Lijiazhai Village of Yilong Town in Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture

?️ Overview of Lijiazhai Village (李家寨村)

Lijiazhai Village (李家寨村), located in Yilong Town (异龙镇), Shiping County (石屏县), traces its origins to 1951 when administrative adjustments reshaped the area. Over time, it was known by different names such as Caiying Commune and Lijiazhai Brigade, before officially becoming a village committee in 1988.

As part of Shiping—celebrated as a “land of literature and culture” (文献名邦)—the village blends Han traditions with Huayao Yi (花腰彝) influences. Once situated along the Tea-Horse Road, it has witnessed centuries of trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Remnants from the Nanzhao Kingdom era (南诏) in the surrounding area further highlight its millennia-old heritage.

? Culinary Culture

Tofu Heritage

Shiping Tofu (石屏豆腐), made using brine from ancient wells, is the cornerstone of local cuisine. With centuries-old techniques, it has inspired sayings such as: “Tofu is not just a dish—without it, the table feels incomplete.” Popular dishes include tofu casserole with fish, grilled fresh tofu, alongside regional specialties like Qingmian sheep (青绵羊), bayberries, and citrus fruits.

Food as Experience

Visitors can join tofu-making workshops, tasting delicacies that reflect both Han and Yi dining traditions.

? Costumes & Handicrafts

Huayao Yi Attire (花腰彝服饰)

The Huayao Yi style is characterized by bold black, red, and yellow patchwork, decorated with bead strings, sashes, and embroidered shawls featuring the horse chestnut flower (马缨花)—a motif symbolizing ancestral blessings and nature worship.

Traditional Handicrafts

Notable crafts include Wutong silver inlay (乌铜走银) and Yi embroidery, employing six techniques such as flat stitch and knot stitch. Paper-cutting and textile workshops allow visitors to create souvenirs inspired by floral and animal totems.

? Customs & Traditions

• Haicai Tune (海菜腔): A nationally recognized high-pitched folk song, full of cultural depth.

• Cigarette-Box Dance (烟盒舞): A lively folk performance often showcased at festivals.

• Divine Turtle Worship (神龟传说): Rooted in well worship, this ritual reinforces community cohesion and cultural memory.

These living traditions offer immersive opportunities for cultural participation.

? Architectural Heritage

Lishi Ancestral Hall (李氏宗祠)

Built in 1887 and now a county-level protected site, this ancestral hall embodies the artistry of southern Yunnan. Its design includes flying eaves, carved wooden beams, and motifs of dragons and phoenixes, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

The broader village architecture reflects Ming and Qing-era Yunnan residences, seamlessly integrated with surrounding farmland and lakeside scenery.

? Festivals & Celebrations

• Torch Festival (火把节): The Yi people’s most significant celebration, featuring bonfire gatherings, the Datih Dance, and the women’s dragon dance team.

• Lotus Festival at Yilong Lake (异龙湖荷花节): Each summer, lotus blossoms blanket the lake. Activities combine lotus-viewing boat rides, folk song exchanges, and tofu tastings.

? Religion & Language

The local belief system blends Han Confucian traditions (e.g., worship at Confucian temples) with Yi natural and ancestral worship.

• Language: Mandarin is the primary medium of daily communication, while Huayao Yi songs preserve linguistic heritage in rituals and performances.

? Travel Experiences

Cultural Immersion

• Participate in the Torch Festival bonfire party, learn the Cigarette-Box Dance and experience Haicai folk singing.

• Visit the Lishi Ancestral Hall (李氏宗祠) to admire exquisite woodcarvings.

Culinary & Handcraft

• Join a tofu-making workshop, taste tofu casserole with fish.

• Try a paper-cutting or embroidery session, creating your own horse chestnut flower (马缨花) motif.

Nature & Exploration

• Take a boat trip on Yilong Lake (异龙湖), enjoy lotus flowers and bird-watching.

• Hike Qianyang Mountain (乾阳山) for panoramic views of the village and lake.