Huang Sidai – Inheritor of Bai “Benziqu” Opera in Jianchuan County, Dali
大理州剑川县沙溪镇白族本子曲传承人 – 黄四代
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2800.html
Cao Shixiang – Inheritor of Hani Musical Instrument-playing Skill in Mojiang County, Puer
普洱市墨江县哈尼族乐器演奏技艺传承人 – 曹世祥
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2794.html
Inheritor of Hulusheng-playing Skill in Ning’er County, Puer
普洱市宁洱县葫芦笙演奏技艺传承人 – 李永堂
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2792.html
Where is Bala Village – Location
The Bala village is a mountainous village sitting high in the clouds at the heart of the national park – the Balagezong Shangri-la Grand Canyon National Park, previously isolated from the outside world.
Shangri-La Grand Canyon Balagezong, a national scenic area, lies at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet provinces, also, at the core area centrally of Hongshan in “Three Parallel Rivers” World Natural Heritage Area, located in northwestern Shangri-La city Nissi country. It is about 50 km(45 minutes) from Shangri-La city center (after the 214 State line Road, two road expansion), 55 kilometers away from the Shangri-la airport, 700 kilometers from the provincial capital of Kunming.
History and Culture
In Tibetan language, “Bala” means people who migrate from Batang(巴塘). Moved here from Tang dynasty, Bala village has a history of more than 1300 years. And Tibetan scripture recorded that thousand thousands years ago, people have traveled thousands of miles from distant countries in search of an ideal home away from war and suffering. After innumerable hardships they finally settled down in the Bala Village. Since then, Balagezong, a symbol of the ideal home and heaven, has been passed down from one generation to another through the folk song.
It’s said that the Blue Moon Valley described in the book Lost Horizon is within the Balagezong Grand Canyon. It is also said among the local people that this is the place where the immortals live, the real “Shambala”. At the end of the village, colorful sutra streamers around Marnyi stones sway in the wind. In the distance, Balagezong Snow Mountain can be seen dimly through the mist, making the village more attractive.
Legend about Bala Village
Legend has it that more than 1,300 years ago, there was a brave and powerful Chieftain Sinaduoji(斯那多吉) of King Gesar in the Batang region, who led his people through years of conquest, owning large lands and flocks of cattle and sheep, and became a powerful tribe in the area. However, all these were at the cost of people’s blood and life which brought the extremely painful sadness to their heart.
In a long talk with an old Lama, he mentioned that the Buddhist sutras of Tibetan Buddhism recorded a place called Shambala kingdom, which was surrounded by a snow mountain like eight-petal lotus and was the ideal pure land that Tibetan Buddhists yearned for. So the Chieftain finally decided to give up everything and seek for the pure land at the age of 42.
He led his people through the arduous journey across the Kangba grassland, and finally found the village of Bala at the foot of the snow mountain of Balagezong. They grazed in the white clouds, plowed under the sun and rainbow, recited the scriptures and sang in the flowing clouds, and worked at sunrise and sunset.
Bala Villagers
Bala villagers are diligent and plain. For more than 1,300 years, people in Bala village have been living the life of men plowing and women weaving. They are blessed by the sacred mountain, and they are also very pious to the sacred mountain. There is lack of material, but no lack of faith. They have been living a life of semi-farming and semi-herding. Bala village is the spring pasture, and the riverside is the valley pasture in the autumn and winter seasons. Therefore, the nomadic culture here has yearly three-dimensional migrations, and the well-preserved pasture is the important nomadic place of Bala village.
A very unique custom in Bala village is to keep no dogs in every house. They have always been mindful of the rules handed down by their ancestors. They did not need dogs to build the distance and obstacles between people’s hearts, nor did they need dogs to look after each other’s cattle and sheep. No family door is locked, and the simple wooden door is only to prevent the invasion of beasts and random access of livestock. They rely on the belief of Buddhism and their conscience to protect the home of the heart.
Language
Bala Villagers still use the oldest Tibetan dialect spoken more than 1,300 years ago, and is different from the surrounding villages. This language is known as a living fossil of the Kangba Tibetan dialect.
