Overview of the Manchu Ethnic Minority
The Manchu ethnic minority (满族) in Yunnan Province (云南省) has a population of approximately 14,000. They are mainly distributed in cities such as Kunming (昆明), Baoshan (保山), Simao (思茅), Qujing (曲靖), and Chuxiong (楚雄). The Manchu people have a significant presence in urban areas, with many engaged in professions related to engineering, administration, culture, and healthcare.
Historical Background
The Manchu migration to Yunnan began in the early Qing Dynasty (清朝). In the 20th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (康熙二十年, 1681), Prince Zhangtai (贝子彰泰) led 100,000 soldiers from both the Manchu and Han ethnic groups to conquer Kunming. It is said that “some of the Eight Banners’ servants did not return with the army, but instead hid in Yunnan (滇境).”
Following this, an increasing number of Manchu people migrated to Yunnan, either accompanying officials, engaging in commerce, or arriving during the War of Resistance against Japan. Many of these Manchu people settled in Kunming. Areas like Ruan’an Street (如安街) in Kunming were once populated by the Manchu, which was historically referred to as “Qiren Street” (旗人街).
Cuisine
The Manchu cuisine is rich and distinctive, often described as “Manchu-style Han dishes” (满点汉菜). One of the most representative dishes that embodies the fusion of Manchu and Han culinary culture is the “Manchu-Han Full Banquet” (满汉全席), which features over 100 dishes that maintain the unique characteristics of Manchu food in terms of ingredients, preparation, and eating styles.
Festivals
Many of the festivals celebrated by the Manchu people are similar to those of the Han ethnic group. The main festivals include:
- Spring Festival (春节)
- Lantern Festival (元宵节)
- Dragon Head Raising Day (二月二)
- Duanwu Festival (端午节)
- Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节)
During these festivals, traditional sports activities such as pearl ball games and horse racing are commonly held.
Architectural Features
The Village of Manchu Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages (云南民族村–满族寨) draws inspiration from the traditional courtyard structures of the Manchu people from Benxi (本溪) in Northeast China. At the same time, it incorporates numerous elements of the Siheyuan (四合院) architectural style typical of Kunming. This unique blend creates a perfect combination of the architectural styles from both regions, showcasing the cultural heritage of the Manchu people.
Introduction to the Pumi Ethnic Minority
The Pumi ethnic minority (普米族) is a unique group in Yunnan Province (云南省), with a population of approximately 42,000. They are descendants of the ancient Di-Qiang (氐羌) tribes and primarily engage in agriculture and animal husbandry. The Pumi people mainly reside in the northwestern part of Yunnan, particularly in the counties of Lanping (兰坪), Ninglang (宁蒗), Lijiang (丽江), Weixi (维西), and Yongsheng (永胜).
The Pumi people have a rich cultural heritage, with flourishing folk arts, including exquisite singing and dancing. A significant ceremony, known as the “Cheng Ding Li” (成丁礼), is held for children when they reach the age of 13 to mark their coming of age. They possess their own language and also use Chinese (汉文) for communication. The Pumi people follow Tibetan Buddhism, and their lamas and shamans (韩规) often compose scriptures in Tibetan.
Cultural Festivals and Traditions
The main traditional festivals of the Pumi ethnic minority include the Spring Festival (大过年), the Great Fifteenth Festival (大十五节), the Rock Cave Festival (绕岩洞), the Mountain Pilgrimage Festival (转山会), and the Tasting New Rice Festival (尝新节).
Among these, the Spring Festival (大过年) is the most important and grandest celebration, typically lasting three days to half a month. In Ninglang, the New Year is celebrated on the seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, while in Lanping and Weixi, the Spring Festival is celebrated during the first month of the lunar calendar.
The Great Fifteenth Festival (大十五节) is a traditional festival for the Pumi people in Ninglang, celebrated on the fourteenth day of the twelfth lunar month. During this time, people dress in bright new clothes, camp in the mountains, and hold bonfire parties. The following day, they pray for blessings around the “Mani pile” (玛尼堆), where young men and women joyfully sing, dance, and flirt with one another.
Architectural Features of the Pumi Ethnic Village
The Village of Pumi Ethnic Minority (普米族寨) in Yunnan Ethnic Village features typical “Duomu” (垛木) double-decker wooden houses and sloping-roofed flat houses. The village is arranged in a courtyard style, reflecting traditional folk architectural methods.
A local beverage, known as “Suli Ma” (酥里玛酒), is brewed using barley and traditional methods, earning the reputation of “local beer.” The western part of the village showcases the charming atmosphere of the “Suli Ma workshop,” where this unique beverage is produced.
