Historical Significance
The town has a history going back more than 1,000 years and was once a confluence for trade along the “Old Tea Horse Caravan Trail” (茶马古道).
Dayan Old Town’s Water System
The Dayan Old Town (大研古镇) is famous for its orderly system of waterways and bridges. However, this system is fast becoming but a memory as the underground water table drops—likely due to over-building in suburban areas.
Cultural Fusion
Lijiang’s culture combines traditional Nakhi (纳西族) culture with elements learned from Ming dynasty (明朝) Han Chinese traders who settled here centuries ago.
Traditional Nakhi Architecture
- The Nakhi people preserve a timber and mud brick housing style learned from Nanjing (南京) traders.
- Local carpenters construct elaborate timber house frames from memory, without blueprints.
- Houses feature intricate flower and bird carvings on windows, made by Bai (白族) artisans but following traditional Han Chinese seasonal motifs.
- Even impoverished families prioritize carved windows over furniture. (These window panels are now sold as souvenirs.)
Nakhi Classical Music Heritage
- The Nakhi learned Chinese classical music from Ming-era Nanjing visitors and still perform it today—long after it disappeared elsewhere in China.
- Elderly musicians hold regular performances in Dayan Old Town and occasional shows in nearby villages.
Living Traditions
Nakhi Circle Dances
- Nakhi circle dances (打跳) remain vibrant, often led by women in traditional dress.
- Similar dances exist among Tibetan (藏族) and Bai (白族) communities near Lijiang.
- While Tibetan/Bai settlements were relocated from tourist zones, their dances still occur:
- Sporadically in Dayan
- Regularly at Tibetan temple festivals (e.g., Wenfeng Temple 文峰寺, Zhiyun Temple 指云寺, Fuguo Temple 富国寺)
Traditional Nakhi Music Today
- Popularized by local singers but remains authentic at funerals and family events.
- Some nongjiale (农家乐) offer tourist-friendly performances with Mandarin explanations.
Cultural Paradoxes
- Nakhi society is patriarchal, yet the government links it to the matriarchal Mosuo (摩梭) culture due to linguistic ties.
- Mosuo music once featured in Lijiang cafés but has been replaced by Han performers in recent years.
UNESCO Recognition & Tourism Impact
- Greater Lijiang (including Dayan, Baisha 白沙, and Shuhe 束河) became a UNESCO World Heritage Site (December 4, 1997).
- Development prioritized Han Chinese tourist preferences, leaving few genuinely old buildings.
Nightlife Transformation
- Evenings grow rowdy in the bar district, where tourist groups compete in singing contests (a commercialized twist on local traditions).
- Authorities are relocating bars to Shuhe Village to preserve Dayan’s ambiance.
Nearby Attractions
- Jade Water Village (玉水寨): A renovated site marketed as a Dongba culture (东巴文化) showcase.
- Dongba shamans (东巴) still lead household rituals and seasonal ceremonies. Young apprentices train under elders to preserve traditions.
- Lugu Lake (泸沽湖): A tourist hotspot due to its matriarchal Mosuo society, where women retain lifelong family authority.
Culture of Lijiang Old Town
Lijiang (丽江) Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town, an integral part of the Old Town of Lijiang (丽江古城), is like a hidden pearl in the long river of time, radiating unique natural and cultural charm. Here, visitors can not only explore rich cultural heritage but also participate in distinctive entertainment activities, immersing themselves in the town’s enchanting ambiance.
Cultural Experience Activities
Appreciation of Baisha (白沙) Murals
The Baisha (白沙) Murals, located in Dabaoji Palace (大宝积宫) and Liuli Hall (琉璃殿), are artistic treasures that blend Han (汉), Tibetan (藏), and Naxi (纳西) painting styles, primarily depicting religious themes.
In-Depth Dongba (东巴) Culture Experience
At the home of Mr. He Xipeng (和锡鹏), the 34th-generation inheritor of Dongba (东巴) culture in Baisha (白沙), you can participate in a unique cultural immersion.
Listening to Naxi (纳西) Ancient Music
Enjoy a performance of Baisha (白沙) Fine Music (白沙细乐), a traditional Naxi (纳西) musical art form.
Trying Intangible Cultural Heritage Embroidery and Tie-Dye
Practice delicate Naxi (纳西) embroidery or create your own tie-dye masterpiece.
