Introduction to Dongba Batik
Dongba Batik is a unique and culturally significant craft of the Naxi people in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. It combines traditional batik techniques with the rich cultural elements of the Dongba culture, creating beautiful and meaningful textile art. This traditional craft is not only a form of artistic expression but also an important part of the cultural heritage of the Naxi people.
Cultural Background
Dongba culture is deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the Naxi people. The term “Dongba” refers to the Naxi priests who are masters of traditional culture, literature, and the Dongba script. Dongba Batik incorporates symbols and motifs from Dongba paintings and scriptures, which often depict deities, animals, and scenes from nature. These elements reflect the Naxi people’s reverence for nature and their spiritual beliefs.
Craftsmanship Process
The process of creating Dongba Batik involves several traditional steps:
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Design and Drawing: Artisans first draw traditional Dongba motifs and symbols onto the fabric. These designs are often inspired by Dongba paintings and religious texts.
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Wax Application: Using a special wax tool, artisans apply hot wax to the areas of the fabric that are to remain un-dyed. This step is crucial in creating the intricate patterns.
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Dyeing: The fabric is then immersed in natural dyes, typically blue or indigo, to achieve the desired color. The wax prevents the dye from penetrating the waxed areas, preserving the original color of the fabric.
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Wax Removal: After the dyeing process, the wax is removed by boiling the fabric. This reveals the intricate patterns and designs that were protected by the wax.
Artistic Features
Dongba Batik is known for its:
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Intricate Patterns: The designs often include complex geometric shapes, animals, and symbolic figures from Dongba culture.
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Natural Dyes: Traditional Dongba Batik uses natural indigo and other plant-based dyes, giving the fabric a rich and deep color.
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Cultural Significance: Each piece of Dongba Batik tells a story or represents a cultural belief, making it more than just a decorative item.
Modern Applications
Today, Dongba Batik is used in a variety of ways:
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Traditional Clothing: Many Naxi people still wear garments made from Dongba Batik, especially during festivals and special occasions.
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Home Decor: Dongba Batik is also popular for home decor items such as tablecloths, cushions, and wall hangings.
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Souvenirs and Gifts: Visitors to Lijiang often purchase Dongba Batik products as souvenirs or gifts, helping to support local artisans and preserve this traditional craft.
Dongba Batik is a beautiful and meaningful craft that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi people. It continues to be an important part of their cultural identity and a cherished art form in Lijiang.
Introduction to Dongba Painting
Dongba painting is one of the most important components of Naxi Dongba culture and is considered the oldest form of religious painting among the Naxi people. It is a unique and distinctive art form that reflects the religious beliefs, social life, and cultural heritage of the Naxi people. The center of Dongba painting is in the Naxi region of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. In 2006, Naxi Dongba painting was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Chinese government.
Historical Background
The origins of Dongba painting can be traced back to the primitive pictographs used by the ancestors of the Naxi people for shamanistic rituals. These pictographs gradually evolved into both the Naxi pictographic script and Dongba painting. Over time, Dongba painting was influenced by various religious traditions, including Tibetan Bon, Tibetan Buddhism, and Han Chinese Taoism. As Dongba religion developed, Dongba painting also matured and was passed down through generations of Dongba priests.
Artistic Features
Subject Matter
Dongba paintings depict a wide range of subjects, including deities, spirits, ancestors, animals, plants, and scenes from daily life. They often reflect the Naxi people’s reverence for nature and their belief in the harmony between humans and the natural world. One of the most famous examples is the “Sacred Road to Heaven” painting, which is approximately 14 meters long and 0.26 meters wide. This painting depicts the journey of a soul from the human world to heaven, passing through various realms.
Artistic Style
Dongba paintings are characterized by their:
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Strong and vivid colors: The use of primary colors such as red, yellow, and blue makes the paintings visually striking.
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Dynamic and expressive lines: The lines in Dongba paintings are bold and fluid, capturing the essence of the subjects.
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Combination of text and image: Many Dongba paintings include both pictographs and illustrations, reflecting the close relationship between Dongba script and art.
Forms of Dongba Painting
Dongba paintings take several forms:
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Scroll paintings: These are long, narrative paintings that tell stories through a series of images.
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Wooden tablet paintings: These are smaller paintings on wooden tablets, often used in religious rituals.
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Paper card paintings: These are small, decorative paintings on paper, often used for ceremonial purposes.
Cultural Significance
Dongba paintings are not only works of art but also important cultural and historical documents. They provide valuable insights into the religious beliefs, social customs, and daily life of the Naxi people. As a “living fossil” of human primitive painting art, Dongba paintings are a crucial resource for the study of ancient cultures.