The Village of Pumi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages offers a vivid glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Pumi people. Through their festivals, artistic expressions, and distinctive architectural styles, the Pumi ethnic minority continues to thrive and preserve their unique identity in the vibrant tapestry of Yunnan Province.
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Introduction to the Lisu Ethnic Minority
The Lisu ethnic minority (傈僳族) is a unique group in Yunnan Province (云南省), with a population of nearly 670,000. They primarily engage in agriculture and mainly inhabit the Nujiang (怒江) and Weixi Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (维西傈僳族自治州), particularly in the famous “Three Parallel Rivers” area. Additionally, there are communities in Lijiang (丽江), Diqing (迪庆), Dali (大理), and Baoshan (保山) prefectures and cities.
The Lisu people originated from the ancient Di-Qiang (氐羌) tribes and were historically known as “Bo” (僰) and “Pu” (濮) after migrating south during the Qin (秦) and Han (汉) dynasties. Their folk beliefs are rooted in animism, and they possess their own language and script. The Lisu culture is rich in folk songs and dances, showcasing their vibrant heritage.
Cultural Festivals and Traditions
The Lisu people refer to their annual New Year festival as “Kuo Shi” (阔时), which typically occurs between the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month and the tenth day of the first lunar month, coinciding with the blooming season of cherry blossoms. The “Kuo Shi Festival” (阔时节) has now been established as a communal ethnic festival celebrated by the Lisu people in Nujiang Prefecture (怒江州), occurring on December 20 each year.
Additionally, the Lisu community in Dehong (德宏) and Tengchong (腾冲) celebrates the “Knife Pole Festival” (刀杆节) on the seventeenth day of the second lunar month. These festivals are significant cultural events, reflecting the Lisu people’s traditions and community spirit.
Architectural Features of the Lisu Ethnic Village
The Village of Lisu Ethnic Minority (傈僳族寨) in Yunnan Ethnic Village is characterized by its typical “Qianjiao Luodi” (千脚落地) wooden house architecture. This style reflects the unique morphological features of the Lisu people’s terraced environment, showcasing their aesthetic preferences and open-minded lifestyle. The layout of the village exhibits a harmonious blend of traditional architectural design with the natural landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the cultural identity and daily life of the Lisu ethnic minority.
The Village of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages provides a rich cultural experience, allowing visitors to explore the traditions, festivals, and architectural styles of the Lisu people. Through their unique practices and vibrant community life, the Lisu ethnic minority continues to thrive, preserving their heritage and sharing it with the world.
Introduction to the Buyi Ethnic Minority (布依族)
The Buyi ethnic minority (布依族) in Yunnan Province (云南省) has a population of nearly 59,000 people, primarily residing in more than ten counties within the Qujing (曲靖), Wenshan (文山), and Honghe (红河) prefectures. The origins of the Buyi people trace back to the ancient “Baiyue” (百越), and they have been historically referred to by names such as “Xieman” (谢蛮) and “Zhongjia” (仲家), being a branch of the Luoyue people (骆越) within the Baiyue ethnic group. They are an agricultural society with a lunar calendar, rich natural resources, and favorable environmental conditions. The Buyi language exists alongside the use of Chinese characters (汉文), and their literature is flourishing. Their folk beliefs revolve around animism and polytheism, with a representative festival being the Sacrifice to the Soil God (祭社神节) celebrated on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month.
The Buyi people celebrate many traditional festivals, including:
- March 3 (三月三)
- April 8 (四月八)
- June 6 (六月六): This is a common festival for the Buyi people.
Buyi arts and crafts are well-known, including techniques such as batik (蜡染), embroidery (刺绣), brocade weaving (织锦), bamboo weaving (竹编), dyeing (织染), pottery (陶瓷), and carving (雕刻).
Architectural Features of the Buyi Ethnic Village (布依族寨建筑特点)
The Village of Buyi Ethnic Minority (布依族寨) in Yunnan Ethnic Village is situated beside water and consists of two residential buildings that adhere to traditional folk construction methods. This design achieves a perfect combination of the Qionglong (邛笼) architectural style and the wooden house (板屋) building technique. The village features pavilions and corridors by the water, with winding paths that lead to serene spots, showcasing a blend of folk residential charm and innovative garden landscapes, making it highly representative of Buyi architectural aesthetics.
The Village of Buyi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the Buyi people. Through their vibrant festivals, exquisite craftsmanship, and distinctive architectural style, visitors can gain valuable insights into the lives and heritage of the Buyi ethnic minority.
