Chinese Name:宁蒗县泸沽湖摩梭人转海节
English Name: Lugu Lake Circling Festival of Mosuo Ethnic People in Ninglang County, Lijiang
The Lake Circling Festival of the Mosuo People
The Lake Circling Festival of the Mosuo people, a unique folk custom in Yan Yuan County of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, is recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Sichuan. The Mosuo people, who live around Lugu Lake in Yanyuan County and in the Li Jia Ju group of Wujiao Village in Muli County, belong to the Mongolian ethnic group. They have a deep reverence for nature and their ancestors, practicing “Daba” and “Lama” religions, and uphold a strong tradition of natural and polytheistic worship. The Lake Circling Festival is a manifestation of the Mosuo people’s primitive beliefs, deeply intertwined with their daily life and spiritual practices, reflecting their veneration for various deities, sacred mountains, and lakes (referred to locally as highland lakes).
Basic Content
The Lake Circling Festival occurs on the first, fifth, fifteenth, and twenty-fifth days of each lunar month, with the Muli County celebration specifically held on the eighth day of the first lunar month. It is believed that on these days, deities come out to be active, so the Mosuo people conduct grand ceremonies and festivities to welcome the deities, offer sacrifices, seek blessings, and celebrate with the gods. People from each village and household come out, forming large groups to participate in the festivities. In Muli County, wealthier families might invite a “Daba” to accompany them. Participants of all ages dress in festive attire and bring abundant food such as chicken, eggs, meat, and Sulima wine. They travel by foot, horseback, or boat around the mountains and lakes. At designated points along the route, they stop to perform elaborate rituals including burning incense, bowing, chanting, blowing conch shells, beating gongs and drums, and ringing bells. They also scatter “Zhilu Bu” (buckwheat popcorn) as offerings, symbolizing sheep and harvest.
The circling starts at dawn and continues around Lugu Lake and its grasslands until evening. Along the way, the colorful procession resembles a vibrant dragon winding through the landscape. Incense smoke rises from the mountains, and pig-trough boats also filled with incense float on the lake. The participants on the lake interact with those on the shore. At midday, when they stop for a picnic, they perform dances, sing mountain and love songs, and hold horse racing and wrestling competitions, with joyful songs, flute music, and laughter echoing through the valleys.
In Muli, the “circling the mountain and lake” activity follows a fixed route according to family customs, usually in a clockwise direction, and on foot. Each family has numerous fixed incense-burning mounds along the route, where they first burn incense and chant. They place various spices, grains, milk, and temple-blessed items on or around the mounds, recite blessings and prayers, and pray for family happiness, children’s health, livestock prosperity, and abundant harvests. The circling can be divided into three types: the large circling (about fifteen days), the medium circling (about nine days), and the small circling (about seven days).
Basic Characteristics
The Lake Circling Festival, an ancient and unique folk festival of the Mosuo people, originated from primitive religion but has evolved into a fixed traditional celebration. It combines rich and unique folk activities with grand rituals to worship natural deities, reflecting the Mosuo people’s love of life, reverence for nature, and their beliefs in enjoying, protecting, and harmonizing with nature.
Lugu LakeMain Values
Cultural Value: The Lake Circling Festival, with its profound cultural connotations and rich folk festival content, offers a precious cultural resource with high preservation and utilization value, characterized by its broad participation, entertainment, display, and viewing aspects.
Social Value: The Lake Circling Festival is a historical testament to the animistic worship of deities, highlighting concepts of harmonious coexistence with nature and environmental protection, making it significant for the transmission of human civilization, ecological protection, and the construction of a harmonious society.
Basic Information
- Chinese Name:宁蒗县普米族吾昔节
- English Name: New Year Festival (Wuxijie) of Pumi Ethnic Minority in Ninglang County, Lijiang
- Location: Ninglang Couty in Lijiang
- Festival Activities: Singing contests, dancing, target shooting, horse racing, wrestling, etc.
- Festival Date: Sixth day of the twelfth lunar month
“Wuxi,” which means “New Year” in the Pumi language, is the most important festival for the Pumi people of Ninglang. It is celebrated on the sixth or seventh day of the twelfth lunar month as New Year’s Eve, with the first day of the new year falling on the eighth day. The duration of the festival varies by location, ranging from three days to half a month.
Historical Development
The Wuxi Festival is not an isolated event among the Pumi people. Its practices can be traced back through Chinese history to rituals performed during the Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, and Han dynasties, specifically to the “Laji” (sacrifices in the twelfth month) and the “Lari” (twelfth month day) observed in the Jingchu region. The festival vividly represents the grand ceremonies associated with the end-of-year sacrifices, with the core theme of the Pumi people’s “New Year offering” centered around “sacrificing to the hundred gods.”
Festival Customs
On New Year’s Eve, families display evergreen pine branches at their doors, altars, and rooftops to symbolize prosperity and longevity. The family gathers around the fire pit to enjoy a reunion dinner, with some family members staying up to keep watch. Before the New Year’s Eve dinner, dogs are fed to commemorate their role in extending human life. According to legend, dogs and humans once had significantly different lifespans, and the exchange of lifespan eventually occurred for mutual survival.