Today, Dongba paintings continue to be an important part of Naxi culture. They are preserved and displayed in museums and cultural centers in Lijiang, such as the Lijiang Folk Handicraft Art Museum. Local artisans also create modern interpretations of Dongba paintings, ensuring that this ancient art form remains relevant and alive.
Dongba painting is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi people and a unique contribution to the world of art.
Dongba woodcarving is a unique and culturally significant art form originating from the rich Dongba culture of the Naxi people in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. It is renowned for its distinctive style and deep cultural roots, reflecting the spiritual beliefs, myths, and daily life of the Naxi people.
Characteristics of Dongba Woodcarving
Materials and Techniques
Dongba woodcarvings are primarily made from cuckoo wood (杜鹃木), a type of hardwood known for its smooth texture and durability. This wood is carefully dried before carving to prevent cracking and deformation. Artisans use a variety of techniques, including line engraving, relief carving, and three – dimensional carving, to create intricate patterns and designs.
Artistic Style
The style of Dongba woodcarving is characterized by its simplicity, primitiveness, and expressiveness. The patterns are often either highly abstract or vividly realistic, showcasing the Naxi people’s unique aesthetic sensibilities. Common motifs include animals, deities, and scenes from Naxi myths and legends. These carvings are not only decorative but also serve as a means of preserving and transmitting Dongba culture.
Cultural Significance
Dongba woodcarvings are more than just decorative items; they are an essential part of Naxi cultural heritage. They are used in religious ceremonies, traditional architecture, and as gifts for special occasions. Each piece tells a story or represents a cultural belief, making them valuable both artistically and historically.
Modern Development and Preservation
Today, Dongba woodcarving continues to thrive as both a traditional craft and a modern art form. Many local artisans have adapted traditional techniques to create contemporary pieces that appeal to tourists and collectors alike. The craft is also being preserved through cultural institutions and workshops that teach the next generation of carvers. In places like the Dongba Kingdom and Dongba Ten Thousand Gods Garden, visitors can see large – scale woodcarving installations that showcase the art form’s beauty and cultural depth.
Dongba woodcarving is a living testament to the creativity and cultural richness of the Naxi people, and it remains an important part of Lijiang’s cultural landscape.
Dongba paper is a unique and culturally significant type of handmade paper originating from the Naxi ethnic group in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. It has a history of over 1,200 years, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. This paper is renowned for its durability, resistance to insect damage, and its role as a vital medium for preserving Naxi culture.
Characteristics of Dongba Paper
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Durability and Preservation: Dongba paper is known for its remarkable durability. It is resistant to insect damage and can be preserved for centuries, earning it the reputation of “paper that lasts a thousand years”.
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Material and Craftsmanship: The paper is made from the bark of the “A Dang Da” plant (a type of Daphne plant), which is native to the high-altitude regions of Yunnan. The process involves several intricate steps, including boiling, pounding, and sun-drying the bark. The unique combination of raw materials and traditional techniques results in a thick, strong, and smooth paper.
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Cultural Significance: Dongba paper was traditionally used by Dongba priests to write scriptures and create paintings, making it an essential part of Naxi religious and cultural practices. It is often referred to as the “living fossil” of human writing due to its ancient origins and continued use.
Modern Uses and Preservation
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Cultural Products: Today, Dongba paper is not only used for traditional purposes but also for creating modern cultural products such as photo albums, bookmarks, lampshades, and souvenirs. These items are popular among tourists visiting Lijiang.
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Cultural Heritage: The art of making Dongba paper has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in China. Efforts are being made to preserve this traditional craft through workshops, cultural centers, and by encouraging younger generations to learn the technique.
Dongba paper is more than just a material; it is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and ingenuity of the Naxi people. It continues to play a significant role in both traditional practices and modern cultural expressions in Lijiang.
Bunun Bell is a unique and story-filled cultural symbol in Lijiang. It originates from the extraordinary experiences of a wanderer named Bunun (布农).
The Origin of Bunun Bell (布农铃的起源)
In 1995, Bunun embarked on the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road, traveling by foot and horseback. The journey lasted over three months and covered a grueling distance of more than 1,900 kilometers, heading towards Lhasa (拉萨) in Tibet. During this long and arduous trip, the monotonous sound of horse bells accompanied him constantly. To comfort himself and pray for a safe journey, Bunun picked up two pieces of wood and meticulously painted patterns of the Lancang River (澜沧江) and Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山) on them. He attached one piece to the horse bell and hung the other around his neck. He was fortunate to have these items blessed by nine lamas (活佛) along the way.