Hands-On Copperware Making
At Jishan Copper Art Gallery (积善铜艺馆), you can experience the Naxi (纳西) copper forging technique.
Leisure Strolls and Photo Spots
Strolling Along Baisha (白沙) Ancient Street
The street retains traditional Naxi (纳西) architectural styles.
Visiting Unique Shops:
- Yiwa Tang Café (一瓦堂咖啡)
- The Poet’s Steamed Bun Shop (诗人开的馒头店)
- Self-Service Grocery Store (自助杂货铺)
- 7sea Bar Coffee
- Naxi Princess • Yak Hot Pot (纳西公主・牦牛肉火锅) & Naxi Princess • Yak Milk Tea (纳西公主・牦牛鲜奶茶)
Countryside Cycling and Hiking
Enjoy views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) in the distance.
Historical and Cultural Activities
Exploring Fuguo Temple (福国寺)
This historic Tibetan Buddhist temple boasts unique architecture.
Visiting Sanduo Pavilion (三多阁)
Dedicated to Sanduo (三多), the Naxi (纳西) people’s guardian deity.
Tracing the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) History
Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town was once a vital stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道).
Lijiang Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town, as an integral part of the Lijiang Old Town, resembles a dazzling pearl carved by time, radiating a rich and unique cultural charm. It is not only the birthplace of Naxi (纳西) culture but also carries a thousand years of historical changes and profound cultural heritage.
1. Mysterious and Captivating Historical Legends
The Origin of the Name “Baisha” (白沙)
Tracing back to ancient times, the Mosuo (么些) people and the “Puxi Barbarians” (濮西蛮) engaged in a fierce battle on this land. The intensity of the conflict resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, leaving the ground littered with bones. The Naxi (纳西) people referred to the “Puxi Barbarians” (濮西蛮) as “Beng” (崩), and “stone” (石) meant “death.” Thus, Baisha (白沙) was called “Bengshi” (崩石) in the Naxi (纳西) language. This poignant history has cast a mysterious veil over Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town.
The Legend of Dading Pavilion (大定阁)
As one of the iconic structures of Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town, Dading Pavilion (大定阁) holds a deeply moving story. It was built by the Tusi (土司, chieftain) Mu Zeng (木增). His mother, a kind and wise woman, provided immense support during his upbringing. To express his gratitude, Mu Zeng constructed this pavilion and named it “Dading Pavilion” (大定阁), symbolizing his mother’s peace and happiness. This reflects the Naxi (纳西) people’s traditional culture of filial piety.
The Legend of Naxi Ancient Music
Legend has it that in ancient times, Baisha (白沙) was a serene and beautiful place where people lived simple, happy lives. The Naxi (纳西) leader A Liang (阿良) received divine inspiration in a dream, learning of a distant treasure trove containing the most enchanting music in the world. Upon waking, he embarked on a journey, overcoming countless hardships. At the foot of a mountain, he met an elderly man with white hair who told him that only those with a pure heart and unwavering faith could find the treasure. Undeterred, A Liang (阿良) succeeded in reaching the summit and discovered the treasure. After studying there for a long time, he returned to Baisha (白沙) and taught the music to the locals. Thus, Naxi Ancient Music was passed down, becoming a cultural treasure of the Naxi (纳西) people and a testament to their relentless pursuit of beauty.
2. Profound Historical and Cultural Heritage
A Millennia-Old Historical Development
With a history spanning over a thousand years, Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town saw the Mu (木) family ancestors construct Baisha Street (白沙街) and Beiyue Temple (北岳庙) during the Tang Dynasty. From the Song and Yuan Dynasties to the early Ming Dynasty, it became the settlement of the Mu (木) family and the political, economic, and cultural center of Lijiang (丽江). This long history has endowed the town with a deep cultural foundation.
Precious and Unique Cultural Heritage
Baisha Murals (白沙壁画)
These artistic treasures, painted from the early Ming to early Qing Dynasty over 300 years, are primarily located in Dabaoji Palace (大宝积宫) and Liuli Hall (琉璃殿). The murals skillfully blend Han (汉), Tibetan (藏), and Naxi (纳西) painting styles, focusing on religious themes. They hold immense artistic value and serve as a vital window into Dongba (东巴) culture and the fusion of ancient ethnic cultures.
