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Yu Meng(玉勐), born in 1957, is a Dai pottery artisan from Mandou Village (曼斗村), Jinhong Subdistrict Office (景洪市街道办事处), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). As a national inheritor of China’s intangible cultural heritage for Dai slow-wheel pottery, she began learning the craft in childhood and started independent production in 1985. Her works include traditional Dai household items and Buddhist ceremonial objects, such as earthen pots, clay kettles, and water jars. These pieces, deeply rooted in ethnic traditions, are highly sought after by local communities.
Trained by her mother, Yu Xiangshuai (玉香甩), and mentored by veteran Dai potters Yan Pa (岩帕) and Bo Tao Xiangzhang (波涛香章), Yu Meng employs the ancient coiling technique with slow-wheel firing. Her process—from pounding and sifting clay to shaping, drying, and firing—relies entirely on manual skill and experience. Recognized internationally, she was invited to Japan’s World Ceramic Exposition, where her work earned widespread acclaim.
Beyond her craftsmanship, Yu Meng is dedicated to preserving this heritage. Since 1994, she has trained numerous apprentices and hosted free workshops for youth and enthusiasts. Her pieces are collected by the Chinese National Academy of Arts, and she holds honors like “Dai Artisan (傣乡工匠).” Her efforts have sustained Dai pottery’s legacy and fostered cultural exchange, notably between China and Japan.
From July to September 1996, Yu Meng, alongside her daughter Yu Danhan (玉单罕) and apprentice Yu Layue (玉腊约), demonstrated slow-wheel pottery at the World Ceramic Exposition in Saga, Japan. Experts marveled at the traditional methods, intricate patterns, and rustic forms, particularly her “mantou kiln (馒头窑)” firing technique. This revelation helped Japanese scholars decode mysteries of their Yayoi period, earning accolades from archaeologists, historians, and artists. During the event, her team fired over 600 pieces across 20 kilns, elevating China’s ceramic reputation and strengthening Sino-Japanese cultural ties.
At the 1996 exposition, Yu Meng’s faithful revival of archaic techniques led experts to laud her work as “the pinnacle of ancient Yunnan’s ingenuity.”
Since the late 1950s, global archaeologists have studied Dai pottery, identifying it as a living relic of China’s primitive ceramics. Regarded as “the key to unlocking Neolithic firing techniques,” it offers unparalleled insights into early pottery-making.
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Maha Zhuang (玛哈庄) is a renowned Dai carving artist from Xiaojie Township (小街乡), Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). His exquisite carvings enjoy great prestige locally and have significantly influenced the entire Xishuangbanna region.
Dai carving (傣族雕刻), an ancient art form originating from Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) and Dehong (德宏) regions, represents one of Yunnan’s most exquisite intangible cultural heritages. For centuries, Dai artisans have transformed temples, homes, and everyday objects into canvases of spiritual expression through their knives and chisels.
Dai carving primarily manifests in two forms:
Dai carving distinguishes itself through:
Traditional training involves:
Dai carving serves as:
While once flourishing with over 200 master carvers in the 1950s, current surveys show:
Recent initiatives include:
This sacred craft, balancing spiritual devotion with artistic innovation, continues its delicate dance between tradition and modernity.
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Ye Juan – Inheritor of Dai Brocade Textile Craft in Mengyang Town, Jinghong
西双版纳景洪市勐养镇傣族织锦技艺传承人 – 叶娟
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In the golden triangle where the Nu river, Dali and Lijiang meet, there is a magical land – Luoguqing, located in the Lanping Bai and Pumi autonomous county. There are many ethnic minorities such as Pumi, Bai, Lisu, Yi and Naxi who live in peace and harmony with each other. Dayangchang Pasture Scenic Area, a mountain pasture as one part of Luoguqing, has undulating alpine meadows, well-preserved primitive vegetation, enchanting purple azalea, murmuring streams, and amazing Danxia landform.
Dayangchang is located in Hexi township(河西乡) of Lanping Bai and Pumi autonomous county, Nujiang Prefecture, Yunnan province, which borders Liming scenic area of Lijiang.