After returning to Lijiang (丽江), Bunun used precious wood from the Hengduan Mountains (横断山) to create many similar works. These became the highly praised Bunun Bells. Each Bunun Bell is unique. A wooden plaque with a hand-painted Lijiang landscape by Bunun hangs below the bell. The wooden plaque is made of natural wood, and the back is inscribed with poetic text that matches the artistic conception of the painting. In terms of appearance, Bunun Bell is completely different from the common bells in Lijiang. It looks particularly elegant and rustic. The bells are divided into handmade and machine-made types, which means that the sound of each bell is one-of-a-kind. Moreover, Bunun Bell is further categorized into bronze bells and antique copper bells, as well as yin bells and yang bells. The yin bell has a low and gentle sound, as if it is expressing the tenderness of a woman. The yang bell has a loud and crisp sound, showing the strength of a man. The ones hung at home are called auspicious bells, while those hung on cars or luggage are known as safety bells.
Bunun Bell Today (布农铃的现状)
Nowadays, Bunun has rented a two-story building of 80 square meters near the Big Stone Bridge (大石桥) on Sifang Street (四方街) in Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城). He runs the Bunun Bell business there. This shop is not only unique in Lijiang Ancient Town but also the only one of its kind in the whole country. In the world, there are only three other branches of Bunun Bell, located in Kathmandu (加德满都) in Nepal, Calcutta (加尔各答) in India, and Athens (雅典) in Greece. When people stroll through Lijiang Ancient Town, they can hear the clear and melodious, lingering bell sounds from Bunun Bell shop from a distance. It feels as if they are transported back to the legendary times of the Tea Horse Road, with caravans slowly passing by. Bunun Bell carries the ancient charm of the Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road. It has now spread to dozens of countries around the world, bringing auspiciousness and safety to people. It has become a beautiful cultural landscape along the Yunnan-Tibet line and an unforgettable unique memory for every visitor to Lijiang.
Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) is located in Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省), and is a renowned nature reserve and tourist destination. Known for its stunning landscapes, it is also a habitat for a variety of medicinal plants, among which Cordyceps sinensis (冬虫夏草) is particularly precious.
Growth Environment
Cordyceps sinensis primarily grows in alpine meadows above 3,000 meters in elevation. It only appears during the sunny weather following the snowmelt from May to July each year. The alpine meadows of Yulong Snow Mountain provide an ideal environment for the growth of Cordyceps sinensis.
Morphological Characteristics
Cordyceps sinensis consists of a caterpillar body connected to a fungal stroma, with a total length of about 9 to 12 centimeters. The caterpillar body is dark yellow, with transverse wrinkles on the back and eight pairs of legs on the underside. The fungal stroma grows from the head of the caterpillar, forming a club-shaped structure with a grayish-brown surface.
Medicinal Value
Cordyceps sinensis is warm in nature and sweet in taste. It is known for its ability to replenish deficiencies, enhance vital energy, relieve cough, transform phlegm, and fight cancer and aging. It also has antibacterial, anti-asthmatic, cardiotonic, and blood pressure-lowering effects. In traditional folk medicine, Cordyceps sinensis is often used in soups, such as with pork ribs or chicken and duck, to treat conditions like yang deficiency, physical weakness, and post-illness debilitation.
Harvesting and Protection
The harvesting season for Cordyceps sinensis is late spring and early summer, when its active ingredients are at their highest levels. Due to its rarity, the collection and trade of Cordyceps sinensis are strictly regulated to ensure the sustainable use of this resource.
Yulong Snow Mountain is not only a habitat for Cordyceps sinensis but also famous for its unique natural environment and rich biodiversity. Visitors can appreciate the beautiful snow mountain landscapes while learning about the precious natural resources of this land.
Chenghai Spirulina, a precious microalgae belonging to the phylum Cyanobacteria, is one of the earliest photosynthetic organisms on Earth and holds extraordinary significance. Chenghai Lake, located in the middle of Yongsheng County (永胜县), Yunnan Province (云南省), is one of the three major natural habitats for spirulina in the world. Chenghai Spirulina has gained a global reputation for its unique growing environment and extremely high nutritional value.