At the dawn of the first day of the new year, as roosters crow, gunfire and horn blowing erupt from villages to announce the arrival of the New Year. Families conduct rituals to pray for peace and good harvests before young men and women rush to the creek for pure water, believing that obtaining water first brings good luck. Families then gather to drink butter tea and eat glutinous rice. If there are teenagers aged thirteen or older in the family, parents will hold elaborate “pants” or “skirt” ceremonies for them.
Traditionally, during the Wuxi Festival, friends and relatives exchange New Year greetings, and villages organize entertainment and sports activities, including singing contests, dancing, target shooting, horse racing, and wrestling. The final day of the festival features the “eating worms” ceremony, where young men and women bring fried snacks to the mountains, enjoying the food together. Each snack consumed symbolizes the elimination of a pest, and finishing the food signifies the eradication of all pests for the year, forecasting an abundant harvest. To ensure livestock prosperity, families also collectively send members to the mountains for grazing, sharing a hearty meal together.
Related Knowledge
The Wuxi Festival is typically celebrated over three uncertain days, falling on the sixth, seventh, and eighth days of the twelfth lunar month. This timing originates from the Pumi people’s interpretations of the movements of celestial bodies. In ancient times, the Pumi ancestors observed the stars to understand the dynamics of day and night, eventually using the 28 lunar mansions along the zodiac and celestial equator as a means to calculate the year’s calendar. The 28 lunar mansions serve as a traditional unit of time calculation for the Pumi, differing slightly regionally, usually determined by observing the “Chuzhi” (the name of a specific star). The day when “Chuzhi” coincides with the moon is considered auspicious, marking the countdown to a new year, with “Chuzhi” being the foremost of the 28 mansions, symbolizing new beginnings.
The Liming Mountain Festival in Ninglang County (宁蒗县) is one of the most important traditional festivals of the Pumi people. It is held grandly on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month every year. It is an important ceremony for the Pumi people to worship the mountain god and pray for blessings. It is also a unique platform for the people to gather, entertain, and pass on their culture.
Festival Preparation and Departure
On the day of the Liming Mountain Festival, the Pumi people gather in groups by village and head to the designated mountain to worship the mountain god. They carefully prepare the items needed for the worship, including Surima wine (苏里玛酒), milk, sacrificial noodles (祭祀面), sacrificial texts (祭文), ceremonial scarves (字巾), and paper streamers (纸幡). These items are not only essential for the worship but also carry the people’s reverence and prayers for the mountain god.
During the journey to the mountain, the participants perform the rituals of “passing through water” and “passing through smoke.” “Passing through water” involves finding a clear spring along the way, washing one’s face and hands, and even drinking a few sips, symbolizing the cleansing of dust and the purification of the body and mind. “Passing through smoke” is the act of lighting incense and using the fragrant smoke to brush over the body, praying for the protection and exorcism of evil spirits by the deities. These rituals reflect the Pumi people’s awe and respect for nature and the divine.
Sacrificial Ceremony
Upon arriving at the mountain, the traditional ceremony begins to pay homage to the Lion Mountain (狮子山), the embodiment of the goddess Ganmu (干木女神). The ceremony is presided over by respected elders, with offerings of pure water, milk, and wine, symbolizing the people’s piety and reverence for the mountain god. During the ceremony, the participants sing ancient sacrificial songs in unison, praying for the mountain god’s blessings for the people’s safety, bountiful harvests, and happiness.
After the sacrificial ceremony, the atmosphere at the venue becomes more lively. The people engage in various sports and cultural activities, such as archery, wrestling, and mountain climbing. These activities not only showcase the bravery and strength of the Pumi people but also add to the festive joy. Young men and women stroll along the Lion Mountain or socialize at the gathering, making new acquaintances and adding a romantic touch to the festival.
Night and Return
As night falls, people camp on the mountain, light bonfires, and gather around to dance and sing, entertaining themselves throughout the night. The firelight illuminates the smiling faces of the people, and their songs and laughter echo through the valleys, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. This unique camping experience brings the people closer to nature and strengthens the emotional bonds among them.
When descending the mountain, the participants sing melodious mountain songs and take a different route back, avoiding the original path. This traditional custom signifies “not retracing one’s steps,” symbolizing the people’s hopes for the future and their positive attitude towards life.
Festival Significance
The Liming Mountain Festival of the Pumi people in Ninglang County is not only a religious festival for worshipping the mountain god and seeking blessings but also an important platform for gathering the community, passing on culture, and fostering emotional connections. Through this festival, the Pumi people express their reverence for nature and the divine, preserve their ancient ethnic culture, and provide opportunities for the younger generation to understand and inherit their traditional culture. With its unique charm, the Liming Mountain Festival has become an integral part of Pumi culture, attracting increasing attention and participation from people.
The Yi New Year (referred to as “Kushijie” in the Yi language) in Ninglang County (宁蒗县) is one of the most important traditional festivals of the Yi people. It usually begins around the 24th day of the 11th lunar month and lasts for three days. The Yi New Year is not only a significant moment for bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, as well as praying for blessings and good fortune, but also an excellent platform for the inheritance and display of Yi culture.
Preparations Before the Festival
Before the festival, the Yi people meticulously prepare various New Year goods, including raising pigs for the New Year, chopping new firewood, grinding buckwheat flour, and making tofu. Every household also cleans their clothes and sweeps their homes to welcome the New Year in a tidy environment. In addition, people prepare specific festival foods, such as “zaga” (扎糕) and “steamed dumplings” (蒸饺), which symbolize a bountiful harvest and happiness for the coming year.
