Lijiang Festivals and Events in January

Lijiang (丽江) hosts a variety of cultural and traditional festivals throughout January, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rich heritage of the region. The Old Town of Lijiang (古城区) will celebrate the First Intangible Cultural Heritage Week (首届古城区非遗文化周), featuring Naxi (纳西族) wedding customs, folk performances, and food festivals. The Chinese New Year Series (春节系列活动) includes song and dance performances and the Dongba (东巴) Blessing Ceremony, providing a festive atmosphere for visitors.

In Yulong County (玉龙县), the Naxi People’s Bamboo Pole Festival (纳西族棒棒会) marks the beginning of spring plowing with traditional trade and folk performances, while Intangible Cultural Heritage Theme Activities (非遗春节主题活动) celebrate Naxi culture.

Hua Ping County (华坪县) hosts events promoting multi-ethnic cultural exchange, including a New Year Cross-Ethnic Celebration (迎新年跨民族联欢) with Lisu (傈僳族) and Yi (彝族) ethnic groups. Finally, the Songping Village Cultural and Arts Festival (松坪乡村文化艺术节) in Yongsheng County (永胜县) offers folk performances from seven ethnic groups, creating a vibrant cultural experience.

The following is a list of festivals and events taking place in Lijiang:

1. Old Town of Lijiang (古城区)

First Intangible Cultural Heritage Week of Old Town (首届古城区非遗文化周)

Date: January 14th – 18th
Activities:

• Intangible Cultural Heritage Spring Festival Gala (January 14th, Yuhe Square (玉河广场))

• Naxi Wedding Customs Experience (January 15th-16th, Dayan Ancient Town (大研古城))

• Naxi Long Street Feast (January 17th, Wenlin Village (文林村))

• Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show (January 18th, Yuhe Square (玉河广场))

• “One Shop, One Taste” Food Festival (January 14th-18th, 27 participating merchants)

Chinese New Year Series Activities (春节系列活动)

Date: January 29th – February 4th
Activities:

• Song and Dance Performance at Yuhe Square (玉河广场) (Daily from 19:30 to 20:30)

• Bonfire Dance at Sifang Street (四方街) (Daily from 19:00 to 20:30)

• Dongba Blessing Ceremony (February 2nd, 10:00-12:00)

2. Yulong County (玉龙县)

Naxi People’s Bamboo Pole Festival (纳西族棒棒会)

Date: 15th day of the Lunar New Year (February 12th)
Location: Baisha Village (白沙村)
Activities: Traditional agricultural tool trade and folk performances, marking the start of spring plowing.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Chinese New Year Theme Activities (非遗春节主题活动)

Date: January 10th – March 10th
Activities:

• Naxi Ancient Music Performance (纳西古乐展演)

• Dongba Culture Experience (东巴文化体验)

• Live-streaming Events

3. Hua Ping County (华坪县)

Ethnic Unity and Progress Propaganda Month (民族团结进步宣传月)

Date: January
Activities: “Five Ones” promotional activities to promote multi-ethnic cultural exchange.

New Year Cross-Ethnic Celebration (迎新年跨民族联欢)

Date: January 1st
Activities: Local Lisu Ethnic Group (傈僳族) and Yi Ethnic Group (彝族) celebrate the new year together with visitors from Sichuan.

4. Yongsheng County (永胜县)

Songping Village Cultural and Arts Festival (松坪乡村文化艺术节)

Date: February 4th (6th day of the Lunar New Year)
Activities: Folk song and dance performances by seven ethnic groups, including Lisu (傈僳族) and Pumi (普米族), creating a festive atmosphere.

Note:

• For festivals such as the Bamboo Pole Festival (棒棒会), pay attention to the conversion between Lunar and Gregorian dates.

• Some events, like the Intangible Cultural Heritage Week (非遗文化周), may require reservations in advance for the experience activities.

Here is the table format for the festivals and events in Lijiang:

This table summarizes the various festivals and events in Lijiang for January, along with their dates and activities.