It is said that the ancestors of Bamei residents are a Zhuang family of Guangdong Province. Six hundred years ago, they escaped from brutal outlaws and found the cave by chance. They believed it was a perfect place to hide, so later they invited some friends to live with them. Since then, the village had become a Peach Blossom Valley for these virtuous, amicable Zhuang people. They get up when sun rises and go to bed when sun sets. No one worries about their job or the future. Life is simple and easy for them. They can do everything for themselves. They plant rice paddies and cotton, spin and weave their own clothes, make bean curd with stone grinders, and even produce their own cooking oil. As long as they have enough salt, they can stay in the village without contact with the outside world.
They also fully preserve the traditions of the Zhuang minority. Most of the villagers live in traditional Malan houses, a kind of diao jiao lou(掉脚楼). Their customs and festivals are also well preserved. The Devil Festival, the Ox Soul Festival, and the Singing Festival are all celebrated grandly. They are passionate and hospitable, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery and traditional ethos. Bamei Village is indeed an ideal place for getting away from the crowded city.
In recent years, huge investment has been made to improve the infrastructure facilities in the village. The electricity has been laid and roads connecting the outside world have also been paved. There are TV sets and telephones at the locals’ home. They seem to adapt to new modern life.
The local people belong to the Zhuang minority. Bamei means ‘cave in the forest’ in Zhuang language. It is said that the ancestors of Bamei residents are a Zhuang family of Guangdong Province. Six hundred years ago, they escaped from brutal outlaws and found the cave by chance. They believed it was a perfect place to hide, so later they invited some friends to live with them. Since then, the village had become a Peach Blossom Valley for these virtuous, amicable Zhuang people. They get up when sun rises and go to bed when sun sets. No one worries about their job or the future. Life is simple and easy for them. They can do everything for themselves. They plant rice paddies and cotton, spin and weave their own clothes, make bean curd with stone grinders, and even produce their own cooking oil. As long as they have enough salt, they can stay in the village without contact with the outside world.
Festivals:
Besides sharing similar festivals with the Han, they have their unique ones including:the Devil Festival, the Ox Soul Festival, and the Singing Festival.
The Devil Festiva
The Devil Festival, held on July 14th of the lunar month, is regarded as an occasion second to the Spring Festival. The day before the Devil Festival, every family does a thorough house cleaning and makes special preparations of outfits used in the sacrifice. On that day, duck, pork and good wines along with some candies and fruits must be offered in order to show great respect to their ancestors.
The Ox Soul Festival
The Ox Soul Festival held on April 8th of the lunar month is to celebrate the birthday of the king of oxen and to show their love and respect to the ox, therefore, each ox is relieved from their yokes and free from plowing. People give the ox a bath accompanied with beating drums. Parents of a family feed the ox with five-colored glutinous rice, while singing folksongs. It is a festival that represents their great hope for a good harves.
The Singing Festival
The Singing Festival is a traditional occasion which was held before 1940 to visit graves of the ancestors. Now it has become a grand sentimental occasion using songs for their expression. On that day, after offering sacrifices to Sanjie Liu (a Zhuang minority girl good at singing), they will sing to each other to challenge each other not only the song itself but also wit. Lyrics are usually improvisational and humorous that makes every one burst into laughter. It is also a perfect day for the young men to express their love to the girls by singing, so it is also reputed as the Valentine’s Day of the Zhuang ethnic minority.
Other cultures such as frescoes and bronze drums are also of splendid fame.
steep cliffs
The Zhuang minority’s frescoes carved on the steep cliffs are of extreme Zhuang characteristics. Figures, beasts and some other patterns carved 2,000 years ago will make everyone appreciate the image of their ancestors and the superb technique.
The bronze drum used both in sacrifice and festivals, delivers a special culture of the Zhuang ethnic minority. On the top and sides of the drums, the sun, frogs, dragon, dancing women and other patterns are decorated. It is a great revelation of their worship to the sun and frog. Nowadays, the bronze drum has become an indispensable musical instrument for the festivals.
Baimei Village is situated at the border of Bada and Ake townships of Guangnan County. Surrounded by mountains around and without available roads, the village can be only accessed by waterways in two Karst caves in the back and front of it respectively. A 10-minute journey along the winding Ake River would lead you to unveil the hidden village. Situated in remote areas and isolated from the outside world due to the inconvenient traffic conditions, Bamei is seldom known to people as a pastoral Zhuang ethnic village shrouded among mountains.
Festival
Being simple and kind, the Zhuang ethnic members in the village have kept the orthodox traditions of their own. They organize or spend assorted folk activities/festivals such as the March 3rd Festival, the Dragon Sacrificial Ceremonies, the Ancestral Worship Ceremony, Antiphonally Singing, the Colored Rice Festival, and Kicking Shuttlecock etc.