Every May or June, Dayangchang becomes a purple dream place. The purple rhododendrons burst into bloom in vast clusters, along with flowers of red, pink, white, and yellow. In the sea of flowers, some animals leisurely feed themselves, including cattle, sheep, pig and yak. From south to north, Dayang river turns back to the green pastures, like a silver dragon living here. Daliangzi mountain is a wonderful view point of Dayangchang. As far as the eye is concerned, you can see five mountains of different styles, including Meili Snow Mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Haba Snow Mountain, Biluo Snow Mountain and Laojun mountain.
The scenery of Dayangchang is very beautiful, especially in spring and summer, when all kinds of azaleas bloom from spring to summer. The mountain azalea and tree azalea on the hillside bloom first and then the purple and pink azalea in the middle of plain. May is the best month with a sea flower of azaleas.
From Liming of Lijiang, the road is in poor condition and could not be kept open regularly. It needs about five hours’s driving. From Lanping county to Dayangchang, it’s about 56 kilometers and more than 1 hour’s driving is needed from Lanping county seat to Luoguqing. The road from Luoguqing to Dayangchang is also in bad condition. There are mountain roads from Luoguqing to Dayangchang, and the villagers of Luoguqing village can lead the way. The hiking trail is about three hours, almost the same with driving. Rent a car with a tour guide in the best choice for tourists. Yunnan Exploration Travel can provide the car-rental service for our clients with good vehicle and skilled driver.
Jiang Pei (江培) is a recognized inheritor of Hani embroidery techniques from Xiding Township (西定乡), Menghai County (勐海县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). As a cultural bearer of this vibrant ethnic art form, she plays a vital role in preserving the Hani people’s textile traditions.
Her embroidery work showcases:
Jiang Pei’s embroidery is distinguished by:
Her traditional methods involve:
Hani embroidery serves as:
Jiang Pei actively works to sustain this heritage through:
Her dedication ensures this intricate art form continues to flourish in modern times while maintaining its authentic Hani character.
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Kanglang Nuo (康朗糯), born Yan Nuo (岩糯) in 1944, is an accomplished Dai carving artist from Manyang Village (曼养村), Manlongkou Village Committee (曼龙扣村委会), Menglong Town (勐龙镇), Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州).
At age 9, Kanglang Nuo became a novice monk in his village, studying under the renowned master Hubaxin (祜巴新). This monastic training provided:
Kanglang Nuo’s works encompass:
His distinctive style combines:
As a dedicated teacher, Kanglang Nuo:
Kanglang Nuo’s influence extends beyond workshops:
His life’s work stands as both a spiritual practice and cultural mission, ensuring Dai carving remains a vibrant art form for future generations.
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Maguan Laojun Mountain Nature Reserve马关老君山自然保护区 belongs to Wenshan National Nature Reserve. The total area of the nature reserve is 344,400 mu, in which the core area is 136,400 mu, the buffer area is 105,800 mu, and the experimental area is 102,200 mu. The forest coverage rate of the protected area is 94.3%. The highest elevation of the reserve is 2579.3 meters, from the mountain top, you can overlook the most area of Maguan county马关县 and Malipo county麻栗坡 and the border between China and Vietnam. And the peak is the ideal place to watch the sunrise and the sunset landscape. The subtropical broad-leaved forest in the region is well preserved and can let you enjoy the original forest. It is a natural oxygen bar and a good place for sightseeing. All kinds of brightly-colored and melodious birds can be found everywhere.
Laojun Mountain Provincial Nature Reserve in Maguan County is a nature reserve of evergreen broad-leaved forest in the subtropics approved by Yunnan Provincial people’s Government in November 1981. It is located in the southeast of Yunnan Province, the contiguous zone of Maguan and Malipo counties. The geographical coordinate is between 104°33´18″-104°33´56″ east longitude and 22°53´47″-22°57´31″ north latitude, and the altitude is 1400 m to 2579.3 m. It has been developed into a nature reserve.
1. Zibet大灵猫, Rasse小灵猫, Silver Pheasant白鹇, Blue Sheep岩羊, typhlops盲蛇 and other animals included in the national and provincial protection animal list.
2. Parlex tree伯乐树, alcimandra cathcardii长蕊木兰, parakmeria yunnanensis云南拟单性木兰, dipteronia dyerana云南金钱槭, tulip tree鹅掌楸, Yunnan craigieae滇桐, tetracentron水青树, rhoiptelea马尾树, wild panax notoginseng野生三七 and other plants included in the national and provincial conservation list.