Baisha Fine Music (白沙细乐)
A traditional Naxi (纳西) musical performance with a long history, its melodious tunes carry the emotions and memories of the Naxi (纳西) people. It is a key pathway to understanding Naxi (纳西) culture, akin to a musical chronicle of their history.
Unique Architectural Art
The town’s buildings, mostly constructed with local stone and wood, exude a rustic charm. The narrow alleys and cobblestone streets bear the marks of time, with many two-story blue-brick and wooden structures. The Baisha (白沙) ancient architectural complex, built during the peak of the Mu (木) Tusi (土司) regime in the Ming Dynasty—including Dabaoji Palace (大宝积宫), Liuli Hall (琉璃殿), and Wenchang Palace (文昌宫)—showcases distinctive layouts and embodies the architectural artistry of the Naxi (纳西) people, reflecting their wisdom and creativity.
3. Solemn and Reverent Religious Culture
Fuguo Temple (福国寺)
Located on Zhishan (芝山) Mountain west of Baisha (白沙), Fuguo Temple (福国寺) is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist temples in Lijiang (丽江) and the ancestral temple of the Naxi (纳西) Mu (木) Tusi (土司). Its grand and solemn architecture, coupled with thriving incense offerings, makes it a vital symbol of local religious culture. It highlights the Naxi (纳西) people’s reverence for Tibetan Buddhism and the profound influence of religious culture, offering visitors an excellent opportunity to explore local beliefs.
Sanduo Pavilion (三多阁)
This temple venerates “Sanduo” (三多), the protective deity of the Naxi (纳西) people, holding a significant place in local religious culture. During important festivals or rituals, locals gather here to express their reverence and prayers, allowing visitors to deeply feel the Naxi (纳西) people’s religious devotion and traditional beliefs.
4. Rich and Colorful Folk Culture
Traditional Music and Dance
Visitors to Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town can immerse themselves in the charm of Naxi (纳西) traditional music and dance. The unique melodies and rhythmic beats, paired with passionate dance movements, vividly portray the life and spirit of the Naxi (纳西) people, creating an enchanting ethnic cultural atmosphere.
Unique Handicrafts
Dongba Tie-Dye (东巴扎染)
Characterized by blue-and-white hues, Naxi (纳西) tie-dye evokes the imagery of clear skies and white clouds captured on fabric. At Dongba Tie-Dye (东巴扎染) workshops, visitors can try their hand at this traditional craft, creating their own tie-dye pieces and experiencing the wonder of Naxi (纳西) folk art.
Wood Carving
Featuring exquisite patterns and craftsmanship, these carvings come in various shapes and symbolic meanings, suitable for decoration or collection. Each piece embodies the skill and wisdom of Naxi (纳西) artisans, representing a perfect blend of culture and artistry.
Silver Jewelry
With diverse designs combining traditional Naxi (纳西) elements and modern aesthetics, these finely crafted pieces boast distinct ethnic characteristics, making them ideal for wearing or gifting.
Embroidery
Vibrant in color and delicate in stitching, Naxi (纳西) embroidery often depicts mythological tales and natural landscapes. Items like shawls and handkerchiefs are not only beautiful and practical but also rich in cultural significance.
5. The Enchanting Life of the Ancient Town
Sifang Street (四方街)
As the heart of Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town, Sifang Street (四方街) served as the prototype for similar streets in Shuhe (束河) Ancient Town and Lijiang (丽江) Old Town. Once a bustling trade hub, it is now surrounded by historic buildings and traditional shops. Here, visitors can savor local delicacies like jidou liangfen (鸡豆凉粉, chickpea jelly), Naxi (纳西) grilled fish, cured pork ribs, and yak meat hotpot, while shopping for handicrafts and soaking in the lively atmosphere of traditional Naxi (纳西) market culture.
Ancient Streets and Qiben Lane (栖本巷)
Baisha (白沙) Ancient Street retains the traditional Naxi (纳西) architectural style, with rows of old wooden houses lining the roads, offering a perfect setting for strolls and photography. Qiben Lane (栖本巷), less crowded and brimming with local life, allows visitors to experience the authentic daily scenes of the town and feel its tranquility and harmony.
Lijiang Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town, like an ancient pearl embedded in the northwest of Yunnan (云南), radiates a unique and enchanting historical brilliance. Located about 10 kilometers north of Lijiang (丽江) city, it is bordered by the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) to the north, Longquan (龙泉) to the south, and Zhishan (芝山) to the west. Its privileged geographical location carries the profound historical heritage and cultural traditions of the Naxi (纳西族) people.