Residences
The residences of Bamei Village are designed in “stilt” style, locally called “Ma Lan Lou” and “Diao Jiao Lou” (Stilted House). Composed of two floors, a traditional building in the village is the dwelling of human on the second floor and the barn or stable on the first floor. As the manifestation of the long history of the village, these traditional houses are deemed “living fossils” of the Zhuang ethnic architectures.Setting foot on Bamei Village, you will find yourself in a dreamland. It deserves to be called the “Peach Blossom Valley”. (The Peach Blossom Valley is derived form “the Story of the Blossom Valley” by an ancient Chinese poet Mr. Tao Yuanming, 365-427( Blossom Valley equals to Eutopia.)
Traditional folk Residences
In Bamei Village, you can see the most ancient Zhuang traditional folk residences called Malanlou, the most ancient Stile House. Villagers here live a self-sufficient life. During the past, they seldom leave this village except for one situation: they run out of salt.
If you are interested, you can see the whole process of how a piece of Zhuang clothes is made, from weaving, dying to do embroidery. Men here wear black front opening tops, black loose trousers and black headgears, while women dress black, blue or purple round-collared, narrow-sleeved, left opening tops, black accordion dress or long trousers as well as embroidered shoes. The image of bird reflects their primitive worship.
Naked Bath: Bamei Village has a Man River and a Woman River, which serve as men’s and women’s public bathroom all year around. People here are very innocent, and take bathes naked.
Traditional Zhuang culture and customs
The traditional Zhuang culture and customs are still maintained here. Most of the villagers live in traditional Malan houses, a kind of diao jiao lou. Their customs and festivals are also well preserved. The Devil Festival, the Ox Soul Festival, and the Singing Festival are all celebrated grandly. People sing folk songs at their most important events, which is their way of interacting with others and expressing feelings.
The inhabitants belong to Zhuang minority. Bamei means ‘cave in the forest’ in Zhuang language. It is said that the ancestors of Bamei residents are a Zhuang family of Guangdong Province. 600 years ago, they escaped from brutal outlaws and found the cave by chance. They believed it was a perfect place to hide, so later they invited some friends to live with them. Since then, Bamei Village had become a Peach Blossom Valley for these virtuous, amicable Zhuang people.
This area dates back to the Ming dynasty beginning in the mid 1300s. The main crop in this area is rice and during the fall, the entire area appears golden and green because of the rice fields, which are divided by the Babao River. The assorted peaks of lush green and black, combined with the winding River and the golden rice fields, make this spectacular area look like something out of an imaginary fantasy land.
1988, the Provincial People’s Government approval for the province’s scenic spots Babao first provincial-level scenic spots.
Babao is a scenic spot in the subtropical monsoon climate plateau, with an average temperature of 16.5 ℃, into mountains, water, forests, springs, for one hole, tourism and popular science, research and scientific exploration of the multi-functional scenic area. Area is divided into Babao, December 3, River also, Tupper, Tang satisfied that the five Area, 43 spots. Scenic Area to landscape scenery, National Customs as the main body, both unique landscape, heritage sites. Of special products, the flavor of food is also renowned for.
The people of this region are lively and friendly and have some of the most unique festivals of any place this part of the world. It’s not the normal stopping place for the average traveler, which makes it all the more special as a unique place to spend a vacation, and well worth the trip.
Ethnic culture
Babao is a Zhuang Autonomous Town in the Southeast Guangnan County, Wenshan Prefecture. It’s neither too cold in winter, nor too hot in summer there. Besides historical sites, cultural relics and natural sceneries, Babao exhibits colorful ethnic cultures of Zhuang, Miao, Yi, Yao and Han etc. This magnificent Babao Scenic Spot in Guangnan is an incredibly scenic location actually located in a basin in the Wenshan Yunnan Province and the Miao Autonomous Prefecture. It’s an amazing scenic are that covers about 42 square miles of incredible scenery. The ancient Yi village is home to the Yi whose favorite pastime consists of dancing and singing – so be prepared for a lot of fun and music from these happy, fun people. They love their festivals and they enjoy playing a variety of native instruments.
Mumei Villge–Yi minority
Mumei is an old stockaded village of the Yi people. The Yi people here are good at singing and dancing. Whenever the festival comes, they sing songs, dance dances and play their own musical instruments. In the village there are two timbals. They are the precious treasures carefully kept till now.
Babao Zhuang village’s rich ethnic culture
Babao Zhuang village’s rich ethnic culture including : Nationality craft;, Local Snacks; local specialty, traditional festivals ;traditional Custom, traditional dress and so on.
