Lu Mingxiu – Inheritor of Bulang Traditional Textile Crafts in Shuangjiang County, Lincang
双江县邦丙布朗族传统纺织技艺传承人 – 鲁明秀
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-1850.html
Sha Shaoxiang – Inheritor of Jizong Spining Top Performance of Wa Ethnic Minority in Shuangjiang County, Lincang
双江县沙河乡鸡棕陀螺传承人 – 沙绍祥
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-1851.html
Tao Meiyuan – Representative Inheritor of Miao Ethnic Costume-making Project in Changning County, Baoshan
昌宁县耈街乡苗族服饰制作项目代表性传承人 – 陶美源
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-1852.html
Wan Xiaosan – Representative Inheritor of Dai Opera Project in Luxi County, Dehong
潞西遮放傣剧代项目表性传承人 – 万小散
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-1853.html
Wang Zai’en – Inheritor of Traditional Oiled-paper Unbrella in Longling County, Baoshan
龙陵县象达乡传统纸伞工艺代表性传承人 – 王再恩
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-1854.html
Personal Profile
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Name: Yawan Yan (岩温烟)
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Ethnicity: Dai
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Hometown: Mengman Town (勐满镇), Menghai County (勐海县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省)
Artistic Journey
Yawan Yan developed a strong interest in painting at a young age, beginning to teach himself at the age of 8. At 14, he started learning from mural artists in neighboring villages and towns, systematically and comprehensively mastering the traditional Dai painting skills. In 1980, he participated in a Dai folk art training class organized by the prefecture’s cultural center. Under the guidance of art teachers, his mural painting skills improved significantly, and he also learned how to create peasant paintings.
Artistic Achievements
Mural Creation
Yawan Yan is a highly influential and well-known folk painter in Xishuangbanna Prefecture. He is well-versed in the Dai language and history and has fully mastered the exquisite skills of painting and mural creation. He can showcase the cultural and historical characteristics of his ethnic group through his paintings and murals. Since he started creating murals, he has painted over 2,000 meters of Dai murals for his village and surrounding villages. In 2010, the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture honored him with the title of Representative Inheritor of Provincial-level Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Unique Skills
Unlike other painters, Yawan Yan does not need to use a pencil to sketch or any reference to paint. Instead, he directly paints with pigments based on the artistic conception in his mind, demonstrating his innate painting talent.
Legacy and Contributions
Family Heritage
Yawan Yan passed on the traditional painting skills he had mastered to his daughter, Yu Yan (玉烟), and began taking on apprentices. His apprentices, including Yan Guang (岩光), Yan Wenshang (岩温香), and his daughter Yu Yan, had their works “New Dai Village,” “A Corner of the Forest,” and “A Date in the Forest” selected for the Second Yunnan Peasant Painting Exhibition.
Training New Artists
In 1997, Yawan Yan began taking on apprentices to pass on his traditional painting skills. Every year, he trained about 10 apprentices, with the youngest being only 9 years old. Through learning the skills of Dai mural painting, more young people are better able to protect and inherit Dai culture, bringing it new vitality and hope.
Yawan Yan said, “Painting is not easy, but as long as the students are patient and willing to learn, I can teach them. They will be able to make contributions to the country in the future.”
Social Impact
Dai murals, known in the Dai language as “Dian Za” (典扎), are a type of fine art created on the walls of Buddhist temples and are the most important form of Dai art. They were included in the second batch of Yunnan Province’s intangible cultural heritage protection list in 2009. Dai murals are not only an important means for the Dai people to record and inherit their traditional culture and art but also precious historical materials for studying the social history, culture, economy, and politics of the Dai ethnic group. The vivid Dai murals depict the rich life of the Dai people, such as hunting, labor, bathing by the river, and dancing, and have high artistic value.