3. Rivers and water sources.
Most areas of Wenshan Prefecture is subtropical plateau monsoon climate, the southern and eastern edge of the low valley is tropical climate, the annual average temperature is between 15.5 ℃-19.3 ℃. The best time to travel is from May to September, but be sure to bring rain gear and one or two coats in the morning and evening in case the weather changes.
There are long-distance bus from Kunming to Maguan County directly. Then it takes about 2 hours from Maguan Bus Terminal to Laojun Mountain Nature Reserve in Maguan County.
Kunming East Bus Station-Maguan Bus Terminal
Departure Time: 10:00, 12:00, 19:30
Price: 149 CNY
Distance: 376 kilometers
Consume Time: 5-6 hours
You’d better stay overnight in Maguan County. Here are several hotels in Maguan County.
1. Runyuan Hotel马关润源大酒店
Address: No.194, Wenhua Road, Maguan County, Wenshan文山自治州马关县文化路194号
Tel: 0876-7134999
Starting Price: 204 CNY
2. Sihaiyijia Hotel马关云南四海一家连锁酒店
Address: No.46, Juncheng Road, Maguan County, Wenshan文山马关县骏城路46号
Tel: 0876-3059666
Starting Price: 214 CNY
3. Hualian Hotel文山马关华联酒店
Address: Anping Square, Maguan County, Wenshan文山马关县安平广场旁
Tel: 0876-7127000
Starting Price: 254 CNY
1. It is prone to natural disaster in the mountain area, try not to go out on rainy days.
2. In highland area, temperature difference is large between daytime and night, you are supposed to bring sun cream, sunhat, sun glasses, umbrella, coats and some medicines that protect from heatstroke.
3. There are many precious animals in the nature reserve, do not go alone.
Zhao Wenliang – Inheritor of Yao Silver Ornament-making Craft in Jinping County, Honghe
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Pan Simei – Inheritor of Yao Embroidery Skill in Jinping County, Honghe
“Pan Si Mei” is a renowned inheritor of Miao embroidery craftsmanship from Shili Village Township, Jinping County, Honghe Prefecture in Yunnan Province. As an important representative of local intangible cultural heritage, she carefully preserves and passes down the traditional embroidery techniques of the Miao people. Her works are characterized not only by their exquisite craftsmanship but also by their rich colors and unique compositions, which fully reflect the cultural connotations and aesthetic tastes of the Miao ethnic group.
Exquisite Craftsmanship
Pan Si Mei’s embroidery is noted for its fine stitching and distinctive patterns. She employs techniques and color combinations that retain the classic elements of traditional Miao embroidery while adding her own creative touches in the details, making each piece a work of art with high aesthetic value.
Cultural Heritage Preservation
As an inheritor of the Miao embroidery tradition, Pan Si Mei excels not only in artistic creation but also in the critical role of preserving and promoting this valuable craft. Through oral instruction and hands-on teaching methods, she ensures that the traditional Miao culture is passed on from generation to generation.
Social and Cultural Impact
Her work not only provides employment and economic opportunities for local villagers but also attracts numerous tourists and cultural enthusiasts who come to observe, learn, and engage in cultural exchange. Frequently featured in exhibitions and cultural festivals, her pieces serve as an important showcase of Miao culture and have significantly contributed to the development of local tourism and cultural industries.
Pan Si Mei, as a key inheritor of Miao embroidery craftsmanship in Shili Village Township of Jinping County, Honghe Prefecture, has made outstanding contributions to the preservation and transmission of Miao intangible cultural heritage. Not only is she a masterful artist, but she is also a cultural ambassador who ensures that the beauty and profound cultural legacy of Miao embroidery continue to thrive for future generations.
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Wang Ziguang is a renowned wood carving artisan from Zhongshu Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. As an important bearer of traditional wood carving skills, he creates intricate wooden sculptures that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the local ethnic communities.
Exquisite Craftsmanship:
Wang Ziguang’s carvings are celebrated for their finely detailed work and artistic precision. His mastery of the carving techniques has been honed over many years, allowing him to produce works that are both aesthetically pleasing and culturally significant.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage:
Through his art, Wang Ziguang helps to preserve the traditional wood carving practices that have been passed down through generations. His work often incorporates motifs and symbols that embody the history, beliefs, and artistic expressions of his community, thereby keeping the regional culture alive.