Festival Activities
Ancestral Worship Ceremony
On the first day of the Yi New Year, every household conducts an ancestral worship ceremony. People cut representative pieces of meat from different parts of the New Year pig, roast them in the fireplace, and then place them on a wooden plate. They add salt, insert bamboo skewers, and place a cup of wine in the center. The male head of the household recites prayers in front of the ancestral altar inside the house and under the eaves to honor their ancestors. After the ceremony, the whole family gathers together to enjoy the New Year’s meal and share the joy of reunion.
Traditional Cuisine
The Yi New Year offers a rich variety of delicious foods, including special dishes such as “tuotuorou” (坨坨肉), “pig liver raw” (猪肝生), and “thousand-layer meat” (千张肉). These dishes not only satisfy the taste buds but also symbolize a prosperous and fulfilling life.
Sports and Cultural Activities
During the festival, the Yi people engage in various sports and cultural activities, such as horse racing, wrestling, bullfighting, sheep fighting, and cockfighting. These activities are not only displays of strength and courage but also an integral part of Yi culture. In addition, the bonfire party is an indispensable part of the Yi New Year. People sit around the bonfire, singing and dancing, and celebrating all night long.
Social Activities
During the Yi New Year, people visit each other, exchange gifts, and express their New Year blessings. Middle-aged men visit various households in groups to celebrate the New Year, while women stay at home to entertain visiting relatives and guests. These social activities not only strengthen the bonds between neighbors but also help to preserve Yi traditional culture.
Significance of the Festival
The Yi New Year is not only a crucial time for the Yi people to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, as well as pray for blessings and good fortune, but also an important platform for the inheritance and promotion of Yi culture. Through ancestral worship ceremonies, traditional cuisine, sports and cultural activities, and social interactions, the Yi people express their reverence for their ancestors, awe for nature, and love for life.
The Yi New Year in Ninglang County attracts numerous tourists with its unique charm. If you have the opportunity to participate, you will surely be impressed by the Yi people’s warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions.
Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynnl.gov.cn/newsshow.asp?id=17478
Basic Introduction
Chinese Name:宁蒗县彝族火把节
English Name: Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Ninglang County, Lijiang
Location: Ninglang County, Lijiang
The Torch Festival is a symbol of Yi culture, a celebration of the Yi New Year, and the most important and grandest festival in Yi tradition. It has deep cultural significance and is renowned both domestically and internationally, often referred to as the “Carnival of the East.”
The Yi Torch Festival in Ninglang County is a vibrant and significant celebration for the Yi ethnic group. Celebrated annually, this festival usually takes place in the summer and marks the start of the new harvest season.
During the festival, local communities come together to celebrate with a variety of activities that showcase Yi culture, including traditional music, dance performances, and theatrical plays. The highlight of the event is the lighting of large torches, which are made from local materials, symbolizing the removal of darkness and the welcoming of light and prosperity.
In addition to the festive atmosphere, delicious local foods are enjoyed, and various games and competitions, such as traditional wrestling and archery, are organized. The Yi Torch Festival not only serves as a time for celebration but also strengthens community bonds and promotes cultural heritage, making it an essential event for the Yi people in Ninglang County. This festival has gained recognition far beyond its local roots, drawing visitors from all over who come to witness the rich traditions and lively spirit of the Yi culture.
Activities
The Yi Torch Festival in Ninglang County is a spectacular event filled with a variety of activities that celebrate Yi culture and traditions. Here are some of the key activities typically featured during the festival:
- Torch Lighting Ceremony: The festival kicks off with the lighting of large torches, which are made from local materials. This ritual symbolizes the warding off of evil spirits and the welcoming of blessings and prosperity.
- Traditional Music and Dance: Throughout the festival, there are numerous performances showcasing traditional Yi music and dance. These performances often include vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, and lively choreography, allowing participants to express their cultural heritage.
- Cultural Competitions: Various competitions are held during the festival, such as traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing. These events not only entertain but also reflect the skills and strength of the Yi people.
- Food Festivals: Visitors and locals enjoy an array of delicious Yi cuisine during the festival. Traditional dishes, often made with local ingredients, are served, providing a taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
- Folk Games: The festival features traditional folk games that engage community members and visitors alike. Activities may include tug-of-war, sack races, and other playful competitions that promote camaraderie and fun.
- Cultural Exhibitions: The festival often includes exhibitions showcasing Yi handicrafts, art, and traditional clothing. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural history of the Yi people.
Laodabao and ‘Happy Lahu’
Laodabao Village(老达保寨), located in the southeast of Lincang County, is 42KM from the county. It is a typical Lahu Village with all the 114 families/473 villagers are Lahu People.
Laodabao Village is one of the villages that have inherited the Lahu’s Creation Epic”Mupa Mipa”(《牡帕密帕》) which has been selected as the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage protection list in 2006. As the land of singing and dancing, it is famouse for cappella with rich harmonies and being the hometown of ‘Happy Lahu’. Villagers are very welcoming and will show you their gracious hospttality with songs and drinks once you step into the village.