Introduction to the Mongolian Ethnic Minority
The Mongolian ethnic minority (蒙古族) in Yunnan Province (云南省) has a population of approximately 23,000 people. Most of them are descendants of the troops led by Kublai Khan (元世祖忽必烈) during his conquests of Yunnan. The Ximeng Mongolian Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡) in Tonghai County (通海县) is a major settlement area for the Mongolian people, while other Mongolian compatriots live among various ethnic groups, primarily in the urban and rural areas of central Yunnan (滇中).
The Mongolians in Ximeng Township have unique languages and clothing distinct from those of the Inner Mongolian grasslands. Their representative festival is the Nadam Fair (那达慕大会), which occurs every three years. Their ancestors entered Yunnan in earlier times and stationed nearby, gradually shifting to a fishery-based livelihood after settling in their current location. As the water level of Qilu Lake (杞麓湖) receded, agriculture became the mainstay of their economy.
Architectural Features of the Mongolian Ethnic Village
The Mongolian Ethnic Village (蒙古族村) within the Yunnan Ethnic Village features representative courtyard-style buildings known as “one imprint” (一颗印) architecture, yurts (蒙古包), and horse racing grounds (跑马场). This architectural ensemble reflects the ancestral characteristics of nomadic peoples from the vast grasslands and showcases the unique architectural style of the Mongolian people in Yunnan.
Traditional Festivals of the Mongolian Ethnic Minority
The Mongolian ethnic group celebrates several traditional festivals, including:
- Nadam Fair (那达慕): The most grand and widely celebrated festival among the Mongols, held every three years during the livestock fattening season in July and August. The term “Nadam” means entertainment or games in Mongolian.
- Animal Husbandry Festival (兴畜节): Another significant festival for the Mongolian people.
- Luban Festival (鲁班节): Celebrated on the second day of the fourth lunar month each year.
Cultural Heritage of the Mongolian Ethnic Minority
The Mongolian people are often referred to as a “musical nation” and a “poetic nation.” Their multi-part folk songs, Morin khuur (马头琴) music, and the epic “Gada Meilin” (史诗《嘎达梅林》) are recognized as national intangible cultural heritage and are included in the protection list of cultural heritage by the state.
The Village of Mongolian Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages offers a deep insight into the culture, traditions, and architecture of the Mongolian people in Yunnan. Visitors can experience the rich heritage of the Mongolian ethnic minority, participate in cultural festivities, and appreciate their unique artistic expressions.
Introduction to the Nu Ethnic Minority
The Nu ethnic minority (怒族) is unique to Yunnan Province (云南省), with a population of approximately 32,000 people. Primarily engaged in agriculture, they mainly inhabit the regions along the Nu River (怒江), particularly in Fugu County (福贡县), Gongshan County (贡山县), and the counties of Hushui (沪水) and Lanping (兰坪). As one of the ancient indigenous ethnic groups in northwestern Yunnan, the Nu ethnic group derives its name from the Nu River, which they have long inhabited. Known for their singing and dancing abilities, the Nu people have a rich tradition of folk literature and adhere to an original religion that deeply respects the “natural powers of the gods.” Their representative festival is the “Fairy Festival” (仙女节). The Nu ethnic group has its own distinct language, which varies regionally, but they commonly use Chinese (汉文) in daily communication.
Traditional Festivals of the Nu Ethnic Minority
The Nu ethnic minority celebrates several traditional festivals, including the New Year (过年), Fairy Festival (仙女节), the Harvest Festival (祭谷神), and the Mountain and Forest Festival (祭山林节). Among these, the New Year festival is the most vibrant and celebrated. The Nu people worship fairies, and every year on the 15th day of the third lunar month, they hold a special celebration in their honor.
Before the festival, several limestone caves adorned with stalactites are selected as fairy caves. On the festival day, people gather to pick rhododendron flowers and carry offerings and wine vessels to the fairy cave for sacrifices, celebrating joyfully together.
Location of the Nu Ethnic Village
The Nu Ethnic Village (怒族寨) is located at 1310 Dianchi Road (滇池路), Xishan District (西山区), Kunming (昆明), within the Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村). This village is a crucial component of the Yunnan Ethnic Village, specifically dedicated to showcasing Nu culture and lifestyle.
Architectural Style of the Nu Ethnic Village
The architectural style of the Nu Ethnic Village is unique, primarily featuring traditional wooden structures with stone roofs. These houses are characterized by interconnecting corridors or interconnected rooms, adorned with stone steps, which vividly represent the dynamic spatial composition of Nu architecture and exemplify the harmonious integration of culture and nature.