Social and Economic Impact:
His unique wood carvings have attracted art enthusiasts, collectors, and tourists alike, contributing to the local cultural tourism and providing economic opportunities for the community. By promoting traditional art forms, he plays a key role in sustaining both cultural identity and local livelihoods.
In summary, Wang Ziguang is not only a master craftsman but also a cultural ambassador who, through his wood carvings, safeguards and promotes the traditional art and heritage of Luxi County in Honghe Prefecture.
Li Zhaoxian – Inheritor of Yi Embroidery and Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Mile County, Honghe
Li Zhaoxian is a recognized inheritor of Yi embroidery and traditional costume-making skills in Xunjian Si Town, Mile County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. As an important cultural bearer of the Yi ethnic group, Li Zhaoxian not only preserves the unique techniques of embroidery and garment production but also contributes to the promotion and continuation of traditional Yi culture.
Expert Craftsmanship:
Li Zhaoxian’s work in Yi embroidery and costume-making is noted for its detailed needlework and vibrant patterns. His mastery of traditional techniques reflects years of dedicated practice and deep cultural knowledge, ensuring that the artistic legacy is maintained with authenticity and skill.
Cultural Preservation:
As an inheritor of traditional Yi crafts, Li Zhaoxian plays a critical role in passing down these skills to future generations. Through teaching and demonstration, he helps keep the distinctive aesthetics and methods of Yi embroidery and costume creation alive, fostering a continued appreciation of this intangible cultural heritage.
Community Impact:
The preservation and promotion of traditional Yi arts by practitioners like Li Zhaoxian help strengthen community identity and pride. His work also attracts interest from cultural enthusiasts and tourists, which supports local economic development and encourages broader recognition of Yi cultural traditions.
Li Zhaoxian is a distinguished inheritor of Yi embroidery and costume-making techniques from Xunjian Si Town in Mile County. His contributions ensure that the rich artistic and cultural traditions of the Yi ethnic group in Honghe Prefecture continue to be celebrated and passed on to future generations.
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Wang Zhongwen (王忠文), male, of the Zhuang ethnic group, was born in 1948 in Niutouzhai Village (牛头寨), Kaihua Town (开化镇), Wenshan City (文山市), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province. He is a distinguished folk artist specializing in traditional paper crafting. From a young age, he was fascinated by the local art of Paper Horse Dance and, in adulthood, he taught himself the techniques of paper horse making.
Wang Zhongwen has not only inherited traditional paper crafting techniques but has also introduced significant innovations. He improved the structure of the paper horses by using bamboo for the framework, reinforcing them with durable materials, and adorning the horse bodies with colorful velvet fabrics. Decorative elements like beads, silk threads, and bells further enhance the aesthetic appeal and durability of his creations. These improved paper horses are greatly appreciated by the local Zhuang community and are widely used in Paper Horse Dance performances.
The Paper Horse Dance (纸马舞) is a traditional folk dance of Kaihua Town (开化镇), Wenshan City (文山市). Performers wear paper horse structures during the dance and mimic various horse-like movements. The creation of these paper horses integrates the folk arts of binding, mounting, and painting. With their rustic yet vivid designs, they possess a strong folk aesthetic. Wang Zhongwen’s paper horses are well-loved locally and have even attracted visitors from other regions interested in viewing and purchasing his works.
Wang Zhongwen’s paper crafting skills have gained local recognition and prestige. In 2003, Wenshan TV interviewed and featured him. In 2004, he showcased his paper horse creations to both domestic and international scholars at the International Bronze Drum Symposium held in Wenshan. As the only folk artist in Wenshan County (文山县) still capable of making traditional paper horses, Wang Zhongwen has made a vital contribution to the protection and inheritance of this intangible cultural heritage.
Wang Zhongwen’s craftsmanship is not only a significant part of Zhuang cultural heritage but also a treasured component of China’s intangible cultural legacy. His dedicated efforts have ensured the continued survival and development of this traditional art in contemporary society.
The Paper Horse Dance is a powerful expression of ancestor worship in Zhuang culture and reflects ancient funeral and ritual practices. Traditionally performed during funerals and rituals, it is believed to help guide spirits, appease ancestors, and ward off evil. By imitating horse behaviors through dance, the Zhuang people express reverence for their ancestors and mourn the loss of loved ones.