People in Laodabao can sing and dance, over 200 of them could act on stage. Lahu music and dance performed in Laodabao are of passion and creativeness. Boys around 13 or 14 can play Sheng and perform Lusheng Dance, girls can sing and perform Bai Dance. Singing skills in Laodabao include traditional singing and multi-chorus Christian songs sang in Lahu language. Although there is no formal vocal training, some of the villagers could not even read opern, they can sing in 4 chorus, in the past the polyphonic are sang only in the church, not to be explored for a long time until 2004 national and folk traditional culture survey.
Ya’er Folk Art Troupe’s performances are of traditional Lahu cultural characteristics, as well as the inclusiveness to absorb foreign and contemporary culture. Since 2005, they’ve given performances in different scales of shows.
What to see in Laodabao Village
Laodabao Village, with well-preserved primitive sceneries, is very natural and beautiful. You can peer at their ethnic customs and profound history from their traditional pole and column buildings in the village since it is the village which has preserved the most intact Lahu’s traditional cultures throughout the time. Beyond the beautiful sceneries, ethnic customs and historical cultures, the biggest highlight here is the local people – they can get you away from the daily weariness and troubles by their happy songs and dances, so that to fully appreciate their daily lives and happiness.
The song ‘Happy Lahu’ , with simple melody and light rhythm, is very easy to learn, you can try to sing and dance with local people. Lahu People, no mater men and women, young and old, can both sing and dance very well, they are very good at Lusheng Dance, Baiwu Dance and cappella with rich harmonies while the most stand-out is singing with a guita. Approximately 80% of the villagers can play the guita, the oldest player is over 70 years old while the youngest one is just little kids. Although, they have never been trained, most of them hardly know nothing about the musical notation, they have created many popular songs in the virtue of their enthusiasm towards music and their daily lives. They have wrote nearly 300 songs and the most popular ones include ‘Happy Luhu'(快乐拉祜)，’Truly Love You'(真心爱你) and ‘Happy New Year'(新年在一起), etc. The ‘Happy Luhu’ once helped them gain the reputation of ‘Happy Lahu win the world with only one guita’.
Past, Now and Future
However, Laodabao is a typical remote and poor mountain village in the past. With badly infrustructure, villagers used to walk to contact with the outside, get water from the well, light the nights by oil lamp and yell to exchange messages. Under such a poor production and living condition, the evarage annual income was only 1715 RMB.
In recent years, in the advantage of the abundant Lahu ethnic cultures, Lancang County has designed a characteristic road for Ladaoba-to construct a tourist ethnic village. As one of the villages that have inherited the Lahu’s Creation Epic”Mupa Mipa”(《牡帕密帕》) and the most intact Lahu cultures, most of the villagers are good at singing and dancing, among them includes 6 inheritors of traditional and ethnic cultures. With all these advantages, villagers have established sevaral art troupe such as ‘Laodabao Art Troupe'(老达保雅厄艺术团), ‘Five Bros'(达保五兄弟) and ‘Dabao Sisters'(达保姐妹). They have been invited to perform in many cities at home and abroad, take part in many famous TV Shows including “Meili 12″(魅力12),”Xing Guang Da Dao”(星光大道),”Minge China”(民歌 中国),”I Am Going to the Sping Festival Gala”(我要上春晚) and “Dream Chorus” on China Centrel Television(CCTV), and also join many well-known folk and tourism festivals. With all these efforts, they have brought the Lahu culture to the whole world and make their hometown a popular tourist destination.
In 2003, Ladabao has founded its own perfprmance art company – Lancang Laodabao Happy Lahu Performance Limited Company(澜沧老达保快乐拉祜演艺有限公司). It is the first performance company that founded by local villagers in Puer. Over 200 villagers are performing for the company, and when there is no performance, they spend their time doing farm work. Up to now, over 600 performances have brought an income of 3.32 million yuan and villagers have shared a bonas of 2.26 million yuan, the total tourism revenue reaches 5 million yuan. At the same time, Laodabao has been listed as the core area of the ‘HALEJA Country Music Town’ which was built by the Puer municiple government with a total invest of 5.03 billion yuan. With promising prospect, we believe that Laodabao will get better and better in the future.
Lahu People’s Hand Washing Ceremony
The Hand Washing Ceremony is a traditional greeting of the Lahu people (拉祜族), an ethnic group that has come “out of the gourd.” Whenever a distinguished guest enters a Lahu village or home, the women of the village greet the guest by washing their hands with clean water from a gourd, symbolizing respect and welcome.
![Hand washing ceremony image]
Visit the Heritage Museum and Intangible Cultural Workshops
Along the village roads, visitors can explore the Spinning Top Workshop, Lusheng Workshop, Wood Carving Workshop, and Weaving Workshop, experiencing the traditional Lahu village architecture and lifestyle. Here, you will also discover the unique craftsmanship and daily life of the Lahu people.
![Workshops image]
The Heritage Museum (传承馆) was built in 2010 to preserve traditional farming tools, ethnic culture books, and other artifacts. This museum plays a crucial role in protecting the roots and soul of Lahu culture and records the history of Old Dabo (老达保). The museum underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2024, offering visitors a refreshed sensory experience.
![Museum image]
Folk Experience
Baba (粑粑) represents unity and is an essential part of Lahu culture. To prepare it, glutinous rice is soaked in water for 2-8 hours. Afterward, it is steamed for about 35 minutes. Black and white sesame seeds are roasted and ground, then mixed with the steamed rice, which is pounded into a smooth texture and shaped into small cakes.