Unique Growing Environment
Chenghai Spirulina mainly grows in Chenghai Lake, a graben lake formed by the tectonic movements of the Himalayas in ancient times. The water quality of Chenghai Lake is of high-quality sodium-magnesium bicarbonate type, with a mineralization degree of 9.1 and a pH value between 9 and 9.3. The lake is rich in planktonic plants and animals, making it an ideal home for the growth of spirulina. The region where Chenghai Lake is located is a highland arid and hot area, belonging to the Jinsha River (金沙江) water system and the subtropical climate type of Central Asia. The area is abundant in geothermal resources, with a warm and dry climate. The average annual precipitation is 731 millimeters, while the average annual evaporation is as high as 2251 millimeters. The sunshine is extremely abundant, and the average temperature from March to October is above 20°C, with no frost throughout the year. Moreover, Chenghai Lake is a natural alkaline lake with clear water, no industrial pollution sources, and rich carbon sources. This unique and superior natural ecological environment has created the pure quality of Chenghai Spirulina.
Exceptional Nutritional Value
Chenghai Spirulina is rich in a variety of nutrients. Its protein content is as high as 65% – 71%, and its amino acid composition is very similar to human blood protein, making it easily absorbed by the human body. One gram of spirulina powder contains nutrients equivalent to the total nutrients of 1000 grams of various vegetables and fruits. In addition, it also contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive substances such as γ-linolenic acid and phycocyanin. Chenghai Spirulina has many health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, enhancing immunity, and promoting metabolism. Its γ-linolenic acid is particularly precious and plays an important role in regulating human functions, such as lowering blood sugar and lipid levels, softening blood vessels, and regulating blood pressure. The rich β-carotene content is more than ten times that of carrots, effectively inhibiting the activity of free radicals and having anti-cancer, anti-tumor, and anti-aging functions. It is also the main source of the essential vitamin A for the human body, which can promote the function of the lymphatic system and comprehensively enhance human immunity. Phycocyanin is of great significance for the recovery and improvement of hematopoietic cell function, and it has a significant auxiliary therapeutic effect on functional anemia, post-chemotherapy, and post-surgical leukopenia. It also has a noticeable effect on the treatment of atherosclerosis. Spirulina polysaccharides can regulate the body’s balance, enhance immunity, and improve disease resistance. They also have anti-radiation and detoxification effects.
Thriving Industry Development
Several spirulina breeding bases have been established around Chenghai Lake. Among them, Yongsheng County Chenghai Blue Treasure Industry Co., Ltd. (永胜县程海蓝宝实业股份有限公司) is the largest spirulina breeding base in the world. These bases use advanced spray-drying technology to maximize the retention of the nutritional components and bioactive substances of spirulina. Chenghai Spirulina products come in various forms, including spirulina powder and tablets, and are widely used in the health care and food industries. Tests have shown that Chenghai Spirulina powder is significantly superior to algae powder produced by many manufacturers in Fujian, Hainan, Jiangxi, and other places in China in terms of protein, total carotenoids, zinc, and other quality indicators. In terms of appearance, pure 100% spirulina is blue-green or dark green, with a special algal or sea smell. It tastes fresh, similar to monosodium glutamate, with a slight alkaline taste. Under the microscope, there are no foreign matters.
Historical Development and Honors
In 1940, French pharmacologist Gritch discovered the blue-green floating objects (“Daihei”) consumed by the indigenous people of Lake Chad during an expedition in Africa, which were later identified as mainly composed of Arthrospira platensis. From 1984 to 1985, the Department of Biology at Yunnan University found that Chenghai Lake was rich in algae resources, with a large proliferation of blue algae forming “water bloom” during the spring and summer, known locally as “fragrant noodle water.” After investigation and research by the Wuhan Botanical Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it was determined that the lake contained spirulina with excellent nutritional components and no toxicity. In 1986, the initial measurement showed that the yield of “fragrant noodle water” bloom in Chenghai Lake was at least 100 tons of dry powder. In 1988, artificial cultivation of spirulina was successfully carried out on the lakeshore of Chenghai Lake, and in 1990, the first pilot base for artificial spirulina cultivation in China was built and accepted. Since then, Chenghai Lake has gradually developed into the world’s largest spirulina breeding base. In 2010, the comprehensive output value of Chenghai Spirulina reached 1 billion yuan, with a production capacity accounting for 80% of China’s total. By 2012, the actual annual output value was about 400 million yuan. Chenghai Spirulina has received many honors, such as the National New Product title in 1993; listed in the National “Torch” Program in 1994 and won two national-level top awards at the “China Social Achievement Exhibition”; won the Gold Award at the “China Kunming Science and Technology Achievements and New Technologies and Products Exhibition” in 1995, etc. In 2006, it was awarded the titles of “Top Ten Famous Brands in Yunnan” and “China Health Care Product Public Trust Brand.” The geographical indication product protection area is the current administrative regions of Chenghai Town (程海镇) and Yongbei Town (永北镇) in Yongsheng County, Yunnan Province.