Early Origins and Initial Development
As early as the Tang Dynasty (唐朝), Baisha Ancient Town began to emerge. When the Nanzhao (南诏) king designated the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the “Northern Sacred Peak (北岳),” the ancestors of the Mu (木氏) family (then the rulers of Lijiang) built Baisha Street and the Northern Sacred Peak Temple (北岳庙) here, marking a crucial beginning for the town’s development. At that time, Baisha began to attract settlers, gradually forming a community and laying the foundation for its future prosperity.
The Glorious Era from the Song-Yuan to Early Ming Dynasties
From the Song (宋) and Yuan (元) dynasties until the early Ming Dynasty (明初) in 1383, the Mu family resided in Baisha Ancient Town. During this long period, the town entered its golden age, becoming the political, economic, commercial, and cultural hub of Lijiang.
Political Center
The Mu family established governance here, effectively administering the Lijiang region. Their political influence extended to surrounding areas, making Baisha a crucial site for regional political decision-making.
Economic and Commercial Prosperity
The town’s commerce and handicraft industries flourished, making it a center for bronze casting, textiles, and embroidery. Skilled bronze craftsmen produced exquisite copperware that not only met local needs but was also sold afar, bringing substantial economic gains. The textile and embroidery industries thrived as well, with Naxi women weaving vibrant fabrics and stitching intricate patterns. These products became highly sought-after trade goods, attracting merchants and boosting the town’s commercial prosperity.
Cultural Flourishing
The Mu family’s emphasis on culture fostered its vigorous development in Baisha. Traditional Naxi culture was preserved and promoted here while blending with other ethnic cultures, laying the groundwork for the region’s unique cultural landscape.
Cultural Imprints in Historical Legends
The Legend of Baisha’s Name
According to legend, the ancient Mosuo (么些) people clashed violently with the “Puxi Barbarians (濮西蛮)” in Baisha, resulting in heavy casualties. The Naxi referred to the Puxi as “Beng (崩),” and “shi (石)” meant “death”—thus, the site was called “Bengshi (崩石)” (the place where the Puxi died). This legend not only records a fierce historical conflict but also reflects the Naxi people’s primal memory and unique understanding of this land, becoming part of Baisha’s historical culture.
The Legend of Dading Pavilion (大定阁)
Dading Pavilion was built by Tusi (土司, chieftain) Mu Zeng (木增) in gratitude for his mother’s kindness and wisdom, which greatly aided his upbringing. Named “Dading” to symbolize his mother’s peace and happiness, this legend embodies the Naxi culture of filial piety and imbues the pavilion with deep emotional significance, making it a symbolic landmark of the town.
The Legend of Naxi Ancient Music
Long ago, Baisha was a beautiful and peaceful place where people lived simple, happy lives. Naxi leader A Liang (阿良) dreamed of a divine revelation about a mystical musical treasury hidden in distant mountains. After a arduous journey, he met an elderly man who told him only those with pure hearts and unwavering faith could find it. A Liang persevered, reached the summit, and studied the music before returning to teach it to the locals. Thus, Naxi ancient music was passed down. This legend reflects the Naxi people’s yearning for beautiful music and highlights the art’s importance in their cultural heritage.
Cultural Legacy During the Ming and Qing Dynasties
In the Ming Dynasty (明朝), Baisha Ancient Town became home to the famous “Baisha Murals (白沙壁画).” These religious murals, created from the early Ming to early Qing (清初) dynasties over 300 years, blend Han (汉), Tibetan (藏), and Naxi artistic styles. Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, rich religious themes, and multicultural fusion, they hold immense artistic and historical value. Serving as vital artifacts for studying ethnic cultural exchange and religious dissemination, they also testify to Baisha’s cultural and artistic prosperity during the Ming and Qing periods.
After a millennium of history, Baisha Ancient Town stands like a heavy tome, each page inscribed with the wisdom, courage, and creativity of the Naxi people. From its origins to its zenith as a political, economic, and cultural center, and through its artistic and cultural legacy, Baisha’s unique historical narrative has made it a vital cradle of Naxi culture and a core bearer of Lijiang’s historical heritage, endlessly drawing visitors to explore its ancient charm.