![Baba image]
Check-in at the Xiecheng Holiday Farm
The Xiecheng Holiday Farm (携程度假农庄) is integrated with a tea garden and trendy vacation homes. The farm offers a comprehensive range of facilities, including a coffee area, camping, and barbecue spots. Guests can also enjoy traditional Lahu dance and songs around a bonfire, ancient tea roasting methods, and ethnic costume photoshoots, blending modern elements with Lahu culture to enhance the tourist experience.
![Xiecheng Farm image]
Ethnic Song and Dance Performances
The Old Dabo Lahu Ethnic Ecological Live Performance showcases multi-part acapella songs such as “Hunting Song” (打猎歌) and “Four Seasons Tune” (四季调), which bring visitors closer to Lahu traditions. Over time, these songs have evolved to include popular songs like “Tea Respect Song” (敬茶歌), “Wedding Vows” (婚誓), “Happy Lahu” (快乐拉祜), “Reluctantly Leaving” (实在舍不得), and “I Truly Love You” (真心爱你), which are widely sung. The Lahu women’s traditional dance “Bai Dance” (摆舞) debuted at the 2022 Chinese New Year Gala, while the Lahu men’s dance “Lusheng Dance” (芦笙舞) is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.
![Performance image]
Exhibition and Sale of Ethnic Products
The area also hosts an exhibition and sale of Lahu silk weaving, ethnic costumes, bags, traditional handicrafts, wild honey, wood carvings, and ecological tea. This exhibition allows the continuation of traditions and introduces the local ethnic characteristics, culture, and industrial resources to visitors.
![Ethnic products image]
Walking on the Water Scenic Path
The Water Scenic Path (水景观栈道) is located next to the entrance of Old Dabo Village. It features beautiful landscapes where water and nature merge. The 3-kilometer path leads visitors to the highest point, where they can overlook the entire village of Old Dabo.
![Scenic Path image]
Food Square
The Food Square (美食小广场) offers a variety of local delicacies from the Lahu, Dai, and Hani (哈尼族) ethnic groups. You can try over ten types of snacks, such as lemon jelly, smashed chicken feet, grilled skewers, sticky rice, and small pot rice noodles. The flavors are tangy, spicy, and delicious.
![Food Square image]
Dining in Dabo (达保)
- Dabo Naluo Specialty Restaurant, located next to the Old Dabo scenic area, Li Naluo, 18724889195
- Dabo Ozhage Restaurant, within the Old Dabo scenic area, Zhou Gaixiu, 13759039775
- Dabo Farmhouse, beside the Old Dabo scenic area, Wang Jinyan, 15125577324
- Na’er Homestay, next to the Old Dabo scenic water path, Peng Na’er, 15008818456
- Namo Ocuoge Guesthouse, within the Old Dabo scenic area, Li Xiuzhen, 15125584480
- Lancang Ocuo Restaurant, near the Old Dabo scenic entrance, Zhang Zhanu, 18164634088
- Old Dabo Café, within the Old Dabo scenic area, Li Nawa, 17584106537
- Dai Xiangyuan Restaurant, located in Menggen Dazhai, 2.5 km from Old Dabo, Dao Meixian, 15154873223
- Aini Restaurant, located in Menggen Tea Community, 2 km from Old Dabo, Li Azhan, 13759037810
Stay in Dabo (达保)
- Dabo Inn (Food & Lodging), next to the Ozhage Restaurant in Old Dabo scenic area, Zhang Zha, 15987974801
- Na’er Homestay (Food & Lodging), next to the Old Dabo scenic water path, Peng Na’er, 15008818456
- Namo Ocuoge Guesthouse (Food & Lodging), within the Old Dabo scenic area, Li Xiuzhen, 15125584480
- Lahu Yin Su (Food & Lodging), within the Old Dabo scenic area, Li Zhanu, 15925295397
- Yi Yang Zhai Homestay (Lodging Only), within the Old Dabo scenic area, Li Zha Duo, 14787966089
- Xiecheng Holiday Farm · Lancang Old Dabo Joint Store (Food & Lodging), 2.6 km from Old Dabo, Contact: 0879-3066999
- Bobo Inn (Lodging Only), within the Old Dabo scenic area, Zhang Zha Bo, 18387979227
- Ai Zai Old Dabo Homestay (Lodging Only), within the Old Dabo scenic area, Li Nawa, 18287995851
- Dai La Inn (Lodging Only), located in Menggen Dazhai, 2.5 km from Old Dabo, Li Meilan, 14769375587
- Ye Xiang Inn (Lodging Only), located in Menggen Dazhai, 2.5 km from Old Dabo, Ye Xiang, 13769946622
Recommended Routes
Boutique Tourism Route
Jingmai Airport—(30 km)—Lancang County—(42 km)—Old Dabo 4A Scenic Area—(47 km)—Jingmai Mountain Tea Forest Cultural 4A Scenic Area
Travel Tips (Self-Driving)
- Old Dabo 4A Scenic Area: 42 km from the county seat, approximately 60 minutes by car.
- Jingmai Mountain Tea Forest Cultural 4A Scenic Area: 54 km from the county seat, approximately 60 minutes by car; 47 km from Old Dabo, approximately 60 minutes by car.
Friendly Reminder
Some areas and houses in Old Dabo are under renovation for a traditional village project. Visitors are advised to avoid construction zones and to ensure the safety of children and the elderly.