The dance embodies the historical memory and ethnic spirit of the Zhuang people. One legend links its origin to the ancestors who followed a General riding a white horse. After getting lost on their return journey, they remained in the area and created the dance to honor the general. Another tale tells of local women, led by Wang Sanjie (王三姐), who dressed in paper horse costumes and staged military drills to scare off invading enemies while the village men were away at war. These stories highlight the wisdom, courage, unity, and resilience of the Zhuang people in times of hardship.
The Paper Horse Dance is a collective and entertaining dance that fosters social cohesion. It is performed not only in rituals but also during weddings, festivals, guest receptions, and for personal enjoyment. By participating in the dance, the Zhuang people strengthen community bonds and pass down their cultural traditions. Today, the dance has evolved into a large-scale group performance involving over a hundred participants, attracting people of all ages.
The Paper Horse Dance is rich in artistic value and cultural diversity. Its performance includes a variety of movements such as marching, playing, running, fighting, leaping, and neighing, all performed with lively, rhythmic energy. The dance vividly portrays the spirit and motion of horses in a primitive yet expressive style. The props are also a form of art: paper horses are crafted using bamboo strips for the frame, pasted with paper, painted with facial features, and decorated with velvet fabric, beads, flower petals, and bells.
Besides being a form of artistic expression, the Paper Horse Dance serves educational and entertainment purposes. It conveys the history, culture, and values of the Zhuang people to younger generations through engaging performance. It also provides a joyful and enriching recreational outlet, enhancing the cultural life of the community.
As an essential aspect of Zhuang culture, the Paper Horse Dance reflects the community’s lifestyle and worldview. Its preservation and continued performance in modern society help strengthen ethnic identity, promote cultural heritage, and inspire pride and cohesion among the Zhuang people.
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Yu Meng(玉勐), born in 1957, is a Dai pottery artisan from Mandou Village (曼斗村), Jinhong Subdistrict Office (景洪市街道办事处), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). As a national inheritor of China’s...
Maha Zhuang (玛哈庄) is a renowned Dai carving artist from Xiaojie Township (小街乡), Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). His exquisite carvings enjoy great prestige locally and...
Ye Juan – Inheritor of Dai Brocade Textile Craft in Mengyang Town, Jinghong 西双版纳景洪市勐养镇傣族织锦技艺传承人 – 叶娟 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3319.html...
Why is Dayangchang Pasture Scenic Area So Special? In the golden triangle where the Nu river, Dali and Lijiang meet, there is a magical land – Luoguqing, located in...
Jiang Pei (江培) is a recognized inheritor of Hani embroidery techniques from Xiding Township (西定乡), Menghai County (勐海县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). As a cultural bearer of this...
Kanglang Nuo (康朗糯), born Yan Nuo (岩糯) in 1944, is an accomplished Dai carving artist from Manyang Village (曼养村), Manlongkou Village Committee (曼龙扣村委会), Menglong Town (勐龙镇), Jinghong City (景洪市),...
Why is Laojun Mountain Nature Reserve So Special? Maguan Laojun Mountain Nature Reserve马关老君山自然保护区 belongs to Wenshan National Nature Reserve. The total area of the nature reserve is 344,400 mu,...
Zhao Wenliang – Inheritor of Yao Silver Ornament-making Craft in Jinping County, Honghe Nestled in Shui Duichong Village, Gantang Administrative Committee, Jinhe Town, Jinping County, Yunnan Province, Zhao Wenliang,...
Pan Simei – Inheritor of Yao Embroidery Skill in Jinping County, Honghe “Pan Si Mei” is a renowned inheritor of Miao embroidery craftsmanship from Shili Village Township, Jinping County,...
Wang Ziguang is a renowned wood carving artisan from Zhongshu Town in Luxi County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. As an important bearer of traditional wood carving skills, he creates...
Li Zhaoxian – Inheritor of Yi Embroidery and Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Mile County, Honghe Li Zhaoxian is a recognized inheritor of Yi embroidery and traditional costume-making skills in...
Wang Zhongwen (王忠文), male, of the Zhuang ethnic group, was born in 1948 in Niutouzhai Village (牛头寨), Kaihua Town (开化镇), Wenshan City (文山市), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture...
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