The Sangzhaoli Festival (桑沼哩节) is a unique traditional festival of the Limi people (俐侎人) in Lincang City (临沧市), Yunnan Province. The name “Sangzhaoli” is derived from the Limi language, meaning “hot spring under the mulberry tree, where people gather to bathe.” This festival, which has a history of over 800 years, is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the second lunar month. The main activities include hot spring bathing, bonfire gatherings, and folk singing.

Festival Activities

During the festival, the Limi people (俐侎人) spend the day bathing in hot springs to wash away bad luck. In the evening, they gather around bonfires to sing traditional mountain songs, connecting emotionally through music. Young men and women engage in singing competitions to find a partner, while the older generations use the occasion to reminisce and offer blessings. The festival is not only a social and romantic occasion but also plays an important role in cultural heritage, often referred to as the Limi people’s Valentine’s Day (俐侎人情人节).

In 2022, the unique customs, costumes, and dances associated with the festival were added to the Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage (云南省非物质文化遗产) list.

Origin and Legend

The festival’s origin can be traced back to an ancient legend of two brothers, Chao Liruo (朝里若) and Chao Laruo (朝拉若), who developed the Wumulong (乌木龙) area. According to the legend, the brothers planted grains that yielded abundant harvests in the area. The brothers used the hot springs to sing songs and eventually married. This ritual of singing in the hot spring and choosing partners was later adopted by their descendants and became a fixed tradition.

The festival today is seen as a symbol of cultural identity for the Limi people.

Sangzhaoli Festival in Detail

Basic Information

Name: Sangzhaoli Festival (Sang Zhaoli) (桑沼哩节)

Meaning: “Hot spring under the mulberry tree, gathering for a bath” (俐侎语音译)

Date: The 15th day of the second lunar month (for 2025, it falls on March 14th), with some activities extending to the 17th

Alternate Name: The Limi people’s Valentine’s Day (俐侎人情人节) or the Eastern Valentine’s Day (东方情人节), serving both as a celebration of romance and a cultural heritage event

Origin and Legend

History: Over 800 years ago, the festival began with the brothers Chao Liruo (朝里若) and Chao Laruo (朝拉若), who developed the Wumulong (乌木龙) area and married through singing in the hot springs.

Key Legend: The brothers’ grain cultivation brought prosperity to the area. The village later adopted the practice of singing in the hot springs to find a spouse, which continues today.

Symbolic Meaning: Bathing in the hot spring is believed to wash away bad luck and bring good fortune to couples.

Main Activities

Traditional Rituals:

Hot Spring Bathing: In the daytime, participants bathe in herbal hot springs to cleanse themselves of bad luck and symbolize the welcoming of a new season.

Bonfire Singing: In the evening, people gather around a bonfire to sing traditional mountain songs. Young men and women use specific melodies to find their ideal partner, while older generations reminisce and offer blessings.

Ceremonial Blessings: A priest leads a ritual to pray for prosperity in the coming year.

Unique Customs:

Marriage and Socializing: Both married and unmarried people can meet with former partners during the festival. Afterward, they return to their normal lives without interference from family.

Traditional Clothing: Participants wear traditional Limi (俐侎) costumes, with women adorned in silver jewelry and men playing the over-mountain horn (过山号) and lusheng (芦笙) (a type of reed pipe).

Modern Extensions of the Festival

Cultural Tourism Festival: The festival now includes additional activities such as ethnic costume shows, farming experiences (like fish-catching competitions), and poultry beauty contests.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Demonstrations: Provincial-level exhibitions showcase traditional dances like the Da Luo Sheng (大锣笙) and Huo Cao (火草) weaving techniques.

Cultural Significance and Preservation

Intangible Heritage Status:

In 2022, the Sangzhaoli Festival (桑沼哩节) was officially included in the Fifth Batch of Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage (云南省第五批省级非物质文化遗产).

Social Functions:

The festival helps maintain the identity of the Limi people (俐侎人), promoting social bonding and traditional values, especially those related to freedom of marriage and cultural exchange among ethnic groups.

Challenges:

Youth Migration: The outflow of young people has made it difficult to preserve traditional skills, but cultural tourism has become a key avenue for protection and sustainability.

Location and Scale

Primary Venue: The festival is mainly held in Wumulong Township (乌木龙乡), Yongde County (永德县), Lincang City (临沧市). The main event takes place at the “Lover’s Valley” hot spring (情人谷温泉).

Visitor Numbers: In 2024, the festival attracted over 50,000 visitors, with 90% of participants being Limi (俐侎人) people.