A Paradise for Introverts! The Old Dabo Village Trip
Introverts often face social challenges when traveling, such as avoiding large crowds and minimizing interactions with strangers. However, Old Dabo Village offers the perfect retreat with non-player characters (NPCs) for a more peaceful and quiet experience. Here is a recommended trip for introverts:
Travel Destination: Old Dabo Village
Located in Lancang County, Old Dabo Village is a peaceful border town known for its unique Lahu culture and music. It’s home to ancient tea gardens and handcraft traditions, making it a perfect destination for introverts looking to explore in solitude.
Accommodation Recommendation: HAMUSAI Hotel
Stay at the local HAMUSAI Hotel, where the rooms offer quiet, serene views of the mountains and countryside, ideal for relaxation.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive at Old Dabo Village, check-in at HAMUSAI Hotel, wander around the town center, and enjoy local snacks.
- Day 2: Visit local workshops, experience traditional crafts, and join the “Discovering Heritage Workshop.” Relax by the village river.
- Day 3: Enjoy local music and cultural activities in the evening and a peaceful sunrise walk.
Why is Dandang Lika Mountain So Special?
The main mountain ranges in Nujiang prefecture include Gaoligong mountain, Biluo snow mountain, Yunling mountain and Dandang Lika mountain. The whole mountain range of Dandang Lika is low in the south and high in the north, among which the Nandaiwanglaka(南代王腊卡) is 4,969 meters above sea level, the highest peak in the mountain. The mountain is a place where the primitive natural ecology is well preserved, where biodiversity is concentrated with many kinds of plants.
Where is Dandang Lika Mountain – Location
Located in the Dulong river region on the west of Gaoligong mountain, Dandang Lika Mountain has a total length of 72 kilometers, which is the boundary mountain between the two countries of China and Myanmar, as well as a natural barrier on the border. The western slope belongs to Myanmar, and the eastern slope is located in Gongshan county, Nujiang Prefecture, Yunnan province. It’s more than 90 kilometers from Gongshan county.
Features
Dandang Lika Mountain is composed of ancient metamorphic rocks, with obvious glacial effection and a remnant plateau on the top. It faces off with Gaoligong mountain in the east, clamping the torrent of the Dulong river and running through the whole territory of Dulongjiang township. The climate of Dandang Lika Mountain is warm and cool in the south and cold in the north. The southern part is the vegetation of Lauraceae and banyan while the northern part is the mixed forest of spruce, fir, Yunsong and Parmandii. The ventral zone of the mountain is home to such rare medicinal plants as cordyceps sinensis, coptis chinensis, fritillaria, and blood rattan. In the primeval forest, tigers, leopards, antelope, takin, red panda and other rare animals walks around it.
How to Get there
Tourists can take the shuttle bus to Gongshan county from the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture and then transfer to Dandang Lika Mountain by a local vehicle. For tourists, renting a car to is the best way.
Sanqing Pavilion (三清阁) is perched on the cliff of Luohan Hill, soaring over 300 meters (approximately 984 feet) above Dianchi Lake. Its breathtaking height and unique architectural style give it the appearance of a “castle in the air.” This temple, deeply influenced by Taoism, symbolizes the loftiest stature associated with ‘Sanqing.’ It serves as a remarkable location for temple visits and offers stunning panoramic views of Dianchi Lake.
Kunming Sanqing Pavilion is located in Luohan Mountain (罗汉山) to the south of Taihua Mountain (太华山). Originally a summer resort for King Yuanliang (元梁王), it was reconstructed as Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁) in the early Ming Dynasty. Subsequent constructions included Sanqing Pavilion, Zhenwu Palace (真武殿), Saint Parents Palace (圣父母殿), Datian Pavilion (大天阁), and others, collectively known as “Sanqing Pavilion.” Today, it is a scenic highlight within Longmen Scenic Area (龙门景区).
Architectural Features
Sanqing Pavilion is a unique group of Taoist architectural complexes initially built as a summer palace for King Yuanliang during the Yuan Dynasty. In the early Ming Dynasty, it was remodeled into Yuhuang Pavilion, with most existing structures dating back to the Daoguang (道光) and Guangxu (光绪) eras of the Qing Dynasty. The complex comprises thirteen distinct buildings, including:
- Lingguang Palace (灵官殿)
- Sanfeng Hall (三丰殿)
- Lüzu Hall (吕祖殿)
- Yuan Emperor Hall (元帝殿)
- Zhenwu Hall (真武殿)
- Qizhen Hall (七真殿)
- Doumu Pavilion (斗母阁)
- Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁)
- Feiyun Pavilion (飞云阁)
- Baoyi Palace (抱一宫)
- Zhang Xian Hall (张仙殿)
- Laojun Hall (老君殿)
These buildings are arranged in a tiered fashion along the mountainside, creating a striking visual landscape. From a distance, the structure resembles a nest of swallows or honeycombs, appearing to hang delicately.
Location
Sanqing Pavilion is located in the Luohan Mountain area of Kunming, Yunnan (云南昆明). Initially established as a summer retreat for King Yuanliang during the Yuan Dynasty, it was later converted into Yuhuang Pavilion in the early Ming Dynasty. The additional constructions, including Lingguan Hall, Sanqing Hall, and others, have collectively become known as “Sanqing Pavilion.”