Houses
Surrounded by mountains, the Bala Village is a typical Tibetan village. Till now, Bala village is still a secluded land with Tibetan wood houses. Tibetan wooden buildings were built according to mountain terrain, and there are colorful prayer flags surrounded the Marnyi Stone at the end of the village.
The houses in Bala village are a Tibetan architecture unique to Shangri-la, a perfect combination of the plateau slopestyle and the valley pillbox, which is conducive to rain and snow to ease the pressure on the houses, while the pillbox is conducive to collecting highland barley and stewing the mulberry every day. All houses are civil structure, warm in winter and cool in summer, with strong earthquake resistance, and the walls are made of cohesive soil.
Transportation
In the past, the transportation here is very inconvenient. There has been no highway for a long time, and mules and horses is the only means of transportation. Usually the villagers spent about several months getting out of the village to buy some necessities of life.
Later, a villager of the Bala village named Sinadingzhu(斯那定珠), he raised the money and built a road to the outside world for the villagers of the mountain. This road not only let the villagers get out of the village, but also let the outside people have a chance to see this paradise.
How to Get There?
By Scheduled Bus: From Dukezong Ancient Town, the bus leaves for Bala Gezong in the mornings at 9:15 and back to the ancient town again between 16:00 – 18:00. The trip takes about 2 hours.
By car-rental: Depending on the season and type of vehicle, prices vary between 800 and 1200 RMB. It’s recommended to make an appointment of pick up time with the taxi driver and leave the driver telephone number, in order to avoid that you could not hit the car when you going back.
Best Time to Go
Summer and autumn are the best seasons to visit Bala Gezong Scenic Spot. Every summer, surrounding large fields of farmlands and grasslands are green and full of vitality. And during autumn, the farmlands and grasslands become green alternating with yellow.
Attractions Nearby
Dukezhong Ancient Town
As one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan residence groups in China, the 1300-year-old Dukezong Ancient Town, situated at Shangri-la County, Deqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, not only plays an important role in the Old Tea – Horse Road, but also serves as a corridor connecting Chinese and Tibetan language, people, religion and cultures. Until the fire disaster damaged the most of Tibetan dwellings in 2014, it still remains the traditional Tibetan architectural style.
Nixi Pottery Village
As a small village standing by green grassland on which flocks of yaks, sheep and horses graze, it gives a sense of timeless tranquility. However, it is best known for its traditional black pottery, a miracle among Tibetan handicrafts, which can date back 4,000-5,000 years ago. Nowadays many visitors would always make a stopover here, perhaps buying some wares or just watching how the locals deal with their ancient art.
Dongzhulin Monastery
Built in 1667 and located in Benzilan Town of Deqin, Dongzhulin Monastery is the largest one of the three Gelu Sect monasteries in Deqin County and one of the religious cultural activity centers in Kangnan District. With orderly-distributing architecture complex, the lofty monastery can be mistakenly deemed a town when looked from the distance.
Useful Travel Tips
► Bala village is high in altitude and has strong ultraviolet rays, so it’s best to take some warm clothes and sun protection stuff.
► Tourists will take the shuttle bus(the bus fare included in the entrance ticket) from the entrance to the village. Due to lots of mountain road turns, carsickness tourists can take some dramamine.
►The scenic area can provide accommodation, catering, leisure and other services.
Personal Profile
Yuguang(玉光), female, Dai nationality, born in 1955, Manyun Village(曼允村), Yunjinghong Towny(允景洪镇), Jinghong City(景洪市), Xishuangbanna(西双版纳州),the inheritor of Dai folk songs in Jinghong City, the “senior musician” of Yunnan folk artists and the national inheritor of intangible cultural heritage.
Yu Guang and Dai Folk Song
Since childhood, she liked singing. At the age of 17, she studied Zhang Ha singing (Zhang Ha章哈 is the name of traditional Dai music form and also the name of singer). SHe got the advice of Kang Langyong, a famous Zhang Ha artist, and she master Baoyan in Banna. Through continuous efforts, she has become a Dai female singer who can write and sing. In the state radio, television and “Zhang Ha Song” column, more than 500 songs were sung and became famous. Her father, Yanzai (she was famous in the 1950s, went to Thailand in 1959), recorded several of her masterpieces on tape and brought them back to teach her daughter singing skills. Since then, her singing skills and creative level have been further improved.
