Mazhiwu Baluo Village of Dongshan Town in Yongsheng County, Lijiang

Plan your Lijiang Ethnic Villages Tour to Lijiang? Visit Mazhiwu Baluo Village of Dongshan Town in Yongsheng County, Lijiang which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Lijiang. Mazhiwu Baluoluo Village (妈知务岜啰村) is located in Hedong Village Committee (河东村委会), Dongshan Township (东山乡), Yongsheng County (永胜县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province. It is a village rich in natural resources and unique ethnic culture. Dongshan Township is situated in the eastern part of Yongsheng County, boasting a good ecological environment and a variety of agricultural products.

Mazhiwu Baluo Village: A Hidden Gem

Mazhiwu Baluo Village (妈知务岜啰村) is located in Hedong Village Committee (河东村委会), Dongshan Township, Yongsheng County. The village is perched on the eastern bank of the Jinsha River, directly across from Qikushu Village (七棵树村) in Tiesuo Town, Dali County (大姚县). To the south, it borders Ludila Town (鲁地拉镇) (formerly Dongfeng Lisu Township), and to the north, it connects with Dongjiang Village (东江村) within the same township.

According to the Yongsheng County Place Name Dictionary (永胜县地名志), the names “Mazhiwu” and “Baluo” are derived from the Lisu language. “Mazhiwu” is named after a mountain ridge covered with bamboo, while “Baluo” refers to a valley in a landslide area. The village consists of 54 households with 192 people, with Baluo Village alone housing 17 households and 57 individuals, all of whom are from the Lisu ethnic group.

In the 1990s, the discovery of the Jinsha River Lisu Rock Paintings (金沙江岩画) in Mazhiwu Baluo Village brought it international attention, and in 2014, it was listed as one of China’s Traditional Villages.

The Jinsha River Lisu Rock Paintings

The most famous historical site in Dongshan Lisu and Yi Ethnic Township is the Jinsha River Lisu Rock Paintings found in Mazhiwu Baluo Village. The paintings are located on a cliff cave on the eastern bank of the Jinsha River, specifically in the upper part of Baluo Village, in an area known as “Binzaluo” (彬喳落) in the Lisu language, meaning “a valley with flowing spring water.”

These ancient rock paintings span a height of about 5 meters and extend approximately 30 meters in length. The artwork is divided into three layers:

• The upper layer represents celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, and stars.

• The middle layer depicts human activities.

• The lower layer portrays scenes of both joy and sorrow, with a focus on ancient rituals and daily life.

Within the cave, there is space for several hundred people, with evidence of smoke stains around the entrance and signs of ancient ceremonial activities. This cave is believed to have been used for sacrificial rituals.

The discovery of these rock paintings is significant for the study of the Three Parallel Rivers region (三江并流), which includes the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nujiang rivers. This area was a major migration route for the Qiang and Rong ethnic groups from the Ganqing River and Huaxi regions during the Neolithic period and the Warring States period. It is also a critical region for the study of cultural exchange among various ethnic groups. The findings at the Jinsha River Lisu rock paintings offer invaluable insights into the integration of ancient cultures, economic activities, and the natural environment of the area.

Importance of the Jinsha River Lisu Rock Paintings

The rock paintings found in Mazhiwu Baluo Village are crucial for understanding the multi-ethnic cultural interactions and the development of ancient economies in the Three Parallel Rivers region. They represent an important cultural and historical milestone that provides a glimpse into the ancient lives and beliefs of the Lisu people. These paintings are not only an artistic representation of early human life but also serve as a living record of the region’s ancient societies.

This discovery enriches our understanding of the area's historical and cultural layers and serves as a vital part of the study of Yunnan's ethnic diversity and the intersection of various ancient civilizations.

Visiting Mazhiwu Baluo Village

For those interested in experiencing the cultural and natural beauty of the region, Mazhiwu Baluo Village offers a unique opportunity to witness both the traditional lifestyle of the Lisu people and the ancient art of rock paintings. The village is accessible by car, and the area is an important stop for those exploring the cultural heritage and natural wonders of Lijiang and Yongsheng County.

By visiting, tourists can gain a deeper appreciation for the Lisu people’s rich cultural heritage, as well as the significance of the Jinsha River and its surrounding areas in the broader context of ancient civilizations and natural preservation.

Introduction to the Lisu Ethnic Group

The Lisu people are an indigenous ethnic group unique to Yunnan and are one of the 16 trans-border ethnic groups in the province. With around 700,000 Lisu people living in Yunnan, the largest population resides in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. Lijiang is home to about 120,000 Lisu people, making it the second-largest settlement area for this ethnic group in the province. In Yongsheng County, there are over 50,000 Lisu people, mainly settled in towns such as Songping, Guanghua, Liude, Dongshan, and Ludila. Dongshan Lisu and Yi Ethnic Township is located in the southeast of Yongsheng County, with an area of 379.2 square kilometers and a population of 7,921 people across 42 village committees and 70 natural villages, with Lisu and Yi people comprising over 97% of the population.