Integration with Local Tourism
Chenghai Spirulina and local tourism in Yongsheng County, Lijiang, promote each other. As one of the only three natural lakes in the world where spirulina grows, Chenghai Lake itself is an extremely attractive tourist resource. Many characteristic tourism projects have been developed around Chenghai Spirulina, such as visiting spirulina breeding bases, where tourists can witness the growth state of spirulina and understand the entire process from breeding to processing. Chenghai Spirulina has also given rise to a variety of tourism products, such as health care products and skin care products, which are very popular among tourists and have formed a unique consumer industry chain. The local area holds various characteristic spirulina tourism activities, such as the Spirulina Culture Festival, which includes popular science lectures, cooking contests, and other activities. There are also wellness tourism projects like spirulina hot spring baths, which have improved the quality and fame of Yongsheng County’s tourism. In tourism publicity and promotion, efforts have been made to create the “Chenghai Spirulina Tourism Destination” brand, highlighting its uniqueness and value to attract more domestic and international tourists and promote the local tourism industry. Today, Chenghai Spirulina has become a characteristic and valuable product of Yongsheng County, Lijiang, and is widely used in functional foods, efficient feed, pharmaceutical health care, and fine chemical fields.
Maca, a plant belonging to the genus Lepidium in the family Brassicaceae, is native to the Andean mountain regions of South America at altitudes of 3,500 – 4,500 meters. In 2003, it was successfully introduced to Yunnan, China. Lijiang, with its unique geographical environment, has become the main cultivation area for maca in China. The city accounts for as much as 80% of the national planting area and output of maca, making it the largest maca production base in the country.
Growing Environment and Distribution
Lijiang is located at the junction of the Tibetan Plateau and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The area is characterized by high mountains and deep valleys, with high altitude, low latitude, large diurnal temperature differences, abundant sunshine, and fertile soil. These conditions closely resemble the original habitat of maca and provide an excellent environment for its growth. Currently, Lijiang maca is mainly cultivated in the high-altitude, cold mountainous areas of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县), Gucheng District (古城区), Yongsheng County (永胜县), Ninglang County (宁蒗县), and other regions, with planting altitudes mostly above 3,000 meters.
Morphology and Nutritional Value
The root of Lijiang maca resembles a small round radish and comes in various colors, including black, purple, yellow, and white. Generally, the darker the color, the better the quality. For example, black maca is considered the finest variety. Maca is rich in a variety of nutrients, including protein, macaamide, macaene, multiple vitamins (such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and B vitamins), trace elements (iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, etc.), and γ-linolenic acid. These nutrients endow maca with numerous health benefits, such as combating fatigue, enhancing immunity, improving sexual performance and physical strength, enriching blood and boosting energy, relieving stress, regulating hormones, promoting reproductive health, and stimulating brain function.
Industrial Development
In 2002, the successful trial cultivation of maca in Huangshan Town (黄山镇), Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, marked the beginning of the maca industry in Lijiang. Subsequently, Lijiang adopted a “company + technology + base + farmers” model to rapidly expand the maca industry. By 2011, maca cultivation had been promoted in eight townships and 16 village committees across four districts and counties, including Gucheng, Yulong, Yongsheng, and Ninglang. In the same year, the National Health and Family Planning Commission approved maca as a new resource food, breaking through the market development bottleneck. The provincial government also designated Lijiang as a demonstration base for maca industry development in the province. Lijiang planned to build a standardized maca cultivation base of 50,000 acres by the end of the “Twelfth Five-Year Plan” period. This initiative aimed to lift a large number of farmers in high-altitude, cold mountainous areas out of poverty. It also sought to establish a deep-processing base capable of handling 10,000 tons of maca dried products annually, develop independently researched and developed deep-processed products, and achieve high annual output value and tax revenue. Additionally, it aimed to radiate and drive the development of maca cultivation in surrounding suitable areas, including Diqing (迪庆), Dali (大理), Nujiang (怒江), Qujing (曲靖), and Zhaotong (昭通).
Product Forms and Market Impact
Lijiang maca products come in a variety of forms. Maca can be consumed directly or used in cooking to create unique dishes when combined with other ingredients. It can also be soaked with fruits to make beverages. In the field of deep processing, products such as maca slices, maca wine, vegetable dried products, maca composite drinks, and candy products have been developed. With the development of the Lijiang maca industry, its market influence has gradually expanded. It has not only brought considerable economic benefits to the local area and increased income for mountainous residents but also enhanced the fame of Lijiang’s specialty agricultural products and driven local economic development.