Reputation and Achievement
Yu Guang won first and second prizes many times in the Zhangha Competition in Banna, and was praised as the “queen of songs” of the Dai people. Her works won the third prize of provincial culture department and Provincial Federation of literary works. She trained two apprentices, Yubian and Yuzhang, and now she has taught herself to sing independently. She is a member of the Banna State Literature Federation, vice chairman of Jinghong Zhangha Association, member of the National and Provincial Quyi Artists Association, member of the Standing Committee of the Eighth CPPCC State Committee, and Executive Committee of the Third Jinghong City Federation of Industry and Commerce.
Chinese Version: http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2767.html
Translated by Winnie/张赢
Keep Reading
Artistic Career and Achievements
Folk Song Inheritance:
Born in 1909, Long Qionglin is a Zhuang ethnic folk singer from Nandu Village (or Nanduo Village), Malipo Town, Malipo County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province. She began learning Zhuang folk mountain songs at an early age and became skilled in traditional narrative folk songs such as “Gu Yuan Diao,” “Guo Shan Diao,” “Zai Yang Diao,” “Zhu Fan Diao,” and “Gai Fang Diao.” She could sing for three days and nights without repeating songs.
Key Performances:
- 1956: During a folk art exchange at the China-Vietnam border, her singing was widely praised.
- 1964: She performed in Beijing and was received by national leaders, including Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai.
- Late Years: Even in her 90s, Long Qionglin continued to perform impromptu, hosting United Nations officials and scholars from both China and abroad.
Versatility:
In addition to singing, she was proficient in Zhuang brocade embroidery and could create intricate designs of flowers, birds, and insects by hand on fabric.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and Social Impact
As a representative inheritor of Yunnan Province’s intangible cultural heritage, her artistry has been listed in the protection registry, symbolizing the Zhuang ethnic culture.
In the 2000s, she was designated as a key inheritor by the Yunnan Province Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, ensuring the continuation of her art.
Later Years and Inheritance Status
In her later years, Long Qionglin continued to reside in Nanduo Village, Malipo County, an area with more than 90% forest cover and tranquil surroundings.
Due to her advanced age, the inheritance of her skills faces challenges, but her influence continues to inspire younger generations of Zhuang singers.
For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2766.html
Shen Guifen – Inheritor of Yi Folk Song and Dance in Jianshui County, Honghe
红河州建水县曲江镇彝族民间舞乐传承人 – 沈桂芬
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2765.html
King Gesar(格萨尔王) is an oral epic of Tibetan Ethnic Minority, which is about Tibetan people’s legend, cultural and so on. It is one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Yunnan.
Brief Indroduction
Tibetan epic Gesar is also called King Gesar, Legend of Gesar and so on. It is a well-known and popular heroic epic in Tibetan areas of Yunnan, Sichuan, Tibet, Gansu and Qinghai provinces. Its lines had been recognized as 300,000 to 1.5 million lines, and it is known as the longest epic in the world. In Yunnan, it is mainly spread in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture(迪庆藏族自治州), Lijiang (丽江) and other places.
Content
King Gesar mainly describes the war, such as The Four Battles of Four Direction(四方四大战役). King Gesar also tells the great events in King Gesar’s life, such as Gesar’s life in heaven and his reincarnation in the lower world, his marriage, how he became the king through horse racing , how he defeated the demons of the north and so on.
King Gesar
King Gesar is a typical figure in Tibetan folk literature. People use romanticism to eulogize the ancient hero through various magical stories. From all kinds of stories about him. We can see that Gesar’s ideal was the ideal of the Tibetan people, and his behavior was the wish of the Tibetan people at that time. All the works mainly embodied the spirit of patriotism, against oppression and religious oppression. Most events that narrated in the stories are directly related to Tibetan people’s lives, which is the ultimate reason why the epic is so popular among the Tibetan people.
Tibetan Folk Song
In addition to a large number of copies and a small number of engraved copies of Gesar circulating in Yunnan, there are some Tibetan folk artists known for oral Gesar, they were called Zhongken (中肯), which means artists who specialize in singing Gesar. During singing, different characters have different tones, and each character sings differently on different occasions. The whole epic is sung in 40 to 50 different tones.