As an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, Yawan Yan not only bears the responsibility of protecting and inheriting cultural heritage but also has the duty to promote and train the next generation of inheritors. Through his unique approach of creating art with emotion and training apprentices, he has paved a new path for the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, making the Dai mural art more colorful and vibrant.
For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-1855.html
Yang Shuming – Inheritor of Jade-carving Skill in Tengchong County, Baoshan
腾冲县腾越镇玉雕传承人 – 杨树明
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-1857.html
Profile
Feng Chuanshi (俸传诗) was born in 1941, and he is Dai ethnic minority in Qinghua Linxiang District, Lincang City(临沧市临翔区).
Personal Experiences
Since childhood, Feng Chuanshi had been influenced by the traditional Dai ethnic culture, and had a special fondness for elephant foot drum. Following the master Feng Chuabjin(俸传金) who passed away now learned how to repair the elephant foot drum. After his master’s careful cultivation, he learned the whole process of making the elephant foot drum and the traditional techniques of playing the elephant foot drum. He is very skillful in the etiquette and process of making elephant foot drums, such as sacrifice, tree selection, making and shaping, drum body sculpture. He also has high attainments in Dai ethnic minority’s wood carving, weaving and painting.He also enrolled two apprentices, one is the Feng bei and the other is the Feng Tongshu. He wanted to teach them the skills he mastered.
Achievements
His elephant foot drum is beautiful in shape and durable. It is also exported to Kunming, Shanghai and other places. Since 2000, he has produced more than 150 elephant foot drums. He has participated in the folk custom exhibition, large-scale sports activities and festival celebrations in Linxiang District(临翔区) for eight years. The Feng Chuanshi has a high influence in the local area, and are called “Drum King” and “Drum Immortal” by villagers.
He is the inheritor of provincial intangible cultural heritage in making elephant foot drum field .
Chinese Version: http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-1846.html
Translated by Lynette Fu/ 付云锐
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Personal Background
Name and Ethnicity: Hu Yuxiu (胡玉秀), born in 1939, is a folk artist of the Lisu ethnic group from Huanglianhe Village (黄连河村), Pingda Township (平达乡), Longling County (龙陵县), Baoshan City (保山市), Yunnan Province (云南省).
Family Situation: She has one son and four daughters. Her family’s livelihood relies primarily on farming, animal husbandry, and financial support from her youngest daughter.
Artistic Inheritance:
- Influenced by her grandmother Hu Datou (胡大头), she began learning how to make and play “Dudada” (嘟哒哒) from an early age.
- Over the years, she became the most skilled “Dudada” player among the local Lisu community and has committed herself to passing on this traditional art.
The Art of “Dudada”
Craftsmanship:
- “Dudada” (嘟哒哒) is a traditional sports game of the Lisu people, made by weaving square-shaped balls from pig bristle grass leaves, with a strip-shaped tassel at the top resembling a feather shuttlecock.
- Hu Yuxiu can craft “Dudada” in various sizes—large, medium, and small—and masters multiple styles of gameplay.
Gameplay Styles:
- Variants include solo play, two-person play, three-person play, and multiplayer formats.
- A modern version mimics volleyball, where teams hit the “Dudada” across a net, following strict rules (e.g., flat hitting or slapping the ball is not allowed).
Key Achievements
Competition Honors:
- In 2002, she publicly performed “Dudada” at the 7th Yunnan Minority Sports Games, winning second prize.
- In 2003, she performed at the 7th National Minority Sports Games and again received second prize.
Transmission Contributions:
- She has taught “Dudada” for many years, training a group of apprentices including her daughter and six core inheritors (ranging from 18 to 53 years old).
- Her efforts have inspired many local Lisu women to participate, forming a strong cultural inheritance network.
Social Impact
Hu Yuxiu’s work has helped “Dudada” evolve from a traditional ethnic game into a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage project. It has become a cultural emblem of Pingda Township (平达乡), Longling County (龙陵县).