Lijiang, located at the junction of the Tibetan Plateau and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, boasts a unique combination of high altitude, low latitude, large diurnal temperature differences, and abundant sunshine. These conditions create an ideal environment for the growth of matsutake mushrooms (Tricholoma matsutake), making Lijiang one of China’s most important production areas for this precious fungus.
Matsutake Production and Distribution
Lijiang is a major hub for matsutake production in China. In the Gucheng District (古城区) and Yulong County (玉龙县) alone, matsutake mushrooms are sourced from various regions, including Quhe (七河), Tacheng (塔城), Laojun Mountain (老君山), Ludian (鲁甸片区), Lashi Lake (拉市海), and Tai’an (太安). Among these, the Ludian area is renowned for its high-quality matsutake, with an annual output of approximately 25 to 30 tons. The Yulong County production area, including Lashi Lake and Tai’an, yields around 150 tons annually. The total matsutake production in Lijiang reaches 350 – 400 tons per year, making it a highly productive region. Lijiang matsutake is highly regarded for its appearance, color, texture, and aroma, comparable to the core production areas of Shangri-La.
Matsutake and Tourism
Lijiang’s matsutake industry is closely intertwined with tourism. On July 28, 2023, the Qianjungge Restaurant in Yulong County hosted a grand matsutake culinary event as part of the China Lijiang Matsutake Festival and Live Streaming Competition. The event attracted numerous media journalists and live streamers, featuring a rich program that included introductions to Naxi culture and cuisine, explanations of Lijiang’s matsutake industry, and cooking tutorials for fresh matsutake dishes such as sashimi, charcoal grill, butter-fried, and stewed with local chicken. The event also included food tasting and a bonfire dinner, showcasing the charm of Lijiang matsutake to the participants. Experts, renowned chefs, and food bloggers from various regions were invited to demonstrate cooking techniques and creative recipes through live streaming, significantly promoting Lijiang matsutake.
On August 23, 2023, the Matsutake Picking Tour, part of the China Lijiang Matsutake Festival and Live Streaming Competition, was held in Lashi Town (拉市镇), Yulong County. Participants visited Qinan Village, Jiyu Village Committee, in Lashi Town, where they followed local villagers to experience matsutake picking. Matsutake mushrooms grow in specific seasons and regions in moist and clean mountainous areas, making them difficult to find. However, the joy of discovering matsutake during the picking process was evident, highlighting the precious nature of this fungus.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Lijiang’s matsutake festivals and related activities not only showcase the unique charm of Lijiang matsutake but also aim to promote it globally. The development of the matsutake industry has brought significant economic benefits to the region, becoming a distinctive calling card for Lijiang. It attracts numerous tourists and food enthusiasts who come to explore and taste this delicacy. The integration of matsutake with tourism is driving high-quality economic and social development in Lijiang, promoting rural revitalization, and shining brightly in the process of China’s modernization.
Lijiang’s matsutake industry is a prime example of how natural resources can be leveraged to boost local economies and cultural heritage. With its unique growing environment, rich cultural background, and strong market potential, Lijiang matsutake continues to captivate the world.
Lijiang Yulong Trillium, also known as Yulong Dian Chonglou, is a renowned specialty of Yulong County (玉龙县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). Yulong County has an ideal ecological environment that is highly suitable for the growth of Trillium, making it one of the major historical production areas of this precious herb. Trillium is an important traditional Chinese medicinal material, widely used in the production of various traditional Chinese medicines and in clinical applications.
Growth Environment and Geographic Range
Yulong County is located at the junction of the Tibetan Plateau and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with complex terrain and a high forest coverage rate of 72.3%. The area features a combination of mountains, basins, and river valleys, with an average altitude of about 2400 meters. The soil is mainly mountainous red soil, with a slightly acidic pH value between 4.5 and 7.6, and it is deep and fertile. These conditions are highly suitable for the growth of Trillium, which prefers moist, shaded environments with well-drained, loose, and fertile soil.
The production area of Yulong Trillium covers 16 townships and 1 administrative office in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县), including Ludian Township (鲁甸乡), Liming Township (黎明乡), Tacheng Township (塔城乡), and others. The geographical coordinates are between 99°22′49″ – 100°32′17″ East Longitude and 26°35′03″ – 27°45′46″ North Latitude.