The History of Jizu Mountain in Binchuan
Jizushan Mountain is a national AAAA grade scenic zone, the famous Buddhist shrine known throughout South and Southeast Asia, one of China’s top ten famous Buddhist mountains, a major attraction of the national scenic area of Dali, and a multi functional scenic zone based on exhibiting Buddhist-based cultures and ecological landscape, integrating Buddhist pilgrimage, Buddhist studies, tourism, and science expedition.
Jizushan Mountain sits high within Binchuan County, Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Dali, in the northwest of Yunnan, on Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Its highest peak Tianzhu Peak (the “pillar of the sky”) is 3,248 meters high. Since there were three peaks in a row in the front, and a ridge dragging in the rear which overall looks like a foot of the chick, it is therefore call “Jizushan” (the “Chick Foot”) Mountain. In the mountain there are 40 strange hills, 12 perilous peaks, 34 palisades, 45 tranquil caverns, and more than a hundred brooks and springs. In addition, there are more than 500 kinds of advanced plants in more than 80 species; there is well preserved pristine ecology; ancient millennium trees can be seen everywhere; and there are dozens of rare birds and animals.
Since nearly 1300 years the Jizu Mountain (Jizushan or Jizu Shan) attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over China, including Tibet. Jizu Mountain (Jizushan or Jizu Shan) ranks amongst the 5 most important Buddhist Mountains in China. It is said that back in history, Mahakasyapa, a scholar of Sakyamuni (Siddarta Gautama) came to Jizu Shan for meditation.
The first temples and pavilions where built during the Three Kingdom Period (220-264) but most temples came into existence during the heydays of Jizu Shan during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Unfortunately, most of the once over 300 magnificent Temples, Pagodas and Pavilions vanished during the Cultural Revolution only to be partially reconstructed in recent years. A 3 hours walk past several interesting temples through a dense pine tree forest leads up from the Zhusheng Temple to the summit at 3’280 Metres above sea level, where the lovely, 13 storey high Jinding Temple can be found, which was first built during the 11th century.
In Binchuan,if you want to spend your leisure time,don’t worry, you can findthe bars and clubs easily. Maybe you are not interesting in bar and clubs and do not want to watch performance,you can also go to orchard.That is a good choice.They offer accommodation,food,fishing and shopping.
1.Orient Vienna KTV（东方维也纳KTV）
Tel：0872-7333188
Address:AroundDianxi Fruit Trade Maket, Binchuan County
2.Fodu BayBerry（佛都杨梅园）
Address: 20 kilometers from the county city
3.Xinkang Citrus Orchard(鑫康柑桔园)
Address:East of the county city，near Xiangning Road
4.Jiahong Gardening and Ecological Orchard（佳泓园艺生态园）
Address:East of the county city，near Xiangning Road
5.Shuangxin Pomegranate Orchard（爽馨石榴园）
Address:Gandian Village of Jinniu Town,8km from the county city
6.Fangwu Bayberry and Winter Peach Orchard(方武杨梅冬桃园)
Address:South of Jizu Mountain,30km from the county city
Culture of Binchuan County in Dali
Origin Black Yi and White Yi and Yi Slavery
According to the Chinese government: “Due to complex historical reasons, the slave system of the Yis in the Liangshan Mountains lasted till 1949. Before 1949, the Yis in the Liangshan Mountain areas were stratified into four different ranks — “Nuohuo,” “Qunuo,” “Ajia” and “Xiaxi.” The demarcation between the masters and the slaves was insurmountable. The rank of “Nuohuo” was determined by blood lineage and remained permanent, the other ranks could never move up to the position of rulers.
“Nuohuo,” meaning “black Yi,” was the highest rank of society. Being the slave-owning class, Nuohuo made up 7 per cent of the total population. The black Yis controlled people of the other three ranks to varying degrees, and owned 60 to 70 per cent of the arable land and a large amount of other means of production. The black Yis were born aristocrats, claiming their blood to be “noble” and “pure,” and forbidding marriages with people of the other three ranks. They despised physical labour, lived by exploiting the other ranks and ruled the slaves by force.