Festivals
Paoma festival 跑包节
During the Spring Festival,on the Rooster day every first lunar month
The Lantern Festivalof Babao river 八宝河灯节
Also called “Menglan ” General Assembly
Time: 15th July in lunar year
Ludian(鲁甸) has a long history of 2100 years. The name Ludian came from a mountain named Ludian, which is the language of Yi people. In 135 BC, Ludian was the territory of Shushi county(朱提郡)，Qianwei prefecture(犍为郡). In 135 AD, Shushi was reset as a prefecture. It was not untile Tang dynasty, Shushi and Qianwei prefecture administrated Ludian by turns. At the beginning of Tang dynasty, it was under the command of Wumeng tribe(乌蒙部)，and in Song dynasty, Wumeng tribe was subordinate to Tongchuan Road(潼川府路). In Yuan dynasty, Ludian was under the command of Wumeng Road. Then, in 1913, Ludian was set as a county, and administrated by Dianzhong Road. After the nation was liberated in 1950, people’s government of Ludian county was established, and Ludian county was subordinate to Zhaotong city tile today.
Ludian county(鲁甸县) is rich in entertaining resources. Teahouses can be seen everywhere, and local people always kill their time in these teahouses. KTV is the best choice for one who wants to spent a pleasant night and enjoys himself to the full. Bars are also not bad for young people. In addition, there is a children’s park in Ludian county, it is the paradise for children.
Dark Blue Entertaining Club(深蓝娱乐会所)
Address: on the Century Avenue in Ludian county, Zhaotong city(昭通市鲁甸县世纪大道)
Tel: 08708129288
The Royal Chamber Song Hall(皇庭歌城)
Address: on the Century Avenue in Ludian county, Zhaotong city(昭通市鲁甸县世纪大道)
Tel: 0870-8127977
Happy Baby Children’s Park(欢乐宝贝儿童娱乐城)
Address: on the Century Avenue in Ludian county, Zhaotong city(昭通市鲁甸县世纪大道)
Tel: 15974893456
Dream Net Bar(梦幻网吧)
Address: Wenping West Road in Ludian county, Zhaotong city(昭通市鲁甸县文屏西路)
Tel: 0870-8120872
Mr. Lee Teahouse(李老师茶庄)
Address: No. 201 on the Wenping East Road in Ludian county, Zhaotong city(昭通市鲁甸县文屏东路201号)
Tel: 0870-8121508
It is known to all that Ludian is a county with beautiful mountains and rivers, rich products and long history, it has brilliant and profound culture background. Ludian is the source of Yangtze river culture, the home of Yi People’s culture and Shushi culture(朱提文化). Ludian was an inhabit area of Yi people since the old time, in the long process of developing, it has formed a Yi people’s culture different from other places. At the same time, as the former site of Shushi prefecture, Ludian was the home of Shushi culture. In addition, Ludian was the hometown of many historical figures, like Li Yaoting(李耀庭)，a famous industrialist in the late Qing dynasty, Du Yu(杜宇), the king of Shu kingdom(蜀国). Today, there are still some evidence show that Ludian is a county with brilliant culture, such as Ludian Culture Square, Chongwen Pavilion(崇文阁) and Muslin Custom City, etc.
In 135 AD, Qiaojia(巧家) was a county named Tanglang(堂琅县) under the command of Qianwei prefecture. It was not untile Tang dynasty, Shushi and Qianwei prefecture administrated Tanglang county by turns. At the beginning of Tang dynasty, Ludian was the territory of Tuodong prefecture(拓东节度), and the territory of Wumeng tribe， Dongchuan prefecture in Song dynasty. In the next period-Yuan dynasty, Dongchuan prefecture was reset as Road. The governor of Qing dynasty inherited the system of Ming dynasty, keeping Qiaojia as Dongchuan People and Army prefecture(东川军民府). In 1913, Qiaojia county was established, and since the liberation in 1950, Qiaojia county was under the command of Zhaotong city.
Qiaojia county(巧家县) is rich in entertaining resources. Teahouses can be seen everywhere, and local people always kill their time in these teahouses. KTV is the best choice for one who wants to spent a pleasant night and enjoys himself to the full. Bars are also nice for young people. For old people, the veteran cadre activity center is a good choice to kill time.