During the 2025 Spring Festival cultural and tourism events, “Dudada” was showcased as a provincial-level heritage project and attracted a large number of visitors eager to experience it.
Cultural Background
Origin of “Dudada”:
- Legend says it was invented by Lisu sisters while harvesting pig bristle grass. Competitions are traditionally held in spring when wildflowers bloom.
- Intangible Cultural Heritage in Longling County:
- Pingda Township (平达乡) boasts 13 intangible heritage projects: 4 at the provincial level (including “Dudada”), 3 at the municipal level, and 6 at the county level.
- Huanglianhe Village (黄连河村) is a cultural hub for the Lisu people and home to several prominent inheritors, such as Yu Zhaodi (余照娣) for Lisu clothing and Yu Zongfu (余宗富) for Lisu mouth harp crafting.
Common Forms of “Dudada” Gameplay
Solo Play
Method: Played within a 2-square-meter area. The player tosses the “Dudada” upwards and uses one or both palms to tap it repeatedly to keep it in the air. If it touches the ground, the round ends.
Feature: Helps improve individual coordination and reaction time. Ideal for beginners learning basic skills.
Two-Person Play
Method: Two players stand 5 meters apart, facing each other. One throws the “Dudada” to the other, who must catch and return it using the palm(s). Missing the catch results in a loss.
Feature: Adds interactivity and competitiveness, requiring good timing and coordination.
Multiplayer Play
Method: Players split into two teams, arranged face to face, with unlimited team size—dozens or even hundreds. Teams stand 5 meters apart. One side throws the “Dudada,” and the other returns it. A team loses if anyone fails to catch it.
Feature: The large-scale nature creates a festive atmosphere. It enhances individual skills and tests team cooperation.
Net Play
Method: A modern version resembling volleyball, with a net in the center of the field. Players hit the “Dudada” over the net into the opposing team’s court. If the other team fails to catch it, a point is scored.
Feature: Incorporates volleyball rules, making “Dudada” more competitive and contemporary.
Traditional Folk Custom Format
Method: In folk traditions, “Dudada” also serves as a token of affection. Lisu girls carefully craft a “Dudada” and gift it to someone they admire. Through catching and tossing the ball, they express feelings.
Feature: Imbues the game with deep cultural and emotional significance, blending sport with ethnic heritage.
For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-1848.html
Li Ximei – Inheritor of Yanhe Dance in Shiping County, Honghe
石屏县宝秀镇烟盒舞传承人 – 李西美
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-1849.html
Profile
Li Yunyi(李云义) was born in 1942, and he is Bai ethnic minority, a member of Changyu Village, Shuanglang Town, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture(大理白族自治州双廊镇长育村人). He is good at Architectural Painting (Painting of Bai Nationality Residences白族居民彩绘) and he is a representative successor of the project.
Personal Experiences
Li Yunyi was fond of folk art when he was a child. After graduating from high school he returned home, he began to further study and research on colored drawing, and got the advice of Li Wenxiu(李文秀) who is an old folk artist. Since 1988, through learning and practicing, he have mastered the Bai nationality’s painting process and various expression techniques, and have his own technical characteristics. On the basis of the tradition of color design, his innovations about architecture and colored drawing harmonious, natural and generous; relief is another skill that he is good at. He is a well-known Bai folk house painter.
Achievements
His representative works include: Dazhaobi of Jizu Mountain Zhusheng Temple in Binchuan, Dali: Daofang Panorama of Jizu Mountain大理宾川鸡足山祝圣寺的大照壁;(鸡足山道坊全景图), Molong Picture(墨龙图) of Jizu Mountain cultural relics room , Painting of Bai ethnic minority’s wall in Yunnan Ethnic Village(云南民族村中白族村的照壁彩绘), Painting on both sides of the stage in Wenchang Palace(文昌宫) in Dali, etc.