The traditional Nu houses are predominantly constructed from wood and stone, reflecting rich ethnic characteristics. Visitors can admire traditional Nu craftsmanship, including intricate wood carvings, embroidery, and silver jewelry, which highlight the skills and deep cultural heritage of the Nu people.
Cultural Exhibitions and Daily Life
In addition to showcasing traditional handicrafts, the Nu Ethnic Village also presents the daily lives and customs of the Nu people. Tourists can participate in traditional Nu dance performances and savor local delicacies such as butter tea (酥油茶) and sour bamboo shoot fish (酸笋鱼), gaining a deeper understanding of the Nu way of life and cultural traditions.
Moreover, the Nu Ethnic Village features museums and exhibition halls that house a wealth of valuable artifacts and photographs related to Nu history and culture, providing visitors with insights into the rich history and traditions of the Nu people.
In summary, the Nu Ethnic Village in Yunnan Ethnic Village is a tourist destination that combines sightseeing, cultural experiences, and folk displays. Visitors can immerse themselves in the charm and uniqueness of Nu culture and gain a profound understanding of the customs and historical culture of the Nu people.
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Introduction to the Shui Ethnic Minority (水族)
The Shui ethnic minority (水族) in Yunnan (云南) comprises approximately 9,000 people, primarily engaged in agriculture. They reside mainly in the ancient Gugan Shui Ethnic Township (古干水族乡) and Huangnihe Town (黄泥河镇) of Fuyuan County (富源县). The origins of the Shui people can be traced back to the ancient “Baiyue” (百越), developing from a branch of the “Luoyue” (罗越) ethnic group. In ancient times, they referred to themselves as “Sui,” which was transliterated into “Shui” in Mandarin, thus giving them their name. The Shui people have their own language but predominantly use Chinese in daily life. They also had an ancient calendar based on lunar phases, and the “Shui Book” (水书) is renowned as a living encyclopedia of folklore due to its long history. The Shui people firmly believe in a primitive religion that emphasizes that “all things have spirits and souls endure,” which is reflected in their tradition of placing “Tunkou” (屯口) masks at the entrances of their homes to ward off evil spirits and pray for peace and auspiciousness.
Architecture of Shui Ethnic Villages
The Shui Village (水族村) in the Yunnan Ethnic Village is built along the water’s edge and integrates farming tools into its scenery. The architecture predominantly features the traditional “street house” style of the representative wooden houses from Gugan Shui Ethnic Township (古干水族乡) in Fuyuan County (富源县). The layout includes scenic spots like the Bagua Wheel (八卦轮), Longtan (龙潭), and Dalong Tree (大龙树), showcasing the ancestral culture and unique characteristics of the Shui people.
The Duan Festival (端午节)
The Duan Festival (端午节) is the most widespread, widely celebrated, and longest-lasting festival among the Shui people, regarded as their grandest annual celebration. In 2006, the “Shui Duan Festival” (水族端午节) and the “Shui Mao Festival” (水族毛节) were listed as national-level and provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, respectively.
Traditional Clothing of the Shui Ethnic Minority
The Shui people’s clothing is characterized by elegant colors and meticulous tailoring, showcasing a beautiful silhouette. Shui culture and attire share close ties with the Zhuang ethnic group (壮族) of Yunnan, yet differ significantly from the Shui people in Guizhou (贵州).
Shui clothing is simple and vibrant, with a particular fondness for blue, white, and indigo colors, exuding an elegant charm. Traditionally, they wore short tops paired with long skirts, while modern attire typically features short tops with pants. Their clothing is crafted from hemp fabric, presenting a simple beauty akin to a landscape painting.
Women’s Clothing
Shui women (水族女性) wear a right-opening blouse secured with a left knot, adorned with lace along the edges and embroidered corner borders. The trousers are fitted at the waist and hips, flared at the legs, resembling bell-bottoms that accentuate the natural curves of Shui women.
Men’s Clothing
Shui men (水族男性) wear large-collared, collarless blue shirts, designed for ease of labor.
Traditional Shui Street Houses
The Shui Village (水族村) in Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村) is constructed along the water’s edge, featuring farm tools arranged in artistic formations. It primarily showcases the traditional wooden houses from Gugan Shui Ethnic Township (古干水族乡). The village is surrounded by scenic spots like the Bagua Wheel (八卦轮), Longtan (龙潭), and Dalong Tree (大龙树), reflecting the ancestral customs and unique characteristics of Shui culture.
Typically, the main entrance of a Shui household features a wooden sculpture of a fierce-looking Tunkou mask (屯口面具), which symbolizes protection and the wish for family safety and happiness.
