Shuahaihui Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali

Chinese Name:大理白族耍海会/捞尸会
English Name: Shuahaihui Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Dali

The Shuahaihui Festival (耍海会), also known as the “Dragon Boat Festival” or “Corpse Salvage Festival” (捞尸会), is a traditional Bai ethnic celebration held annually along the shores of Erhai Lake (洱海) in Dali. The festival takes place on the 8th day of the 8th lunar month and features a combination of religious rituals, folk customs, and cultural performances. The festival’s origins are rooted in local legends and has evolved into a lively and colorful event, attracting both locals and tourists.

Date and Location

• Time: Every year, on the 8th day of the 8th lunar month (in 2025, this will fall in mid-August).

• Location: Held along the shores of Erhai Lake (洱海) in Dali (大理), especially in the areas of Dengchuan, Shangguan, Xizhou, Dali, and Xiaguan.

Core Activities

Dragon Boat Races

One of the highlights of the Shuahaihui Festival is the dragon boat races. The dragon boats are typically made from large wooden boats sourced from Erhai Lake and are decorated with vibrant colors, red and green sails, and colorful flags. The boats are adorned with painted images of the Yellow Dragon (黄龙) and Black Dragon (黑龙), and mirrors are embedded in the boats to symbolize protection from evil spirits. The race is marked by drumbeats, the “Da Ben Qu” (大本曲) song, and festive dance performances such as the “Whip Dance” (霸王鞭舞).

The race involves several villages competing to see who can navigate around a buoy in the center of the lake and return to the shore first. The winning team is celebrated as the champion, and crowds gather on the shores to cheer and support the boats.

Colorful Boat Parades and Song Contests

In addition to the dragon boat races, the festival includes boat parades and song contests. Villagers decorate their boats with colorful paints, and participants sing traditional folk songs, competing in a lively singing match called the “Shansheng Ge” (山歌对调子). These activities last for three to five days, and locals dress in their best ethnic costumes, much like the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Traditional and Modern Rituals

• Religious Rituals: The festival includes sacrificial offerings to the Erhai Lake God (洱海神), a tradition rooted in the worship of local deities, especially the Dragon God. The worship is believed to ensure a good harvest and the safety of the community.

• Dancing and Music: Local performers dance the Cranes Dance (仙鹤舞), play traditional instruments like the suona (唢呐), and participate in the Whip Dance (霸王鞭舞), while singing the “Da Ben Qu” (大本曲) tune.

Historical Origins

The Shuahaihui Festival dates back to the Nanzhao (南诏) and Dali Kingdom (大理国) periods, where it began as a religious and cultural event associated with the worship of dragons and the protection of local people. The festival was initially linked to the story of Duang Chicheng (段赤诚), a local hero who fought a dangerous snake that had been terrorizing the region. The hero’s bravery is honored each year during the festival.

As tourism in the region grew, the festival expanded, attracting visitors from across China and overseas. The combination of traditional customs with modern tourism has made the festival a significant cultural event in Dali, showcasing the Bai people’s rich cultural heritage.

Cultural Legends Behind the Festival

The festival is steeped in three main legends:

1. The Rescue of Lady Bai Jie: The festival is said to commemorate the corpse recovery of Lady Bai Jie, a noblewoman who drowned in the Miju River (弥苴河) during the Nanzhao period.

2. The Martyrdom of Bai Jie Sheng Fei: Another story revolves around the wife of Pi Luo Deng (皮逻邓), Bai Jie Sheng Fei, who sacrificed herself by jumping into the sea in honor of her husband. The people of Dali commemorate her sacrifice during the festival.

3. The Heroic Victory Over the Snake by Duang Chicheng: This legend involves Duang Chicheng, a local hero who fought a dangerous snake in Erhai Lake to save the people. The people celebrated his bravery by building a stupa and continuing the tradition of rescuing his remains each year, which evolved into the Shuahaihui Festival.

Cultural Significance

Symbolism of the Festival

The Shuahaihui Festival is a fusion of religious worship and folk entertainment, reflecting the Bai people’s deep respect for their ancestors and nature. The dragon boats symbolize strength and unity, while the whip dance and cranes dance showcase the vibrancy of the Bai ethnic culture.

The Connection to Bai Spirituality

The festival honors three major Bai deities: Jianguo Huangdi (建国皇帝), Bao’an Huangdi (保安皇帝), and the Spirit of Duang Chicheng, who are considered the “Three Spirits” (三灵) of the Bai people. These figures are worshiped for their heroism, wisdom, and connection to the natural world.

Festival Evolution

The Shuahaihui Festival has evolved over the centuries from a religious ritual to a folk celebration that is now part of Dali’s tourism offerings. Initially limited to Bai communities, the festival now attracts visitors from all over the world, contributing to the growing popularity of Dali as a tourist destination. The event has become an important cultural showcase for Bai traditions, with its dragon boat races, folk songs, and colorful parades.

Practical Information

Getting There

• Transportation: The festival takes place along the shores of Erhai Lake (洱海), near the towns of Dali (大理), Xiaguan (下关), and Xizhou (喜洲). Visitors can reach the event by car, bus, or boat from Dali city (大理市), which is about 1.5 hours away.

Best Time to Visit

• Timing: The festival is held annually during the 8th day of the 8th lunar month, usually falling in mid-August. It lasts for three to five days, depending on the area.

Tips for Attendees

• Weather: The festival occurs during the summer, so visitors should expect warm weather. It’s recommended to bring comfortable clothing and sunscreen.

• Respect Traditions: Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, especially during the religious rituals and cultural performances.

The Shuahaihui Festival offers a fascinating insight into the Bai ethnic culture, combining history, mythology, and vibrant celebrations. Whether you’re racing in the dragon boat races, enjoying the folk songs, or witnessing the colorful boat parades, the festival is a unique cultural experience that reflects the deep traditions and community spirit of the Bai people in Dali.