During his life time, he teaches his apprentices skills that he mastered to foster the next generation. At present, his apprentices include his son Li Yanfeng(李艳峰), Zheng Tang(郑堂) and Yang Hu(杨虎), he have made positive contributions to the inheritance and protection of Bai folk house paintings.
He is a national inheritor of Bai house painting project.
Chinese Version:http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13110-3018.html
Translated by Lynette Fu/ 付云锐
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Introduction
Built in the Tang Dynasty with a history of over 1200 years, Jianshui Ancient Town located 220km south of Kunming is famous for housing over 50 immaculately preserved buildings with a mix of Han and local ethnic styles, thus reputed as the ‘Ancient Building Museum’ and ‘Folk Residence Museum’.
Compared with Yunnan’s other ancient towns like Lijiang and Dali, Jianshui is more laid-back. Old-style architectures flank the time-worn back alleys and locals still stick to the town’s traditional lifestyle. The ancient town exudes a tranquil charm luring you to linger and relax.
The History of Jianshui Old Town
The history of this ancient town can be dated back to Nanzhao State (738-937). About the year 810 the Nanzhao State built Huili City here. Huili in Yi (an ethnic minority of China) language means ‘vast sea’, and in Han language it is translated as Jianshui. In the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) the government set up Jianshui Zhou. Later, in the Ming Dynasty, it was changed to Lin’an Fu. Under the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) it was changed to Jianshui County.
Jianshui still retains the traditional style of the original town in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with break walls and a gate tower. From over 12 centuries of construction, more than 15 ancient buildings have remained in its present ancient town. If you come here to have a look, you will find many distinctive attractions. The famous scenic spots include: Jianshui Confucius Temple, Zhu Family Garden, Double Dragon Bridge and the National Examination Site of Xuezheng (the National Education Ministry) of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Apart from these attractions, the surrounding sights are also delightful, such as the Swallow Cave and Zhang Family Garden in Tuanshan Village.
Attractions in Jinashui Old Town
1. Zhu Family’s Garden
Zhu Family’s Garden is a Qing-era private mansion and comprises 214 intricately detailed wooden rooms orderly laid out in a labyrinth of 42 courtyards. Occupying an area of 20000 square meters, it took the Zhu family over 30 years to build such a style and grandeur. The lovely gardens, exquisite theater over the water as well as gracefully decorated family homes easily evokes the privileged life enjoyed by this large wealthy family in imperial times. More appealing, it is now partially converted into a guesthouse, offering 28 elegant rooms all with Qing-dynasty style furnishing. Visitors can stay one night to experience a traditional lifestyle.
Ticket: CNY 50 per person, CNY 133 for a combination ticket(including Jianshui Confucius Temple, Zhu Family Garden and Swallow Cave)
Opening Time:8:00~20:00
2. Confucius Temple
Just 200 meters from Zhu Family Garden sits the 700-year-old Confucius Temple, the third largest and best preserved Confucius temple in China. Modeled after the one in Qufu, Confucius’s hometown, it is composed of seven courtyards spreading out on a central axis, housing ancient halls, pavilions, ancestral temples and memorial archways. Enshrining the statue of Confucius, Dacheng Hall is the most magnificent one, boasting over 100 vivid animal figures carved into 22 screen doors.
Ticket: CNY 60 per person, CNY 133 for a combination ticket(including Jianshui Confucius Temple, Zhu Family Garden and Swallow Cave)
Opening Time: 8:00~18:00
3. Chaoyang Tower
The only survived city gate in Jianshui, Chaoyang Tower built in 1380 is an iconic landmark of the town. Characterized by tall wooden pillars and hip roofs with gilded tiles, the three-story structure bears a resemblance to the Tian’anmen Gate Tower in Beijing. Visitors can climb up into the gate to take in elaborate architectural details and panoramic views of the old town. In front of the tower is a crescent square where you can glimpse into local’s leisure life, such as dancing, playing cards and walking birds.