Shui street houses (水族街屋) are rich in ancient charm, usually comprising a main house and two side rooms in a courtyard layout. The layout separates living spaces for people and animals, ensuring full functionality. The main house features a gable roof, constructed from wood and stone, with one floor and a basement. The basement usually consists of three rooms: a central hall and living spaces with a kitchen on either side, allowing for independent yet interconnected living. The upper level is often used for grain storage.
Tongkou Dance: A Unique Traditional Dance (铜口舞)
The Tongkou Dance (铜口舞) is unique to the Gugan Shui people, referred to as “Langji Gen” (狼骑根) in their language, symbolizing divine protection. It is one of the traditional dance forms exclusive to the Shui people of Yunnan.
The dance uses the Shui people’s auspicious symbol—the Tunkou mask (屯口面具)—as a prop. The Tunkou mask, which features a human head with a fierce expression and a sword in its mouth, symbolizes the ability to drive away evil spirits.
The “Tongkou Dance” (铜口舞) features passionate and robust movements, with performers wielding the Tunkou mask to sweep the surroundings, drawing swords toward the heavens, showcasing a sense of divine power and martial beauty.
Culinary Delights: Niu Da Gun (牛打滚)
The Shui people have a long history of rice cultivation and primarily consume rice, with a particular fondness for glutinous rice. “Niu Da Gun” (牛打滚) is a traditional and representative glutinous rice snack of the Shui people.
The preparation and ingredients for “Niu Da Gun” (牛打滚) are simple, yet the taste is unique. The glutinous rice balls are rolled in bean flour, coating them entirely. The result is a chewy and fragrant delicacy. This method resembles water buffalo rolling in mud, leading the Shui people to call it “Niu Da Gun” (牛打滚).
If you visit the Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村) and pass by the Shui Village (水族村), be sure to sample the soft and sweet Shui snack “Niu Da Gun” (牛打滚) to make your journey truly delightful!
The Shui Book: A Cultural Heritage (水书)
The Shui Book (水书) has a long history and is known as “Le Sui” (乐水) in the Shui language, passed down through generations by Shui scholars and derived from Chinese characters. Its shapes resemble oracle bone script (甲骨文) and bronze inscriptions (青铜铭文), primarily used to record the Shui people’s astronomical, geographical, religious, folklore, ethical, and philosophical cultural information. It is one of the few surviving pictographs in the world, alongside the Dongba script (东巴文), and was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
The Shui Book (水书) is an ancient ethnic document, and copies can still be found in the regions inhabited by the Shui (水族) and Bouyei (布依族) people. The Eight Trigrams of Fuxi (伏羲八卦), also known as the Pre-Heaven Eight Trigrams, is one of the valuable pieces of information preserved in the Shui Book (水书).
Overview of the Zhuang Ethnic Minority
The Zhuang (壮族) people predominantly reside in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山州), with a population of approximately 1.22 million. Their villages are mostly located near mountains and water. The Zhuang are skilled rice cultivators and practice customs such as sun worship and ancestor veneration. They regard the bronze drum as a significant cultural artifact, favor silver jewelry, and are known for their culinary skills in preparing five-color rice (五色花米饭). The Zhuang people are also known for their singing, dancing, and hospitality.
Architectural Features of the Zhuang Village
Upon entering the Zhuang Village (壮族村) in Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村), visitors are greeted by the Dragon Pillar (龙柱) dedicated to the worship of the Dragon King. On either side, there are paintings on the cliffs known as Heavenly King’s Cliff Paintings (天王崖画) created by their ancestors, and a Stone Gourd Pavilion (石葫芦亭) built to commemorate the legends of ancestral assistance during a great flood.
Flanking the square are the Haotian Pavilion (昊天阁), dedicated to the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝), and a large bronze drum (硕大铜鼓) believed to ward off evil and attract good fortune. The village features various architectural styles, including:
- Rafted-style houses (杆栏式民居)
- Hemp-fenced houses (麻栏式民居)
- “Love Corridor” (情廊) for Zhuang youth to socialize and relax
- Elder’s Pavilion (老人亭) for village elders to hold discussions
Additionally, the village includes Dragon Trees (龙树) and “Sanqi” Gardens (三七园). A little further away, visitors can find a uniquely designed Wind and Rain Bridge (风雨桥) and a rotating waterwheel (水车), which together create a picturesque pastoral scene of Zhuang countryside.
Cultural Festivals and Arts
The Zhuang people hold several traditional folk song gatherings throughout the year, with the “March 3” Song Festival (三月三) being the most grandiose, celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month each year.
