bus from Mengla County to Mengban Town, and then transfer to a rural bus or taxi to Luohui Village.
• Self-Driving: Drive from Mengla County along the highway to Mengban Town, and then to Luohui Village. The total distance is about 43.5 kilometers, with good road conditions.

Food

• Hani Cuisine: Chicken porridge, bamboo tube roasted food, and firewood grilled meat. These dishes have a unique flavor with the fragrance of bamboo.
• Yao Cuisine: Smoked meat and wild vegetables of the Yao ethnic group. The ingredients are fresh and the taste is delicious.

Shopping

• Handicrafts: You can buy handicrafts of the Yao and Hani ethnic groups, such as embroidery and silver ornaments, as souvenirs.
• Agricultural Products: The locally produced nuts and tea are of high quality and make good gifts.

Accommodation

• Farmhouses: There are farmhouses in the village that offer accommodation at affordable prices. You can also experience local rural life.
• Homestays: Some villagers have converted their homes into homestays, which are comfortable and have a strong ethnic character.

Travel Tips

• Respect the customs and religious beliefs of the local ethnic minorities.
• Protect the environment. Do not litter or damage local vegetation.
• When traveling in border areas, follow border management regulations and do not cross the border at will.

Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart from Mengla County, travel to Mengban Town, visit Kami Village to experience rural life, and stay overnight at a farmhouse in Kami Village.
• Day 2: Head to Maocao Mountain to enjoy the border scenery and experience Hani culture. Return to Mengban Town in the afternoon to end the trip.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 巍山县紫金乡农民文化节
• English Name: Zijin Town  Peasant Culture Festival in Weishan County, Dali
• Location: Weishan County, located in Dali Prefecture

This festival celebrates the rich agricultural heritage and cultural traditions of the local farming communities. It serves as a platform for showcasing the lifestyles, customs, and artistry of the peasant population in the region.

Local Activities during the Festival

1. Cultural Performances: The festival features various traditional performances, including folk dances, music, and theatrical presentations that highlight the history and culture of the local ethnic groups. These performances create a lively atmosphere and encourage community participation.
2. Agricultural Exhibition: Local farmers showcase their agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and traditional handicrafts. This exhibition not only promotes local produce but also educates visitors about sustainable farming practices and local biodiversity.
3. Culinary Experiences: Traditional food plays a significant role in the festival. Attendees can sample local dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Cooking demonstrations may also take place, allowing visitors to learn about traditional cooking techniques and recipes.
4. Workshops and Demonstrations: Various workshops are organized to teach traditional crafts, such as pottery making, weaving, and agricultural techniques. These hands-on activities provide insight into the skills and knowledge passed down through generations.
5. Agricultural Competitions: Competitions are held to recognize outstanding farmers in different categories, such as crop yield, best practices in sustainable farming, and traditional farming methods. These competitions foster a spirit of friendly rivalry and encourage innovation in agriculture.
6. Trade Fair: The festival includes a trade fair where local artisans and businesses can sell their products, showcasing the region’s craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit.
7. Community Games and Activities: Traditional games and sports are organized, fostering community spirit and encouraging participation from all age groups. Activities may include tug-of-war, rice sack races, and other fun challenges.
8. Cultural Exchange: The festival serves as an opportunity for cultural exchange, with visitors from outside the region invited to learn about and experience the local culture, traditions, and the lifestyle of the peasants in Zijin Town.

The Zijin Town Peasant Culture Festival not only celebrates the agricultural roots of the community but also strengthens social ties among residents and promotes cultural heritage preservation. It’s a vibrant event that highlights the importance of agriculture in the region while fostering appreciation for local traditions and lifestyle.

Overview

• Chinese Name:大理巍山县马鞍山梨花节
• English Name: Maanshan Pear Blossom Festival in Weishan County, Dali
• Location: Weishan County, Dali Prefecture

This festival marks the blooming of pear blossoms in the Maanshan area, which is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant white pear flowers. The festival is not only a celebration of nature’s beauty but also a reflection of the local culture, agriculture, and tourism.

Local Activities during the Festival

1. Pear Blossom Viewing Tours: The primary attraction of the festival is the breathtaking view of pear blossoms in full bloom. Tourists and locals alike can take guided tours through the orchards, where they can enjoy the stunning scenery and capture memorable photos.
2. Cultural Performances: The festival features traditional performances that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region, including folk dances, music performances, and theatrical acts. Local artists often perform traditional songs and dances that celebrate the beauty of nature and the agricultural lifestyle.
3. Agricultural Exhibitions: Farmers and local producers showcase a variety of pear products, including fresh pears, pear wine, and pear-based snacks. This exhibition emphasizes the importance of pear cultivation to the local economy and provides visitors with opportunities to taste and purchase local specialties.
4. Workshops and Demonstrations: Various workshops are organized during the festival. These include hands-on sessions on pear cultivation techniques, traditional cooking methods using pears, and other related agricultural practices. Participants can learn from experienced farmers and artisans.
5. Photography Contests: To encourage creativity and capture the beauty of the pear blossoms, photography contests are held. Participants can submit their best pictures taken during the festival, and winners may receive prizes or recognition.
6. Local Crafts and Market Stalls: Stalls featuring local handicrafts, artworks, and food products line the festival area. Visitors can shop for unique souvenirs, traditional crafts, and sample a variety of local delicacies.
7. Culinary Experiences: Local chefs may conduct cooking demonstrations where visitors can learn how to make dishes featuring pears, as well as other traditional Yunnan cuisine. Food stalls also offer a variety of delectable dishes highlighting local ingredients.
8. Cultural Exchange Activities: The festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange, inviting visitors from different regions and countries to experience the warmth of local hospitality, participate in traditional activities, and learn about the customs and practices of the Weishan community.