Features and Culture

Natural Landscape

Mazhiwu Baluo Village is enveloped by breathtaking natural scenery, abundant forest resources, and fresh air. The area is known for its harmonious blend of nature and cultural heritage.

Ethnic Culture

The village preserves the traditional culture of the Lisu and Yi ethnic groups, reflected in their unique clothing, language, and customs. The Lisu people’s rich culture is visible in their traditional festivals, folk music, dance, and daily practices.

Agricultural Products

The village’s agricultural products include rambutan, celery, potatoes, millet, and corn, benefiting from the fertile lands and favorable climate.

Tourism and Transportation

Transportation

Mazhiwu Baluo Village is located about 30 kilometers from Yongsheng County, making it easily accessible by car or local public transport.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Yongsheng County is home to several popular tourist attractions, such as Guanyin Qing (观音箐), Mao’s Ancestral Hall (毛氏宗祠), and Lingyuan Guanyin Temple (灵源观音寺). These sites offer a combination of natural beauty and historical significance.

Local Specialties

• Yongsheng Bean Skin (永胜豆皮): Known for its paper-thin texture, smooth color, and spicy flavor, this is a local delicacy.

• Chenghai Spirulina (程海螺旋藻): A highly nutritious specialty from Chenghai Lake.

• Sanchuan Ham (三川火腿): Famous for its unique curing process and delightful taste, this ham is produced in Sanchuan Dam.

Mazhiwu Baluo Village, with its exceptional geographical location, natural resources, and ethnic culture, has become an ideal destination for those wanting to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Yongsheng County.

Lisu Traditional Textiles

The Lisu people in Yongsheng are known for their unique firegrass cloth products. These fabrics come in two main types:

1. Blended Firegrass Cloth: Made with firegrass in the weft yarn and hemp or cotton in the warp, this fabric is durable, breathable, and retains warmth in winter and coolness in summer.

2. Pure Firegrass Cloth: Both the warp and weft yarns are made from firegrass. Though softer and more comfortable, it is less durable and requires careful washing.

The Lisu people’s traditional attire has been recognized as part of Yunnan’s intangible cultural heritage. Notable inheritors of this art include Zhu Guiying, Hu Xiumei, Gu Jinying, and Yang Xiaofeng.

Lisu Calendar and "Kuoshi Festival"

The Lisu people have their own calendar, which reflects their agricultural practices and the natural changes in the environment. Before the widespread adoption of the Gregorian calendar, the Lisu people in remote mountain valleys used the changing of flowers and birds as indicators to determine the farming seasons. This calendar, known as the "Flower-Bird Calendar," divides the year into 10 months and starts with the third lunar month. Each month has its own name, corresponding to significant natural phenomena and agricultural activities.

The Lisu people's most important traditional festival is the Kuoshi Festival, which celebrates the beginning of the new year. Since the Lisu people traditionally observed natural signs to determine the date, there was no fixed date for the festival. However, in December 1993, the government of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture decided that the festival would be celebrated annually from December 20 to 22. During the festival, the Lisu people make homemade liquor, slaughter chickens and pigs, prepare various foods, and share a reunion meal on New Year’s Eve. Activities include singing, dancing, swinging, and crossbow competitions.

Dongshan Lisu and Yi Ethnic Township

Dongshan Lisu and Yi Ethnic Township is located on the eastern bank of the Jinsha River (金沙江). The area is characterized by high mountains, steep slopes, and deep valleys, with an elevation range from 1,100 meters to 3,390 meters. The region’s topography creates a diverse climate, ideal for different agricultural products. The township has developed a variety of industries based on its geography, including the cultivation of Chinese herbs, walnuts, and peppers in the high-altitude cool regions, and the breeding of livestock such as black goats and ecological pigs in the lower-altitude areas.

The most famous cultural site in the area is the Jinsha River Lisu Rock Paintings (金沙江傈僳族岩画), located in Mazhiwu Baluo Village. These ancient paintings, found on cliffs on the eastern bank of the Jinsha River, offer a glimpse into the early history of the Lisu people. The paintings depict scenes of human activities such as dancing, horseback riding, and games. Some patterns also include representations of shelters and fences, suggesting that these rock paintings were created by the Lisu people after they settled down from their nomadic lifestyle.

The discovery of these rock paintings is significant for the study of the cultural exchange and integration in the Three Parallel Rivers region (三江并流), where the Jinsha River, Lancang River, and Nujiang River converge. The rock art is believed to have been created during the late Neolithic period or later and features a variety of colors including white, red, and black, with handprints found on the walls.

Visiting Mazhiwu Baluo Village

Visitors can reach Mazhiwu Baluo Village by two routes:

1. By Car: Start from Yongsheng County, travel through Liude Township and Renhe Town, and then drive 86 km to Dongshan Township, followed by a 29 km drive to Baluo Village.

2. By Boat: Take a boat from Renhe Town, traveling 30 km upstream along the Jinsha River to the riverside village of Mazhiwu Baluo.

For a deeper cultural experience, hiking to the rock painting site will provide a panoramic view of the river valley and allow visitors to immerse themselves in the ancient history of the region.