Zhuang brocade (壮锦) is a unique weaving art passed down through generations within the Zhuang community. It is recognized as one of China’s Four Famous Brocades, alongside Nanjing Yunjin (南京的云锦), Chengdu Shujin (成都的蜀锦), and Suzhou Songjin (苏州的宋锦).
Overview of the Miao Ethnic Minority
The Miao (苗族) people primarily engage in mountainous agriculture and number approximately 1.2 million in Yunnan (云南), making them one of the largest ethnic minorities in the province. They are distributed throughout the province, with notable populations in counties such as Guangnan (广南), Jinping (金平), Pingbian (屏边), and Maguan (马关), each with populations exceeding 50,000. The Miao people practice ancestor worship and possess their own language and script, reflecting their identity as an ancient and migratory ethnic group, with roots tracing back over 5,000 years to figures such as Chi You (蚩尤), San Miao (三苗), and Nanman (南蛮).
Miao embroidery (苗绣) is unique to Yunnan, and the Miao Lusheng Dance (芦笙舞) is both exciting and enjoyable, with the Flower Mountain Festival (花山节) being a significant celebration, commonly referred to as the “踩花山” (Caihua Mountain).
Architectural Features
The Miao Village (苗族村) within Yunnan Ethnic Village is constructed in a mountainous environment that represents the typical Miao lifestyle. It features traditional architectural styles, including:
- Typical Wooden Houses (板房)
- Stilt Houses (吊脚楼)
- Country Churches (乡村教堂)
These structures capture the essence of Miao architecture. The residential buildings showcase Miao attire and handicrafts while reflecting the communal way of life.
Miao Mountain Flower Festival (苗族山花节)
The “Jumping Flower Festival” (跳花节) is a traditional festival rich in ethnic sentiment, primarily focused on courtship among young Miao men and women, as well as social entertainment for the community. Known also as “Jumping Moon” (跳月), “Caihua Mountain” (踩花山), or “Zhashan” (扎山), the festival does not have a fixed date across regions but generally occurs in the first lunar month or during spring.
In many Miao areas, the Lusheng Festival (芦笙节), celebrated with dance, also takes place, with dates varying by location but sharing similar themes and grand festivities.
Wax-Dyeing Craftsmanship
The Miao’s wax-dyeing (蜡染) craftsmanship has a history of over a thousand years and is widely circulated among the Miao community. The variety of floral patterns is rich and colorful, with products being exported both domestically and internationally. This craft has become a key focus of ethnic tourism development in regions such as Guizhou (贵州). Additionally, Miao clothing-making techniques have been included in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List (国家级非物质文化遗产保护名录).
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Overview
The Hani Village (哈尼寨) in Yunnan Ethnic Village covers 15 acres and showcases traditional Hani architecture and culture. Key features include:
- Mushroom Houses (蘑菇房): Typical residential structures with timber and earth construction, resembling mushrooms from a distance.
- Mother-Child Houses (爱尼母子房): Characterized by bamboo and wooden structures, where the main house is spacious, surrounded by smaller child houses.
- Sun and Moon Square (日月广场): A central area for gatherings and activities.
- Cultural Representations:
- A large relief sculpture illustrating the Hani legend of fish giving birth to all things.
- A totem pole depicting the migration legend of the Hani.
- Significant structures like the mill, Longba Gate (龙巴门), a swing area, and terraced fields (梯田).
- The ancestral tree (寨神树) and sacrificial stones (祭石) representing the Hani belief that “everything has a spirit” and their polytheistic worship.
Architecture
Hani architecture varies and can be categorized into four main styles:
- Eastern Tiled Houses (东瓦房)
- Earthen Houses (土掌)
- Southern Stilt Houses (南干栏)
- Thatched Houses (茅草房) in border areas
Mushroom Houses
- Structure: Typically multi-story, featuring stone foundations, earthen walls, and wooden columns.
- Roof Design: Built to withstand rain, facilitating food drying and preventing animal intrusion.
Mother-Child Houses
- Structure: The main house is spacious with an upper level for living and a lower level for livestock.
- Symbolism: Represents maternal affection and family unity, facilitating social interactions among youth.
Demographics
The Hani ethnic group (哈尼族) is a unique minority in Yunnan, with a population of approximately 1.65 million. Key points include:
- Geographic Distribution: Primarily found in the Three Rivers and Two Mountains region (三江两山地带), including the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州). Other populations exist in Simao (思茅), Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), and Yuxi (玉溪).
- Cultural Relations: The Akha people (阿卡) in Laos and other regions are also related to the Hani.
- Language: The Hani have their own language but historically lacked a written script, with over 20 branches within the ethnic group.