The Maanshan Pear Blossom Festival is a vibrant celebration that not only highlights the natural beauty of the region but also promotes local tourism and cultural heritage. It brings together the community and visitors, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the agricultural traditions of Weishan County.

Overview

• Chinese Name:大理巍山彝族打歌节
• English Name: Dage Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Weishan County, Dali
• Location: Weishan County, Dali

The Dage Festival, also known as the “Dage Festival of the Yi Ethnic Minority,” is one of the most significant traditional festivals celebrated by the Yi people in Weishan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. This festival, which typically occurs in the autumn, celebrates the harvest season and embodies the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Yi community. It is a time for the community to come together to express gratitude for the harvest, honor ancestors, and strengthen social bonds.

Local Customs and Activities during the Dage Festival

1. Traditional Ceremonies: The festival begins with various rituals, including offerings made to ancestors and deities to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest and to seek blessings for the future. These ceremonies often involve the burning of incense and the presentation of food and other offerings.
2. Colorful Attire and Dance: Participants dress in traditional Yi clothing, which is often adorned with vibrant colors and intricate embroidery. The festival features lively folk dances, including the “Torch Dance” and other regional dance forms, allowing the community to express their joy and cultural identity.
3. Singing Contests: A highlight of the Dage Festival is the singing competitions, where singers perform traditional songs that tell stories of Yi culture, history, and daily life. These contests often foster a spirit of friendly rivalry and communal pride.
4. Culinary Celebrations: The festival is also a time for feasting. Locals prepare a variety of traditional dishes made from freshly harvested ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and grains. Special foods, such as sour bamboo shoots and roasted meats, are often served during communal meals.
5. Games and Competitions: Various games and competitions are organized, such as traditional sports, archery contests, and rope pulling. These activities engage community members of all ages and encourage cooperation and teamwork.
6. Cultural Performances: In addition to dance and singing, the festival features performances of traditional music using indigenous instruments. These performances reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Yi people and provide entertainment and education for attendees.
7. Market and Craft Exhibition: Local artisans and craftspeople set up stalls at the festival, showcasing and selling their traditional handicrafts, textiles, and artworks. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase unique handmade items and learn about local craftsmanship.
8. Community Bonding Activities: The Dage Festival emphasizes community bonding and strengthening relationships among participants. Activities may include group dancing, communal meals, and storytelling, which foster a sense of unity and belonging.

Overview

• Chinese Name:大理巍山彝族七月半/鬼节
• English Name: Ghost Festival in Weishan County, Dali
• Location: Weishan County, Dali

The Daoist classics refer to the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar as the Shangyuan (Upper Yuan), the fifteenth day of July as the Zhongyuan (Middle Yuan), and the fifteenth day of October as the Xiayuan (Lower Yuan). Therefore, the fifteenth day of July is known as the Zhongyuan Festival. It is said that from the first to the fifteenth day of July, the gates of the underworld are widely opened, allowing the souls of ancestors and wandering spirits to emerge. To seek blessings for the living from their ancestors, rituals are performed. In Weishan, the custom starts on the first day of the month, where offerings of three meals a day are made in front of the ancestral tablet at home, along with the burning of paper money. On the fourteenth day, the offerings become the most lavish, and after dinner, paper clothes and gold and silver paper money are burned. On the fifteenth day, men, women, and children from various villages and towns in Weishan gather at the San Guandi temple by the Yangguajiang River in the western part of the city to pray for blessings, forgiveness of sins, and alleviation of misfortunes from the deities of heaven, earth, and water. They pack the burned paper clothes and money and send them away to the river. On the day of the West River Bridge celebration, the area is filled with crowds, creating a lively atmosphere.

The Ghost Festival, known as the Zhongyuan Festival, is an important event celebrated in Weishan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. This festival typically occurs on the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month and is a time for honoring ancestors and performing rituals to appease wandering spirits. The activities during the Ghost Festival in Weishan County are rich in cultural significance and engage the local community in various ways.