Above Sanqing Pavilion, visitors can find the Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟), which are carved into the sheer cliffs of Luohan Cliff (罗汉崖). These grottoes contain 22 Taoist statues, making them the largest Taoist grotto in all of Yunnan.
Historical Development
Sanqing Pavilion was originally built as a summer retreat for King Yuanliang and evolved into a significant Taoist temple. Over time, it developed into a nine-level, eleven-pavilion structure embedded in the cliff. Visitors ascending from Longmen Village (龙门村) encounter over 1,000 stone steps winding through ancient cypress trees and offering breathtaking views.
Due to its precarious position on a sheer cliff, the buildings rely on hand-hewn stone for stability, with lush greenery against the walls. The design of the pavilions evokes the heavenly abodes of Taoist immortals. The architectural ensemble is complemented by unique stones, natural caves, and clear springs. Among these is the “Filial Cow Spring” (孝牛泉), a site of legend where a butcher’s calf grabbed the knife intended for its mother, leading to a heartfelt act of mercy.
A couplet encapsulating the essence of the site states:
“To be here, one must reach the highest point;
To raise one’s head, one must be above the others.”
这无疑是人生应悟的哲理，但此时也是真实的写照。
Transportation
Visitors can reach the entrance of the scenic area by taking bus route 6 from Liangjiahe (梁家河) or bus route 51 from the Juhua Village (菊花村) bus station. Bus 6 runs every 8 minutes from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM, while bus 51 operates every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
To facilitate tourism in the Xishan Scenic Area, the city’s taxi company has organized a fleet of tour buses that depart from the Central Art Theater (艺术剧院) directly to the Nie Er Cemetery (聂耳墓) within the scenic area, with services every 30 minutes from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Why is Dishuiyan Waterfall So Special?
Dishuiyan waterfall is a natural wonder full of magic colors. The local Dulong people called it “Habayicheng(哈巴依称),” meaning water that falls from the moon. There is the roaring Dulongjiang river on its left and high cliff of a few hundred meters on the right. A huge stream of water pouring out from the sag area of the cliff, falls on the rocks along the Dulongjiang river, splashing water several meters high and directly running in Dulongjiang river, which makes the surroundings foggy and shook the branches of the tree on the other side of the river. The waterfall is about 200 meters high and 17. 8 meters wide, with a flow of 45 cubic meters per second.
Legend about Dishuiyan Waterfall
At about 20 meters to the water hole of Dishuiyan waterfall, there is a big pond, known locally as “eyewash spring”. Lisu and Miao people regard this spring as holy water. They wash their eyes with the water every year for treating eye diseases. Another legend about the custom says that after the creation of the world by the God Ersha(尔萨), seven pairs of people were created every day. At that time, there was a demon named Changwang(昌王), who ate human eyes. All the people created by Ersha became blind. Then, Ersha introduced a stream of fairy water from the river of heaven. When people washed their faces with this fairy water, their eyes would grow again and they would see the light again. This fairy water is the waterfall that flows today.
Surroundings of Dishuiyan Waterfall
There are green mountains and grass around the Dishuiyan waterfall. All kinds of sweet wild fruits are available at hand, with birds singing and butterflies dancing, and from time to time there are groups of monkeys with their children to play here. The wonder of Dishuiyan waterfall is that it never changes its appearance no matter in spring, summer, autumn or winter. All the year round, the water is soaring, the mountain is thundering, and the river valley is echoing.
How to Get there
Tourists can take the shuttle bus to Gongshan from the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. After arriving at Gongshan county, change the local bus getting to the scenic spot.
Why is Lazhudi Village So Special?
The village is rich in tourism resources, with strong regional and distinctive features. There are idyllic landscapes surrounded by canyons and mountains. The surging Nu river and the Lazhudi river flow through the village. The Liusuo(zip-line) and suspension bridge are available for tourists to explore. The village has Lisu farmer four voices chorus which is the combination of western and local cultures.
Where is Lazhudi Village – Location
It is located to the north of Shangpa town(上帕镇), adjacent to Dayou village(达友村) in the east, Fugong county seat in the south, Shidi village(施底村) in the west and Puluo village(普洛村) in the north. Fugong county is located in the middle part of the Nujiang Grand Canyon. Lazhudi village is 4 kilometers away from the county town and Wagong road runs through the village.
Features of Lazhudi Village
The combination of nature and humanity gives unique charm to the landscape and Lazhudi people, which makes the locals brave, hospitable, good at singing and dancing. The folk houses, food, clothing, celebrations, weddings and funerals, ethnic music and dance are all unique in this area including stone wall houses, wooden houses with thousands of feet, wattle house, and featured hand pilaf, roast suckling pig, corn porridge, as well as colorful ethnic costumes. The mysterious primitive religion and the western religious culture together forms rich and colorful national culture here, which is a typical representative place of Lisu culture.
Yudai Yunyou Road of Cangshan (Jade Belt Cloud Wandering Road )
Taking the cableway to Zhonghe Temple, you can see a bluestone road running behind the Zhonghe Temple. Yudai Yunyou Road(玉带云游路), also called Yudai Road, is a sightseeing path of Cangshan, like a jade belt winding the Cangshan Mountain. Yudai Road starts from Taoxi Steam(桃溪) to Qingbi Stream(清碧溪), 16 km long. Travelers can overview the landscape of Erhai Lake and Dali City.
