Lashiluo Village of Tacheng Town in Yulong County, Lijiang

La Shi Luo Village (拉市落村) is an administrative village located in Tacheng Township (塔城乡), Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province. It lies at an elevation of 2,402 meters, similar to the elevation of the famous Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城). The village is known for its unique blend of Naxi (纳西族) and Tibetan (藏族) cultures, with a rich history rooted in both communities. It is particularly famous as the home of the Le Ba Dance (勒巴舞), a traditional dance that combines elements of both Naxi and Tibetan art forms.

Cultural Significance

La Shi Luo Village is considered the heart of Le Ba Dance, a traditional Naxi and Tibetan folk dance. This dance, which features movements symbolizing animals and elements from daily life, includes dances such as the Tiger Dance, Dragon Dance, and Monkey Dance. The village is home to the renowned dance experts, Li Wenxian (李文先) and his brother Li Wenyi (李文义), who have made significant contributions to preserving and passing on the dance tradition. At the age of five, Chen Sican (陈四才), the grandson of Li Wenxian, was taught Le Ba Dance by his grandfather, mastering all 70-80 dance forms, which range from symbolic dances to representations of local animals like frogs and mosquitoes.

Dance and Festivals

The village also celebrates the Duo Chong Dance (朵翀), an ancient Tibetan dance that is preserved in La Shi Luo Village. The dance and songs are tied to the legend of Sakya Monastery (桑耶寺), one of Tibet's most important religious sites. According to local lore, the performance of the Duo Chong Dance in the village is even more complete than in Tibetan areas. Both the Le Ba Dance and Duo Chong Dance have been recognized as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Yunnan Province.

Local Flora and Mineral Springs

Peonies have a long history in La Shi Luo Village, and the villagers have been cultivating them for generations. Local farmer Bo Di has played a significant role in growing peonies and introducing varieties from Luoyang (洛阳), which have thrived in the village’s climate. The surrounding area is lush and green, with dense forests and pristine ecological conditions. The village also features alkaline spring water, known as Chu Ji (初吉) in the Naxi language. Villagers traditionally used to visit the spring, where they would collect water, bathe, and cook food. Today, they transport the water by motorcycle due to fire restrictions in the forested areas.

Community Life and Traditions

Festivals and Celebrations

• Torch Festival (火把节) and New Year Celebrations: The village celebrates the Torch Festival and the New Year with music, dance, and traditional foods. During these times, the community comes together to enjoy Naxi and Tibetan folk songs and dances.

• Kuo Shi Festival (阔时节): Held from the 5th day of the 12th lunar month to the 10th day of the first lunar month, the villagers celebrate the "Year Beginning" with traditional dishes, including sticky rice cakes (糯米粑) and homemade rice wine, wishing for a fruitful new year.

• Local Dances: The villagers perform vibrant traditional dances, including those mimicking animal behaviors such as the Chicken Eating Dance, Monkey Scratching Dance, and the Bird King Dance. The dances also include ones reflecting labor activities like the Production Dance and Autumn Harvest Dance.

Evening Performances and Music

As evening falls, the village comes alive with music and dancing. The villagers sing and dance around the fire pit (火塘) while sharing stories and songs. One highlight is Dong Ba Yang Chengsheng (东巴杨诚晟), a local Dong Ba priest from Shu Ming Village (署明村), who sings the popular folk tune "Wel Weq" (wel weq), a signature style of Badian (巴甸) and Shu Ming villagers.

In 1989, Yang Fuquan (杨福泉) recorded the famous female singer He Xue Huang (和学璜) singing the same tune, reminiscing about the rich cultural connections between these villages over the years.

Location and Transportation

Tacheng Township, where La Shi Luo Village is situated, is conveniently located close to Lijiang city, just about 8 kilometers from the urban center. The following transport options are available to reach the village from Lijiang city:

• Public Transport: Take a passenger vehicle from Zhongyi Farmers' Market (中义农贸市场). Vehicles marked with "Hai Bei" (海北) or "Hai Nan" (海南) will take you to La Shi Luo Village.

• Taxi: A taxi ride to La Shi Luo Village costs around 15 yuan for a one-way trip, with a full-day chartered taxi costing about 100 yuan per day.

Cultural and Natural Attractions

La Shi Hai Wetland (拉市海)

Located near La Shi Luo Village, La Shi Hai is the first wetland nature reserve in Yunnan Province. It serves as an international park and provides a haven for thousands of migratory birds, making it a perfect destination for birdwatching.

Hua Hua Se Rose Manor (花花色玫瑰庄园)

Situated in Jun Liang Village (均良村), this manor combines leisure activities and sightseeing with the culture of the Naxi people. It is a great place to explore local traditions while enjoying the scenic beauty.

Lijiang Ruixiang Agricultural Park (丽江瑞祥农业公园)

This agricultural park is known for its cultivation of Lijiang Snow Peaches (丽江雪桃). Visitors can enjoy the park’s beautiful landscape, pick fresh peaches, and engage in leisure activities.

Local Specialties

• Lijiang Snow Peaches (丽江雪桃): Known for their exceptional taste, Lijiang Snow Peaches are a local specialty in Tacheng Township.

• Cherries (车厘子): Tacheng Township also grows a variety of cherries, which are a popular economic crop.

• Traditional Naxi Cuisine: Visitors can enjoy authentic Naxi dishes such as home-cooked meals and local barbecue.

Accommodation

• Yi Qin He Guesthouse (一琴和客栈): This guesthouse, the first of its kind to be recognized as a “Three-Star Characteristic Folk House Guesthouse” in Yulong County, offers visitors an immersive experience in traditional Naxi culture, featuring architecture and accommodations that reflect local customs.

• Farmhouse Stays: In addition to guesthouses, visitors can opt for local farmhouses, where they can experience rural life firsthand and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.