Product Characteristics
Appearance and Quality
Yulong Trillium has a knobby, flat cylindrical shape, slightly curved, with a length of 5 – 12 cm and a diameter of 1.0 – 4.5 cm. The surface is yellow-brown or gray-brown, with white patches where the outer skin has fallen off. It has prominent, layered, raised rings and obvious knobby stem scars on one side, while the other side has sparse rootlets or root scars. The top has scales and stem remnants. The texture is firm, with a flat cross-section that is white to light brown, pink, or horny. It has a faint smell and a slightly bitter, numbing taste.
Medicinal Value
Trillium is highly valued for its medicinal properties. It is used to clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling and relieve pain, and calm the liver and stop convulsions. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as boils, sore throat, snake bites, bruises, and convulsions. Modern research has also shown that Trillium contains compounds like trillium saponins, which have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic effects. In recent years, its role in cancer treatment has also been highlighted.
Quality Standards
Yulong Trillium has strict quality standards. The moisture content is ≤12%, total ash ≤6.0%, and acid-insoluble ash ≤3.0%. The total content of trillium saponins I, II, VI, and VII in the dried product must be no less than 0.60%.
Industry Development
In recent years, the cultivation area and output value of Yulong Trillium have grown rapidly. As of 2016, the county had planted 6338.9 acres of Trillium, with an estimated output value of nearly 60 million yuan. The largest cultivation base is located in Ludian Township, with 1917.2 acres. In 2014, the Lamayong Base in Ludian Township, operated by Lijiang Yunxin Green Bio-Development Co., Ltd., was recognized by the National Medical Products Administration as the largest GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) standardized cultivation base for Trillium in Yunnan Province.
The development of the Trillium industry has brought significant economic benefits to Yulong County, promoting local rural revitalization and economic growth. The herb is now a key agricultural product in the region, with cultivation spread across all 16 townships and 1 administrative office.
Cultural and Economic Impact
Yulong Trillium is not only an important medicinal material but also a cultural symbol of Yulong County. Its cultivation and use are deeply rooted in local traditions and contribute to the region’s unique cultural heritage. The development of the Trillium industry has also attracted attention and investment, further boosting the local economy and tourism.
Yulong Trillium is a prime example of how traditional Chinese medicine can be sustainably developed and utilized in modern times, bringing both health benefits and economic prosperity to the region.
Lijiang Snow Tea丽江雪茶, also known as Di Tea or Taibai Tea, resembles the petals of white chrysanthemums and is named for its snow-like white appearance. It grows in the mossy plant zones of high-altitude snow-covered mountains above 4,000 meters and is naturally wild; it cannot be cultivated artificially.
Historical Significance
Lijiang Snow Tea has a long history of consumption. As early as the Ming Dynasty, it was a treasured tribute of the Mu family chieftains. Today, several companies in Lijiang produce boxed products and beverages, making it a popular gift for tourists. Lijiang Snow Tea holds a notable place in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and “Bencao Gangmu Shiyi” records it as: “Snow Tea is not actually a tea but a naturally occurring grass bud. Locals harvest and roast it as a substitute for tea. It warms the stomach and has a bitter yet fragrant and delightful taste.”
Regional Distribution
Lijiang Snow Tea is found in Yunnan, Sichuan, and Shaanxi provinces, with notable production in Yunnan and Sichuan.
Ecological Environment
It generally grows in high-altitude mountainous regions. Snow Tea is produced in areas like Yulong Snow Mountain, Yak Mountain, and Yao Mountain, all of which are several thousand meters above sea level. It belongs to the lichen family.
Quality Characteristics
Snow Tea is a lichen plant resembling hollow grass buds, measuring 30 to 70 millimeters in length and 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter. It is very lightweight and resembles white chrysanthemum petals, hence its name. Lijiang Snow Tea, growing above 4,000 meters in snowy mountain moss zones, is wild and cannot be artificially cultivated. It is cool in nature, sweet in taste, and rich in snow tea acid, scale acid, horned lichen acid, mannitol, amino acids, various vitamins, and trace elements. It has been tested and is considered safe with no toxic side effects.
Health Benefits
Snow Tea is classified by color into White Snow Tea and Red Snow Tea. White Snow Tea primarily grows in snowy mountain areas at 4,000 meters and is relatively rare. It begins to sprout during snowfall, and when covered by snow, it grows tender leaves. White Snow Tea is resistant to brewing and can be enjoyed alone or as a blend. It is known for clearing heat, relieving summer heat, generating saliva to quench thirst, and clearing the liver and improving vision.