Panther Ginza KTV(黑豹银座量贩KTV)
Address: on the Qinnian Road in Bai Hetan town, Qiaojia county, Zhaotong city(昭通市巧家县白鹤滩镇青年路)
Tel: 0870-7122188
Resplendent and Magnificent business Entertaining Club(金碧辉煌商务娱乐会所)
Address: near the Dadong Street in Qiaojia county, Zhaotong city(昭通市巧家县大东街附近)
Tel: 0870-7120888
The Veteran Cadre Activity Center of Qiaojia county(巧家县老干部活动中心)
Address: No.60 on the Xinhua Road in Qiaojia county, Zhaotong city(昭通市巧家县新华路60号)
Stay and Sit Bar(坐坐吧)
Address: besides the Border Highway in Qiaojia county, Zhaotong city(昭通市巧家县过境路)
Clear Spring Teahouse(清泉茶庄)
Address: besides the Border Highway in Qiaojia county, Zhaotong city(昭通市巧家县过境路)
Qiaojia(巧家) ,also named as Tanglang(堂琅) in the old time. The history about it was first found in pre-Qin period, and it was established as a county in Qin and Han dynasty. With a long history and profound cultural content, Ludian was one of the main birthplace of Yi ethnic group. The ancestors of Qiaojia county exploited the mine of Tanglang mountain and joint the creation of San Xingduibronze culture(三星堆青铜文化) and Yin-Shang Bronze culture(殷商青铜文化). In the long process of developing, Qiaojia has formed its’ own culture-Tanglang culture.
Tanglang culture(堂琅文化)
Tanglang culture is created by the people who lived in Tanglang cou in the old time, the principle part of which is metal mining culture. It is the combination of the historical relics, culture pattern, social customs and life-style under the influence of mining culture. Proceed from the geographical space, Tanglang culture include both ancient Tanglang County, that is now the seat of the ancient Tanglang which regard Qiaojia Old store Town(老店镇) as the center of this ancient County, Huize county(会泽县), Dongchuan District(东川区) of Kunming jurisdiction, but also that the whole ancient Tanglang surrounding the Zhaoyang District of Zhaotong City, Yongshan County in creating a culture of ancient people. Generally speaking, Tanglanmg culture is a bright compound culture type of Tanglang minority culture, historical culture, folk culture, literature and art.
In the old time, Yanjing was the living area of Bo people. In the Qin dynasty, it was the territory of Shu prefecture and then belonged to Qianwei prefecture(犍为郡) in Han dynasty. During the Tang dynasty, it was under the command of Kaibian county(开边县). In the Song dynasty, Yanjing was subordinate to Shimen Road(石门路). At the beginning of Yuan dynasty, it was under the command of Wumeng prefecture. Later in Ming dynasty, it was the territory of Wumeng political prefecture. In the Republic of China, Yanjing belonged to Daguan county, four years later, it was divided from Daguan county and set Yanjing county.
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History of Bamei Village in Guangnan County, Wenshan
It is said that the ancestors of Bamei residents are a Zhuang family of Guangdong Province. Six hundred years ago, they escaped from brutal outlaws and found the cave...
Entertainment in Bamei Village in Guangnan County, Wenshan
The local people belong to the Zhuang minority. Bamei means ‘cave in the forest’ in Zhuang language. It is said that the ancestors of Bamei residents are a Zhuang family...
Bamei Village Culture in Guangnan County, Wenshan
Baimei Village is situated at the border of Bada and Ake townships of Guangnan County. Surrounded by mountains around and without available roads, the village can be only accessed...
History of Babao Town in Guangnan County, Wenshan
This area dates back to the Ming dynasty beginning in the mid 1300s. The main crop in this area is rice and during the fall, the entire area appears...
Culture of Babao Town in Wenshan
The people of this region are lively and friendly and have some of the most unique festivals of any place this part of the world. It’s not the normal...
Ludian County History
Ludian(鲁甸) has a long history of 2100 years. The name Ludian came from a mountain named Ludian, which is the language of Yi people. In 135 BC, Ludian was...
Ludian County Entertainment
Ludian county(鲁甸县) is rich in entertaining resources. Teahouses can be seen everywhere, and local people always kill their time in these teahouses. KTV is the best choice for one...
Ludian County Culture
It is known to all that Ludian is a county with beautiful mountains and rivers, rich products and long history, it has brilliant and profound culture background. Ludian is...
Qiaojia County History
In 135 AD, Qiaojia(巧家) was a county named Tanglang(堂琅县) under the command of Qianwei prefecture. It was not untile Tang dynasty, Shushi and Qianwei prefecture administrated Tanglang county by...
Qiaojia County Entertainment
Qiaojia county(巧家县) is rich in entertaining resources. Teahouses can be seen everywhere, and local people always kill their time in these teahouses. KTV is the best choice for one...
Qiaojia County Culture
Qiaojia(巧家) ,also named as Tanglang(堂琅) in the old time. The history about it was first found in pre-Qin period, and it was established as a county in Qin and...
Yanjin County History
In the old time, Yanjing was the living area of Bo people. In the Qin dynasty, it was the territory of Shu prefecture and then belonged to Qianwei prefecture(犍为郡)...
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