Chinese Version: http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11110-1228.html
Translated by Emily-Wang/王海玲
Keep Reading
Pan Zhengqing – Inheritor of Yi Ethnic Song “Axi Xianji” in Mile County, Honghe
Pān Zhèngqīng is a representative inheritor of the Yízú Āxì Xiānjī (彝族阿细先基) in Mílè County, Honghe Prefecture. Below is a detailed introduction about him:
Background and Inheritance
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Early Exposure: Pān Zhèngqīng was born in Lóngduō Village, Mílè County, into a Yízú family. He was exposed to the rich musical and cultural traditions of his ethnicity from a young age.
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Mastery of Skills: He has comprehensively and systematically mastered the various techniques and routines of Yízú Āxì Xiānjī. His performances are characterized by a combination of strength and grace, showcasing the deep cultural roots and historical traditions of the Yízú people.
Heritage Activities
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Promotion and Performance: Pān Zhèngqīng has actively promoted Yízú Āxì Xiānjī through performances at local and regional events, including cultural festivals and traditional ceremonies. His efforts have helped raise awareness of this traditional art form.
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Cultural Exchange: He has participated in cultural exchange activities, collaborating with other cultural workers to enhance the recognition and influence of Yízú Āxì Xiānjī, fostering mutual learning and inspiration between different cultures.
Artistic Achievements
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Unique Style: Pān Zhèngqīng has developed a unique style in his performances, characterized by a blend of ruggedness and elegance. His contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yízú culture have earned him recognition as a national-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage.
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Awards and Recognition: His performances have been widely acclaimed, and he has been honored with various awards, including recognition at national cultural events.
Heritage Methods
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Training Apprentices: Pān Zhèngqīng has trained numerous apprentices, passing on the skills and knowledge of Yízú Āxì Xiānjī to younger generations. His efforts have ensured the continuation of this cultural heritage.
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Community Engagement: He actively participates in community cultural activities, organizing performances and training sessions to promote Yízú Āxì Xiānjī within his community. His work has helped keep this traditional art form alive and thriving among the local population.
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2764.html
Zhou Shaoxuan – Lusheng Player in Weixin County, Zhaotong
昭通市威信县三桃乡芦笙艺人 -绉绍宣
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2763.html
Song Zirong – Inheritor of Dai Bamboo-weaving Craft in Shuangjiang County, Lincang
临沧市双江县勐之镇傣族编织技艺传承人 -宋子荣
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2762.html
Meet Jin Xiu Ying: The Guardian of Dulong Textile Techniques in Dulongjiang Township, Gongshan County
In the mystical Nujiang Valley, where the echoes of tradition meet the beauty of nature, lies Dulongjiang Township in Gongshan County. Here, Jin Xiu Ying, a revered master of Dulong textile techniques, continues to preserve and share the soulful art of weaving from her people.
A Life Devoted to Textile Heritage
Jin Xiu Ying has been deeply connected to Dulong culture since her youth. Recognized as a Provincial Representative Inheritor of Dulong Textile Techniques, she has dedicated her life to nurturing the next generation of weavers. Her efforts have not only preserved the ancient art of Dulong weaving but also brought it to new audiences.
Jin Xiu Ying has been deeply connected to Dulong culture since her youth. Recognized as a Provincial Representative Inheritor of Dulong Textile Techniques, she has dedicated her life to nurturing the next generation of weavers. Her efforts have not only preserved the ancient art of Dulong weaving but also brought it to new audiences.
Master of the Art
Jin Xiu Ying is a true master of Dulong textile techniques, a unique cultural tradition that combines intricate weaving patterns and vibrant colors. Her creations are a captivating blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Dulong people.
Jin Xiu Ying is a true master of Dulong textile techniques, a unique cultural tradition that combines intricate weaving patterns and vibrant colors. Her creations are a captivating blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Dulong people.
A Cultural Ambassador
Beyond her artistic prowess, Jin Xiu Ying is a cultural ambassador. She has trained numerous talented weavers, ensuring that the legacy of Dulong textile techniques continues to thrive. Her dedication has earned her widespread recognition and respect within the local community.