Agricultural Practices
The Hani are renowned for their agricultural practices, particularly in rice cultivation:
- Historical Significance: They are considered one of the earliest ethnic groups to cultivate rice, abandoning traditional slash-and-burn methods for terraced farming.
- Terraced Fields: The Ailao Mountains (哀牢山) are home to numerous terraced fields, known for their dramatic beauty and agricultural innovation. The terraced fields in Yuanyang (元阳县) have become a cultural landscape.
Tea Cultivation
In addition to rice, the Hani are also among the first to cultivate tea:
- Oldest Cultivated Tea Tree: The “Shaguizhu” (沙桂茶), over 800 years old, grows in the Hani Mountain region in Banshan Village (半坡村) of Menghai County (勐海).
- Ecological Environment: The region’s ecological conditions are among the most suitable globally for tea cultivation, contributing to the Hani’s agricultural legacy.
Cultural Significance
The Hani Village in Yunnan Ethnic Village provides insight into the rich cultural heritage, architectural styles, agricultural practices, and historical significance of the Hani ethnic minority, highlighting their contributions to the region’s diversity and traditions.
The Jingpo ethnic group, with a population of nearly 150,000, primarily resides in the Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (德宏傣族景颇族自治州) in Yunnan Province (云南省). The Jingpo people practice an animistic religion, believing in the spirit of all things, worshipping deities, and venerating their ancestors.
Overview of Jingpo Village
The Jingpo Village (景颇寨) in the Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村) covers an area of 15 acres and features spacious and elegant various types of residential buildings alongside the exquisite and splendid “Mountain Official’s House” (山官房). The architectural styles prominently showcase the Jingpo’s “stilt” (干栏式) and “inverted T-shaped” (倒T型) structural characteristics and layout forms. In the center of the square stands the “Muna Song Tower” (目脑纵歌示栋), with patterns and sculptures symbolizing the unity and determination of the Jingpo people.
Festivals and Traditions
The Jingpo people celebrate several traditional festivals, including the Muna Song Festival (目瑙纵歌节), the Nengxian Festival (能仙节), and the New Rice Festival (新米节). Among these, the most grand and significant is the “Muna Song Festival,” which is a traditional sacrificial event dedicated to the celestial deity Mudi. This festival typically takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month. During the festival, people gather around the Muna Song Tower, engaging in group dances, which can attract tens of thousands of participants, creating a spectacular scene renowned for its “thousands singing and dancing.”
Attractions and Names Listed:
- Jingpo Ethnic Group (景颇族)
- Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (德宏傣族景颇族自治州)
- Jingpo Village (景颇寨)
- Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村)
- Mountain Official’s House (山官房)
- Muna Song Tower (目脑纵歌示栋)
- Muna Song Festival (目瑙纵歌节)
- Nengxian Festival (能仙节)
- New Rice Festival (新米节)
The Lahu ethnic group (拉祜族) has a population of nearly 480,000 and is an indigenous ethnic group unique to Yunnan Province (云南). They primarily reside in the vast region along the Lancang River (澜沧江) within Pu’er (普洱) and Lincang (临沧) cities. They self-identify as a “nation that emerged from a gourd” and deeply believe in an ancient religion that venerates the “omnipotence of natural forces.” In the 19th century, Christianity was introduced to the border areas, and the Lahu people incorporated it into their own culture, leading to a widespread tradition of guitar playing and singing that continues to this day.
Traditional Lahu Village and Cultural Elements
The Lahu village (拉祜族寨) in the Yunnan Ethnic Village is closely connected to the Jino village (基诺族寨). Within the village, one can find traditional Lahu thatched houses (拉祜茅草房), communal halls (大公房), cattle sheds (牛棚), as well as a gourd square (葫芦广场) and a totem pole array (图腾柱阵). The gourd square is centrally located and resembles a large flat gourd, featuring stone-carved gourds and ancestral stone slabs, which are prominent attractions. In the Lahu village, the swinging of swings, the melodious sound of gourd pipes, and continuous guitar performances showcase the vibrant “harvest dance,” filled with joy and passion, reflecting the Lahu people’s way of life.
The main traditional festivals of the Lahu people include the Spring Festival (春节) and the Gourd Festival (葫芦节). The Spring Festival is the most grandly celebrated event and is referred to in Lahu as “Kuanihani.” The Gourd Festival, a newer celebration called “A Peng A Long Ni” in Lahu, takes place from April 8 to 10.
The Lahu people are known for their singing and dancing, often incorporating production-related movements into their performances. Their dance styles include the Lusheng dance (芦笙舞), swing dance (摆舞), and song-dance (跳歌). The Lusheng dance is a large collective dance performed during festivals, with a total of 136 folk combinations recorded.
