Dali Festivals and Events in January

Dali (大理), located in Yunnan Province (云南省), is known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant traditional festivals. In January, the region hosts a variety of celebrations that showcase the unique customs of its local ethnic groups.

Key events include the Chinese New Year (春节), featuring family gatherings, folk performances, and traditional rituals across the region. Additionally, the Pilgrimage Festival (朝山会) in Binchuan County (宾川县) and Weishan County (巍山县) offers spiritual activities such as prayers and folk exhibitions.

Dali City (大理市) also hosts a number of distinctive events like the Children’s Spring Festival Gala (“苍洱童梦·艺润新春”) and Shuanglang Town (双廊镇)’s Spring Festival Folk Activities, which include Bai Ethnic Group (白族) songs, dances, and ceremonies. Special festivals in other counties, such as Yangbi County (漾濞县)’s Ani Me Festival (阿尼么节) and Xiangyun County (祥云县)’s Mute Festival (哑巴会), further add to the cultural richness of the month.

These events not only celebrate the local traditions but also provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the diverse customs, music, and cuisine of the region. Whether you’re hiking the scenic mountains of Weishan (巍山) or enjoying a Dragon Dance (舞龙) in Weibaoshan Scenic Area (巍宝山景区), January in Dali is a vibrant time to immerse in Yunnan’s cultural heritage.

1. Regional Traditional Festivals

Chinese New Year (春节)

Date: January 29th – February 4th

Activities: Traditional celebrations across the entire region, including family reunions and folk performances.

Pilgrimage Festival (朝山会)

Date: January 29th – February 12th (1st to 15th day of the Lunar New Year)

Location: Binchuan County (宾川鸡足山), Weishan County (巍山)

Activities: Pilgrimage, prayer for blessings, and folk performance exhibitions.

Kegen Festival (葛根会)

Date: January 31st (5th day of the Lunar New Year)

Location: Dali Three Pagodas Scenic Area (大理三塔景区)

Activities: Kegen food exhibition and sale, sightseeing at the Three Pagodas.

2. County-Specific Events

(A) Dali City (大理市)

“Cang’er Tongmeng·Art Enriching the New Year” Children’s Spring Festival Gala

Date: January 20th – 24th

Location: Haidong Grand Theatre (海东大剧院)

Activities: Children’s arts performance and art achievements showcase.

Shuanglang Town (双廊镇) Spring Festival Folk Activities

Date: Late January

Location: Shuanglang Village (双廊村) Theatre and Benzhumu Temple (本主庙)

Activities: Bai Ethnic Group (白族) songs and dances, bonfire party, and the Benzhumu Ceremony (接本主仪式).

Intangible Cultural Heritage Market (非遗集市)

Date: February 11th (14th day of the Lunar New Year)

Location: Xizhou Town (喜洲镇), Zhoucheng Village (周城村), Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum (璞真扎染博物馆)

Activities: Experience traditional Tie-dye (扎染) and other intangible cultural heritage crafts.

(B) Yangbi County (漾濞县)

Ani Me (阿尼么) Spring Festival Series

Date: January 28th – February 6th

Location: Pingpo Town (平坡镇), Xiangyang Village (向阳村), Ani Me Village (阿尼么村)

Activities: Yi Ethnic Group (彝族) family reunion meals, dancing, Dadao Dance (大刀舞), and exhibitions of intangible cultural heritage.

(C) Xiangyun County (祥云县)

Mute Festival (哑巴会)

Date: January 30th (8th day of the Lunar New Year)

Location: Yi ethnic communities

Activities: Rituals for driving away evil and praying for blessings.

(D) Weishan County (巍山县)

Dragon Dance Performance (舞龙展演)

Date: January 30th

Location: Nanzhao Cultural Square (南诏文化广场) to Gongchen Tower (拱辰楼)

Activities: Traditional dragon dance parade.

Weibaoshan Mountain (巍宝山) Hiking

Date: January 30th – February 1st

Location: Weibaoshan Scenic Area (巍宝山景区)

Activities: New Year hiking for blessings.

(E) Jianchuan County (剑川县)

Qing Guniang Festival (青姑娘节)

Date: January 31st (15th day of the Lunar New Year)

Activities: Women’s sacrificial rituals.

3. Other Activities

Erhai County (洱源县) Bathing Festival

Date: January until the Beginning of Summer

Activities: Hot spring bathing for blessings.

Midu County (弥渡县) Lantern Festival (花灯会)

Date: January 31st (Lantern Festival)

Activities: A grand flower lantern dance and song celebration.

Here’s the table format for the festivals and events in January in Dali:

Note: Some event dates may change, and it is advised to follow official announcements from the respective counties and cities.