Key Activities of the Ghost Festival in Weishan County

1. Ancestral Offerings: Families prepare offerings for their ancestors, including food, fruits, and other items that the deceased enjoyed in life. These offerings are placed at home altars and graves to honor and appease the spirits.
2. Burning Paper Money: A central ritual during the Ghost Festival involves burning joss paper, representing money, clothing, and other goods that are believed to be sent to the deceased. This act is performed as a way to provide for the spirits in the afterlife.
3. Feasting: The festival is also a time for communal feasting. Following ancestral offerings, families and communities gather to share meals, celebrating together and enjoying traditional dishes made from freshly harvested ingredients.
4. Temple Ceremonies: Local temples often hold rituals led by priests who conduct ceremonial offerings and prayers to honor deities and spirits. These ceremonies may include chanting, the playing of traditional instruments, and other ritualistic acts.
5. Cleansing Rituals: Some families engage in cleansing rituals to purify themselves and their surroundings, enhancing their spiritual well-being and ensuring a safe environment for the festival.
6. Community Gatherings: Villagers and families come together to share stories, reminisce about departed loved ones, and strengthen community ties. This aspect of the festival fosters a sense of unity and shared cultural heritage.
7. Processions and Parades: In some areas, processions may take place, where participants carry lanterns, incense, and offerings to designated sites like rivers or temples, signifying the connection between the living and the dead.
8. Cultural Performances: The festival often features cultural performances, including traditional music, regional dances, and theatrical presentations that tell stories related to ghosts, ancestors, and local folklore.
9. Releasing Lanterns: Many people release floating lanterns on rivers or bodies of water during the festival. This act symbolizes sending off spirits and wishes for peace in the afterlife.
10. Respectful Remembrance: Overall, the Ghost Festival is characterized by a spirit of respectful remembrance. People reflect on their ancestors’ contributions to the family and community, and there are often discussions about maintaining the traditions and values passed down through generations.

Overview

• Chinese Name:大理巍山彝族二月八
• English Name: Eryueba Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Weishan County, Dali
• Location: Weishan County, Dali

According to the “Draft of Menghua Records: Humanity,” the Yi people of Weishan celebrate their New Year on the eighth day of the second lunar month. On this day, they block the roads and perform rituals to honor the Miku spirit. In each village, a Miku tree is set up. During the ritual, a yellow ox is tied with ropes beside it, and after making prayers, a person uses a sharp axe to strike the ox’s head, which is then cut up and distributed based on the number of participants.

The eighth day of the second month is the most widely celebrated traditional festival among the Yi, although the content of the rituals and the ways of celebration vary from place to place. Some activities include worshiping the Miku god, performing dragon sacrifices, calling on the spirits of the earth’s veins, burying “grass roots,” offering sacrifices to “Aobian,” worshiping the “Wudi” god, and paying homage to the earth deity, but they all involve ancestral worship.

In the Longjie area of Wuyin Township, they worship the siblings Ayu and Abu, collectively referred to as “Ayu Bu.” They use leaves from the red leaf tree stitched together in a wavy pattern to symbolize the great flood, and circled the three rings made from the pith of bulrushes to represent the “sun,” “moon,” and “stars.” The ritual commemorates the Yi ancestors—Ayu and Abu—who struggled to survive and reproduce during the ancient catastrophic floods when there was nowhere to escape. In the evening, activities such as swinging and singing are held.

Today, the Yi people’s celebration of the eighth day of the second lunar month is grand and lively, serving as a festival for ancestor worship, a celebration of peace, and a prayer for abundant harvests. It has become a common ancestral worship day for Yi people across the country. On this day, representatives of the Yi from all over the country gather at the Nanzhao Earth Deity Temple on Weibaoshan mountain to hold grand rituals in honor of the earth deity and their ancestors.

1. Ancestor Worship: The festival prominently features rituals to honor ancestors. Families prepare offerings, which may include food, fruits, and symbolic items, to show respect and gratitude to their forebears.
2. Miku Tree Ritual: Villagers set up a Miku tree (a ceremonial tree) in open spaces. This tree is an essential focal point for the festival’s rituals, where people gather to pray and make offerings.
3. Cattle Sacrifice: A yellow cow is often tied to the Miku tree during the ceremony. After prayers are said, rituals involving the cow, such as striking its head with an axe, may take place, symbolizing the community’s connection to their ancestors and the earth.
4. Community Feasting: Following the rituals, families and communities come together to feast. Traditional dishes are prepared, showcasing local ingredients and culinary practices. This communal dining fosters unity and celebration among the participants.
5. Cultural Performances: The festival typically includes various cultural performances, such as traditional music, dance, and storytelling. These performances celebrate Yi heritage and community spirit, with people dressed in traditional attire.
6. Games and Competitions: Various games and competitions often take place during the festival, including sports, traditional contests (like tug-of-war), and skill-based challenges. Such activities enhance community spirit and provide entertainment.
7. Lantern Lighting: Participants may light lanterns in the evenings, symbolizing guidance for ancestral spirits and celebrating the festival’s joyous nature. These lanterns can also add a festive atmosphere to the celebrations.
8. Swinging and Singing: In many communities, traditional swinging and singing activities are organized, adding to the festive spirit. These activities are often accompanied by folk songs that reflect Yi culture and values.
9. Rituals for a Good Harvest: Many activities focus on praying for a good harvest in the coming year. This includes ritual offerings to agricultural deities, expressing hopes for abundant crops and livestock.
10. Community Gatherings: The Eryueba Festival serves as a vital opportunity for communities to strengthen social ties, share experiences, and pass down oral traditions through storytelling and social interaction.

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