“Qunuo,” meaning “white Yi,” was the highest rank of the ruled and made up 50 per cent of the population. This rank was an appendage to the black Yis personally and, as subjects under the slave system, they enjoyed relative independence economically and could control “Ajia” and “Xiaxi” who were inferior to them. “Qunuo” lived within the areas governed by the black Yi slave owners, had no freedom of migration, nor could they leave the areas without the permission of their masters. They had no complete right of ownership when disposing of their own property, but were subjected to restrictions by their masters. They had to pay some fees to their masters when they wanted to sell their land. The property of a dead person who had no offspring went to his master. Though the black Yi slave owners could not kill, sell or buy Qunuo at will, they could transfer or present as a gift the power of control over Qunuo. They could even give away Qunuo as the compensation for persons they had killed and use Qunuo as stakes. So, Qunuo had no complete personality of their own, though they were not slaves.
“Ajia” made up one third of the population, being rigidly bound to black Yi or Qunuo slaveowners, who could freely sell, buy and kill them. “Xiaxi” was the lowest rank, accounting for 10 per cent of the population. They had no property, personal rights or freedom, and were regarded as “talking tools.” They lived in damp and dark corners in their masters’ houses, and at night had to curl up with domestic animal to keep warm. Supervised by masters, Xiaxi did heavy housework and farm work all the year round. They wore rags and tattered sheepskins, and lived on wild roots and leftovers. Slave owners inflicted all sorts of torture on those who were rebellious, fettered them with iron chains and wooden shackles to prevent them from escaping. Like domestic animals, Xiaxi could be freely disposed of as chattels, ordered about, insulted, beaten up, bought and sold, or killed as sacrifices to gods.
“Corvee was the basic form of exploitation by the slave owners. Qunuo and Ajia must use their own cattle and tools to cultivate their masters’ land. Qunuo had to perform five, six or more than 10 days of corvee each year. They could send their slaves to do it or pay a sum of money instead. Corvee performed by Ajia took up one third to one half of their total working time. They often had to neglect their own land because of cultivating the land of their masters. Besides corvee, Qunuo and Ajia had to take usurious loans imposed by their black Yi masters.
“Ordered about to toil like beasts of burden, the slaves had no interest in production at all. To win freedom, slaves in the Liangshan Mountain areas resorted to measures like going slow, destroying tools, maltreating animal, burning their masters’ property and even committing suicidal attacks on their masters. Though it was hard for slaves in remote mountain areas to run away, they still tried to escape at the risk of their lives. Spontaneous and sporadic rebellions staged by slaves against slave owners never ceased. Organized and collective struggle for personal rights also grew, and collective anathema often turned into small armed insurgence.”
If you want to spend your leisure time in Yangbi County,don’t worry, you can find the the bars and clubs easily in Nanjain County. Maybe you are not interesting in bar and clubs and do not want to watch performance,you can also go to tea house.That is a good choice.
Name：Huangjinhaian KTV(哈黄金海岸KTV)
Address：Around Yangjiang Road,Yangbi County,Dali
Name：Kele KTV(可乐KTV)
Address：Around Cangshan Western Road,Yangbi County,Dali
Name：Tianshi Tea House(天使茶楼)
Address：Ankang Street,Yangbi County,Dali
Name：Judian Bar(聚点酒吧)
Address：Around Meixi Street,Yangbi County,Dali
Name：Longquan Tea Bar(龙泉茶吧)
Address：No.42，Ankang Street,Yangbi County,Dali
Origin of the Yi Torch Festival
There are records about the origin of the Torch Festival in the “Kunming County Annals” written in the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty: “There was a Yi woman Anan in the Han Dynasty. Her husband was killed by evildoers, and she swore that she would not submit to the killers. So she jumped into fire and died at that day (the 24th in the sixth lunar month). People felt very sad and held the festival for her.
A description of another origin story from a different source goes: “King Piluoge of the Yunnanzhao (a local regime in ancient China) planned to meet of the rulers other five cities in the Songming Building. He wanted to trap and burn them to death so that he could swallow up their territory. The wife of King Dengdan—a woman named Cishan—tried to persuade her husband not to go, but he refused. Then she put an iron bracelet around the arm of her husband. He went as scheduled and was burned death. Cishan identified and brought back her husband’s body according to the iron bracelet. Piluoge heard of her virtue and wanted to draw her over to his side, but Cishan closed the city gate and committed suicide. So people of Dian (an ancient name for Yunnan) burned torches to grieve over her.”