Red Snow Tea, also known as Golden Silk Tea, is found on the dry trunks of larches and firs at altitudes above 4,000 meters. When brewed, it has a bright red color similar to red wine. Rich in essential trace elements, Red Snow Tea is known for lowering blood lipids and cholesterol, clearing the heart and opening the mind, nourishing the blood and heart, and has significant effects on hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, and general weakness.
Unique Geography and Agricultural Strategy
Huaping County (华坪县), located in Lijiang (丽江), has leveraged its unique geographical environment and agricultural development strategies to make its mango industry shine. The county is situated in the Jinsha River (金沙江) dry-hot river valley, characterized by a subtropical low-altitude hot valley climate. Its location between 26°21′ and 26°57′ north latitude provides abundant sunshine and large diurnal temperature differences, which not only create the unique quality of Huaping mangoes but also result in a later maturation period compared to other domestic production areas.
Mango Industry and Tourism Integration
Huaping’s mangoes reach their optimal harvesting period from July to November each year, when most other domestic mango-producing regions have already finished their harvest. Varieties such as Kate, Re’nong No. 1, and Shengxin, which are the main cultivars in Huaping, thrive during this period. Among them, Kate, a very late-maturing variety, covers an area of 134,000 acres with a fresh fruit yield of 178,200 tons and a sugar-to-acid ratio of 48.06. Re’nong No. 1, a mid-season variety, covers 127,000 acres with a yield of 132,700 tons and a sugar-to-acid ratio of 52.8. Shengxin, a late-season variety, covers 33,800 acres with a yield of 41,600 tons and a sugar-to-acid ratio of 52.67. This year, Huaping’s mango production is expected to exceed 465,000 tons, with an output value surpassing 3.05 billion yuan.
Huaping mangoes are renowned for their superior quality, featuring large and well-shaped fruits, sweet and fragrant taste, and delicate texture. They have a high nutritional value, with soluble solids content 1.2% – 2.5% higher than that of mangoes from other domestic regions. They are also certified as selenium-rich fruits. In terms of appearance, mangoes grown at altitudes between 1,000 and 1,600 meters, with a sunshine rate of over 60% during the coloring period, exhibit vibrant colors such as red, purple, orange, and yellow. The standard fruit weighs around 400 grams, with the heaviest Kate reaching up to 3,400 grams. Currently, 60,394.5 acres in the county have obtained national green food certification, and 4,019.7 acres have obtained national organic product certification.
Large-Scale Mango Industry
Since the first mango tree was planted in 1965, Huaping has become the largest mango-growing county in China, with a planting area reaching 459,000 acres by the end of 2023. The county has established a germplasm repository with 340 mango varieties, as well as three 10,000-acre demonstration bases, six 1,000-acre demonstration bases, and 22 100-acre demonstration gardens. Guozishan in Rongjiang Town (荣将镇果子山) has been honored with the Guinness World Record for the “largest mango plantation,” and there are three towns with mango plantations covering over 100,000 acres each, making them among China’s top ten billion-yuan villages in special industries.
With the support of research institutions such as the South Subtropical Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Huaping has developed standardized green and organic planting techniques and harvesting and grading standards. Its planting and green pest control technologies are among the best in China.
Mango Industry and Tourism
The booming mango industry has enriched the local tourism experience. Huaping County actively hosts Mango Cultural Festivals and Farmers’ Harvest Festivals, attracting tourists to enjoy leisure sightseeing and mango picking. Enthusiastic fruit farmers lead visitors through the mango orchards, sharing knowledge about mango cultivation. Tourists can pick the vibrant fruits themselves, experiencing the joy of harvest. In the orchards, a unique sight can be seen—roads and orchard grounds are covered with coal gangue, which not only effectively utilizes waste coal gangue but also transforms former mines into fruit mountains. Additionally, Huaping has developed the Longtou Guozishan Mango Manor in Rongjiang Town as a rural revitalization demonstration site, integrating ethnic culture and tourism resources with the mango industry to promote all-for-one tourism focused on sunshine and health care.
To enhance the value of mangoes, Huaping County has continuously extended its industry chain, with seven full-industry-chain companies producing a range of products such as mango dried fruit, mango juice, mango vinegar, and mango wine. Leveraging “Internet +,” online celebrities have helped boost sales, expanding the market for Huaping mangoes. Today, the mango industry has become the most widespread and supportive wealth-creating industry in Huaping County, and a “booster” for rural revitalization. Eighty thousand people in the county are engaged in green industries centered around mangoes, with an average household income of 186,000 yuan. Looking ahead, Huaping will continue to focus on variety breeding, quality improvement, brand building, and standardized production to bring higher-quality late-maturing plateau mangoes to visitors and consumers.
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