How to get to Yudai Road?
- Walk from the west of Tianlongbabu Film Studio(天龙八部影视城). It takes you about 1 hour to Yudai Road, near Fengyan Cave.
- Take the Gantong Cableway to Qingbi Stream.
- Take Cangshan Cableway and get off in middle station.
Travelers can chose the second way to Yudai Road. It takes less time than first way and less money than the third way.
Main Attractions
Yudai Yunyou Road is the best road for you to discover Cangshan Mountain deeply. Yudai Road is designed for the hikers. Hiking can give you more charming landscape of deep Cangshan Mountain. The main attractions on the Yudai Road are Qingbi Stream(清碧溪), Qilongnv Pond(七龙女池), Fengyan Cave(凤眼洞), Zhonghe Temple(中和寺), Biyu Pool(碧玉潭) and Huanglong Cave(黄龙洞).
Useful Travel Tips
Hiking along the Yudai Road, there is no need to take much food and water since you can buy on the Yudai Road. There is Gantong Teahouse near Qingbi Stream offering the basic food. Zhonghe Temple also offers the vegetarian food for travelers.
Nearby Attractions
Cangshan Mountain, Dali
Gantong Temple, Dali
Zhonghe Temple of Cangshan Mountain in Dali City
About Yuhu Village
The Jade Lake, located in Yuhu village, is a man-made lake dug by Chieftains Mu family before the Ming dynasty in ancient China. Yuhu village is named after the local lake “Jade Lake”. In naxi language, it is called Wuluke (乌鲁可), meaning “the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain”. Yuhu village is also called Xuesong village（雪嵩村） because of the nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Chieftain Mu built the Summer Palace, Yulong Academic School, and deer farm by the lake. The earliest inhabitants in Yuhu village were people who kept deer for the king of Naxi. Naxi folk songs often refer to the Jade Lake and the deer field on the snow mountain. Locke, who first introduced Ljiang to the world, completed many of his works here.
Main Attractions
The snow water is clear with the swaying water grass in the Jade lake, blue sky and white clouds with the tall Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the lake, in which the nature is in the bottom of the lake. This “Jade Lake reflection” is one of the famous “twelve scenes of Yulong County”.
There are hectares of beautiful and endless meadows here around the Jade Lake. Grass and wild flowers are flashing among them in spring and summer, with the fair-sounding music of the cowbell and the shepherds. In the late autumn and winter, the meadow grass turns yellow and the large reeds in the lake are heaving with the wind. At the Jade Lake, there was an orange tree that can fruit sweet as honey fruits every year. People said it was the daughter of the dragon in the heaven, and hence called it the “dragon tree”.
The Former Residence of Joseph Rock
An Austrian-American scholar, Rock who first foreign introduced the Lijiang national culture to the western world, once came and lived here for 27 years in the name of a explorer, writer, and photographer for National geographic. Here also set the headquarters of the National Geographic Society Yunnan Expedition. Visitors here in his former residence can see a collection of his remains, such as the woolen coats, shotguns, dental equipment, carpenters and aluminum leather rivets, from which reflects the livily and mysterious Naxi Dongba culture and the beauty and simplicity of Yuhu village as well as the Jade Lake.
Attraction Transportation
- Visitors can charter a bus direct to the village for 10 Yuan per person for 10 kilometers.
- Visitors can also take the tourists bus at Red Sun Square, get off at the ticket booth of the snow mountain, and then walk to the lake.
- Take the bus to Yufeng Temple, get off at Dongba Divine Yard, and walk towards northeast to Yuhu village.
- Ride bike to the village.
Yuhu village Accommodation
Stay in Yuhu village for overnight is amazing. Although it is a small village situated at the foot of the Jade Dragon Mountain, there are some well-equipped hotels that can meet you needs. Here we recommend best Yuhu village hotels in Lijiang for you, including Yuhu Village 5 Star Hotels, 4 Star Hotels and 3 Star Hotels.
|
Hotel Name |
Hotel Rating |
Add. |
Tel.(+0086) |
|
Villafound Jade(在雪山·丽江墅家玉庐设计师度假酒店) |
5-star |
400m away from Yuzhuqingtian Scenic Area, Yuhu village, Lijiang |
(0888)5347666, 18108882272 |
|
Xinsu Chiliu Snow Mountain Kiss Art Club(心宿·丽江迟留雪山之吻艺术会馆) |
5-star |
500m away from Yuzhuqingtian Scenic Area, Yuhu village, Lijiang |
18869032815 |
|
Gude Club(丽江谷得汇·璞石美宿) |
5-star |
No.5, Group 6, Yuhu village, Lijiang |
0888-5357668 |
|
Yueguangdie Inn(丽江月光蝶客栈) |
4-star |
Yuhu village, Lijiang |
13688771718 |
|
Guangnanyuan Inn(广南院客栈) |
4-star |
Group 9, Xiacun, Yuhu village, Lijiang |
13388889818 |
|
Yuyue Inn(丽江玉岳客栈) |
3-star |
No.20, Group 3, Shangcun, Yuhu village, Lijiang |
0888-5330116 |
Attraction Travel Tips
- Best traveling seasons: summer
- Local special food: Naxi toast Tofu, highland barley wine, roasted whole lamb
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