In a folk legend, it is said that the Torch Festival stems from a time when God sent pests to destroy crops in the human world and Yi people drove them away with fire. Some people also say that the festival commemorate a fight in which ancestors defeated the Prince of the Devils by attacking them with fire. Most of the records and legends are forced interpretation. Chinese historians say the Torch Festival for praying for good harvests and came into being as a result of the poor harvests by the ancient Yi society. Over the years the religious elements of the festival have diminished and the entertainment value has increased.
Yi Torch Festival
The Yi Torch festival. features courtship rituals, music, dancing around huge bonfires and bloodless bullfights. In the daytime, a ceremony is held to offer prayers to the gods or spirits associated with their lives. Prayers to earth God are made with chicken blood. After sunset, people light torches to send the gods backs. One Yi told Smithsonian magazine, “The celebration is all bustle and excitement. We slaughter goats and chickens, drink liquor, sing songs and dance, We also invite our best friends to a big feast.”
The Torch Festival is celebrated on the 24th day of 6th lunar month in July or August in southwest China by the Bai, Naxi and Yi people. Participants light torches in front of their houses and set 35-foot-high torches—made from pine and cypress timbers stuffed with smaller branches—in their village squares. The Bulang, Wa, Lisu, Lahu, Hani and Jinuo minorities hold similar festivals but on different dates.
“The Torch Festival” has traditionally been celebrated by many Chinese ethnic groups around 24th day of the sixth lunar month. During the festival, Yis in all villages carry torches and walk around their houses and fields, and plant pine torches on field ridges in the hope of driving away insect pests. After making their rounds, the Yi villagers gather around bonfires, playing moon guitars (a four-stringed plucked instrument with a moon-shaped sound box) and mouth organs, dancing and drinking wine through the night to pray for a good harvest. The Yis in some places stage horse races, bull fighting, playing on the swing, archery and wrestling.
The Yi Torch Festival is held at different times among different Yi groups. It is generally held on about 24th of the sixth lunar month in Sichuan and Yunnan, and about the 6th of the sixth lunar month in the Guizhou Yi region. The length of the celebration varies from three to seven days. When it comes, some people butcher chicken and pig, and some butcher cattle and sheep as sacrifices offered to the ruler of heaven, the mother of earth and ancestors. The Yi also pray for the safety of humans and domestic animals and for an abundant harvest of all food crops. At nightfall, torches are lit and villages compete to have the best torch. Recreational, sports and entertaining activities include antiphonal singing (alternate singing by two choirs or singers), dancing, bullfight, horse race, wrestling, archery, and tug-of-wars. Business and trade activities are carried out.
Because Yi people believe that torches get rid of evil and ghosts, they light up every corner of their house after the torch is lit. In some villages, torch teams go from house to house, and then gather at the edge of a village, or on slope or in fields to play torch games and hold a fire party, where young men and women decked out in their finest festival dress sing and dance and party all night long. An ancient poem describing proceeding centuries ago goes: “The mountain seems wrapped by rosy cloud; Uneven torches move back and forth with people which are like ten thousand of lotus flowers blossoming in mirage, and stars all over the sky fall down to the human world.”
The festival honors a woman who leaped into a fire rather make love with a king. Before the village torch is lit people gather around it and drink rice wine. The village elders use a ladder to climb to the top of the torch as they distribute fruit and food to the villagers while they boisterously sing the “Torch Festival Song.” The torch is then solemnly lit. The villagers light their torches off the village torch and sing and dance and eventually make their ways to their homes and light the torches there.
In Xiangyun,if you want to spend your leisure time,don’t worry, you can find the the bars and clubs easily. Maybe you are not interesting in bar and clubs and do not want to watch performance,you can also go to tea house.That is a good choice.
1.Time Music Bars(时光音乐酒吧)
Tel：0872-3117036
Address:Xiangyao Road, Xiangyun County
2.Feilengcui Red Wine Bar（翡冷翠红酒庄）
Address:At East ofQing lian Canteen,Wenyuan Road,Xiangyun County
3.Laiman Wine Bar(莱曼酒吧)
Tel：0872-3997119
Address:Gate No.9,YangguangCheng,Caifu Road,Xiangyun County
4.Tonghua KTV（童话KTV）
Tel：0872-3128108
Address:No.95,Longxiang Road,Xiangchen County
5.Taoran Tea Bar（陶然茶轩）
Tel：13987294186
Address:Next to Longxiang Hotel,Longxiang Road,Xiangyun County
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