Living Environment and Traditional Clothing
As one of the 15 unique ethnic minorities in Yunnan, the Lahu people primarily inhabit the areas along the Lancang River in Pu’er and Lincang. The Lancang Lahu Autonomous County (澜沧拉祜族自治县) in Pu’er has the largest concentration of Lahu people. Legend has it that the Lahu people emerged from gourds, which they regard as a national totem, and their clothing is often adorned with gourd patterns.
Distinctive Traditional Clothing
The traditional clothing of the Lahu people is unique and varies according to lineage and residence. Men typically wear collarless, right-over-left, long shirts, and wide-legged trousers, often topped with a black turban or a melon-shaped cap.
Lahu women (拉祜西妇女) wear black cloth headscarves, collarless short jackets decorated with colorful geometric patches at the chest and cuffs, and long skirts. The clothing of Lahu Na women (拉祜纳妇女) retains characteristics from northern clothing styles since their migration southward, featuring a long headscarf adorned with colorful tassels, collarless short jackets, and high-slit long robes lined with neat silver beads at the neckline. Their tube skirts are decorated with elegant and beautiful patterns, giving them a dignified and luxurious appearance.
Architectural Characteristics of Lahu Villages
The Lahu people thrive in the subtropical region at an altitude of around 1,000 meters along the Lancang River. Nestled among lush, dense forests, their homes are arranged in a picturesque manner. The Lahu people live harmoniously with their natural surroundings, utilizing rich forest resources to create bamboo and thatch houses and elevated bamboo stilt houses (桩上双斜面竹楼房).
Their residences adhere to stilt house architecture, with slight variations between the two types. The simpler design reflects the essence of “building nests from wood.” The more elaborate bamboo stilt houses, which resemble those in nearby Dai villages (傣乡), come in two different styles based on the area they occupy. The larger, long-corridor-style stilt houses are known locally as “communal houses” (公房) or “long houses” (长屋), representing the transition from extended families to smaller family units and preserving aspects of the original matrilineal marriage organization and customs of the Lahu.
Cultural Heritage and Culinary Traditions
The Lahu village in the Yunnan Ethnic Village features thatched houses, communal halls, churches (教堂), cattle sheds, and the prominent gourd square. The gourd square, which resembles a large flat gourd and features a group of stone-carved gourds at its center, symbolizes the ancestral worship beliefs of the Lahu, who believe that their ancestors originated from gourds.
The Lahu are one of the ancient ethnic groups in China, known historically as “the tiger-hunting nation.” The name Lahu means “to eat tiger meat roasted over a fire,” reflecting their traditional practice of cooking hunted game on the spot, which fostered a cultural preference for roasted meat. Lahu roasted meat is uniquely flavored and typically cooked by sandwiching salted and spiced meat between two bamboo sticks and roasting it slowly over a fire until golden brown, fragrant, and crispy. Alternatively, the meat can be wrapped in banana leaves and buried in the fire until cooked. This roasted meat is crunchy and delicious, often served with spicy seasonings for an appetizing experience.
Secret Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings
For those who love barbecue, this authentic ethnic dish is a must-try!
“In auspicious days, we come together, singing the songs from our hearts, nourished by a sweet and happy life. The Lahu people sing passionately…” Dressed in traditional clothing, Lahu youths gather, playing guitars and singing folk songs. This scene is common in Lahu villages, resulting from the intersection of ethnic and global cultures.
In the past, Christianity was introduced by British clergy to the border areas. The Lahu people showed great interest in the expressive capabilities of the guitar, adapting it to their culture and becoming a people who sing and play their local songs. These Western musical instruments gradually became integrated into Lahu life. Along the fields and by the campfires, Lahu people express their emotions through guitar music, singing to friends or serenading their lovers. The heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melodies flow in a rhythm filled with “Lahu flavor.”
Weaving as a Cultural Expression
Historically, Lahu ancestors living in dense forests had very few individuals skilled in weaving; they often exchanged hunted animals for clothing with other ethnic groups. After settling down, the Lahu began to learn spinning and weaving. This craft has been preserved for over 600 years, maintaining the traditional cultural characteristics of the ethnic group throughout history. Today, local villages still uphold the traditions of weaving, dyeing, and making their own clothing. Lahu women utilize a simple weaving method with a long bench and a beam to create beautiful visions of life with colorful cotton threads in shades of black, red, blue, and green.
The Lahu people’s aspirations for beauty manifest in their clothing and decorative items. In the Yunnan Ethnic Village Lahu village, young women inherit the craftsmanship of their ancestors, sharing the unique cultural charm of their ethnic group with the world.
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