Beyond her artistic prowess, Jin Xiu Ying is a cultural ambassador. She has trained numerous talented weavers, ensuring that the legacy of Dulong textile techniques continues to thrive. Her dedication has earned her widespread recognition and respect within the local community.
Experience the Magic of Dulong Textile Techniques
Join Jin Xiu Ying as she brings the soulful art of Dulong weaving to life. Whether you’re a textile lover or simply curious about the rich cultural heritage of the Nujiang Valley, her creations offer a window into the heart and soul of the Dulong people. Don’t miss the chance to witness this living cultural treasure—a performance by Jin Xiu Ying is an unforgettable journey into the world of Dulong traditions.
Join Jin Xiu Ying as she brings the soulful art of Dulong weaving to life. Whether you’re a textile lover or simply curious about the rich cultural heritage of the Nujiang Valley, her creations offer a window into the heart and soul of the Dulong people. Don’t miss the chance to witness this living cultural treasure—a performance by Jin Xiu Ying is an unforgettable journey into the world of Dulong traditions.
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Huang Sidai – Inheritor of Bai “Benziqu” Opera in Jianchuan County, Dali
Huang Sidai – Inheritor of Bai “Benziqu” Opera in Jianchuan County, Dali 大理州剑川县沙溪镇白族本子曲传承人 – 黄四代 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2800.html...
Cao Shixiang – Inheritor of Hani Musical Instrument-playing Skill in Mojiang County, Puer
Cao Shixiang – Inheritor of Hani Musical Instrument-playing Skill in Mojiang County, Puer 普洱市墨江县哈尼族乐器演奏技艺传承人 – 曹世祥 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2794.html...
Inheritor of Hulusheng-playing Skill in Ning’er County, Puer
Inheritor of Hulusheng-playing Skill in Ning’er County, Puer 普洱市宁洱县葫芦笙演奏技艺传承人 – 李永堂 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2792.html...
Bala Village in Shangri-La, Diqing
Where is Bala Village – Location The Bala village is a mountainous village sitting high in the clouds at the heart of the national park – the Balagezong Shangri-la...
Yu Guang – Inheritor of Dai Folk Song in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna
Personal Profile Yuguang(玉光), female, Dai nationality, born in 1955, Manyun Village(曼允村), Yunjinghong Towny(允景洪镇), Jinghong City(景洪市), Xishuangbanna(西双版纳州),the inheritor of Dai folk songs in Jinghong City, the “senior musician” ...
Long Qionglin – Zhuang Folk Song Singer in Malipo County, Wenshan
Artistic Career and Achievements Folk Song Inheritance:Born in 1909, Long Qionglin is a Zhuang ethnic folk singer from Nandu Village (or Nanduo Village), Malipo Town, Malipo County, Wenshan Prefecture,...
Shen Guifen – Inheritor of Yi Folk Song and Dance in Jianshui County, Honghe
Shen Guifen – Inheritor of Yi Folk Song and Dance in Jianshui County, Honghe 红河州建水县曲江镇彝族民间舞乐传承人 – 沈桂芬 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2765.html...
The Tibetan Oral Epic King Gesar
King Gesar(格萨尔王) is an oral epic of Tibetan Ethnic Minority, which is about Tibetan people’s legend, cultural and so on. It is one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Yunnan....
Pan Zhengqing – Inheritor of Yi Ethnic Song “Axi Xianji” in Mile County, Honghe
Pan Zhengqing – Inheritor of Yi Ethnic Song “Axi Xianji” in Mile County, Honghe Pān Zhèngqīng is a representative inheritor of the Yízú Āxì Xiānjī (彝族阿细先基) in Mílè County,...
Zhou Shaoxuan – Lusheng Player in Weixin County, Zhaotong
Zhou Shaoxuan – Lusheng Player in Weixin County, Zhaotong 昭通市威信县三桃乡芦笙艺人 -绉绍宣 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2763.html...
Song Zirong – Inheritor of Dai Bamboo-weaving Craft in Shuangjiang County, Lincang
Song Zirong – Inheritor of Dai Bamboo-weaving Craft in Shuangjiang County, Lincang 临沧市双江县勐之镇傣族编织技艺传承人 -宋子荣 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2762.html...
Jin Xiuying – Inheritor of Dulong Textile Craft in Gongshan County, Nujiang
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