4. Ancient Wells
Along the cobblestone streets and alleyways in Jianshui are scattered with many ancient wells, and the stone mouth of the wells riven with deep grooves gouged by ropes vividly attest to their century-old history. Today most of the wells are still in use. Venturing deep into the back alleys, you could see locals hauling buckets of water or washing vegetables and clothes by the wells. Daban Well with a history of over 700 years is the most famous well. Its pure water is perfect among locals for making tea, and the fine reputation of Jianshui’s snacks, such as braised tofu and rice noodles, is also ascribed to the sweet water from Daban Well.
Attractions Nearby
Swallow Cave: The Swallow Cave lures visitors with its interesting stalactite formations and the spectacle of thousands of swallows migrating to here every spring and summer.
Double Dragon Bridge: A seventeen-arch stone bridge built in Ming dynasty, where you can appreciate its elegant design, with three Chinese-style pavilions built on top, blending well with surrounding landscape.
Tuanshan Village: Nested among green hills and spared by commercialism, the 19-century village retains grand family mansions, gardens and temples that bear beautiful engravings.
Transportation
Diatances from Other Scenic Spot in Jianshui:
Tuanshan Village: About 10.5 kilometers
Jianshui Swallow Cave: About 22.9 kilometers
Double-Dragon Bridge: About 6.2 kilometers
How to Get there?
By Train:
It takes more than 3 hours from Kunming Railway Station to Jianshui. Then take bus No.919 to get off at the East Gate Station.
By Bus:
1.Take a bus from Kunming Long-distance Passenger Transport Station nearby the Kunming Railway Station to Shiping County and get off at Jianshui County, lasting 4 hours.
2.Take a through bus in South Transport Station to Jianshui County, CNY 80 per person. And you can take bus No.1/13/15 to East Gate Station or Zhu Family Garden Station.
Transportation in Jianshui Old Town
1. It is better to walk through the Jianshui Old Town because it takes only ten minutes from the east gate to the west gate.
2. If you would like to search for the ancient wells in the Old Town, you can rent a bike to go, about CNY 30/one day.
3. The starting taxi fare within 3 kilometers is CNY 5.
Recommended Tour Routes
Touring with us will make your time well-spent well spent and your trip in Jianshui a unique experience. Join us in the following tours:
2 Days Jianshui Ancient Architecture Tour from Kunming
6 Days Kunming Shadian Muslim Tour with Yuanyang Rice Terraces and Jianshui Old Town
11 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Jianshui Old Town and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
Travel Tips
1. Eating in Jianshui: A leisurely stroll down Jianshui’s winding alleyways will offer you a great opportunity to taste its amazing food, from Steam-chicken Pot widely known across the whole province to Jianshui’s legendary toast tofu which you can find on roadside stalls. Xiang Man Lou opposite Zhu Family’s Garden is highly recommended for its antique-style environment and delicious local flavors.
2. Accommodation in Jianshui: There is a cluster of atmospheric inns and hostels in Jianshui Old Town where rooms are nicely set up in Qing-dynasty style. It’s great to stay for one night, admiring the old tradition and culture. While if you prefer luxury accommodation, Lin’an Hotel is a top choice considering its modern rooms, up-to-date facilities and location in close proximity to the old town.
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Lu Mingxiu – Inheritor of Bulang Traditional Textile Craft in Shuangjiang County, Lincang
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Profile Feng Chuanshi (俸传诗) was born in 1941, and he is Dai ethnic minority in Qinghua Linxiang District, Lincang City(临沧市临翔区). Personal Experiences Since childhood, Feng Chuanshi had been influenced by the traditional...
Hu Yuxiu – Representative Inheritor of Lisu “Dudada” in Longling County, Baoshan
Personal Background Name and Ethnicity: Hu Yuxiu (胡玉秀), born in 1939, is a folk artist of the Lisu ethnic group from Huanglianhe Village (黄连河村), Pingda Township (平达乡), Longling County...
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