Yuanmou Man Site

The Yuanmou Man Site is located in Danawu Village, about 7 kilometers southeast of Yuanmou County, Yunnan province.

The site is situated at the brim of the Yuanmou Basin. A 695-meter-deep deposit in the basin is divided into 28 layers of 4 sections from top to bottom. On May 1, 1965, the Geological Mechanics Research Institute found two fore-tooth fossils of Yuanmou Man in the site. The crown of the teeth is well preserved while the root is incomplete. These two teeth, belonging to the same male adult, are believed to be about 1,700,000 years old. These are the earliest ape-man fossils that have been found in China. Archaeologists named the ape-man as Erectus, Yuanmou New Asian Race, Yuanmou Man for short.

In later excavations, Yuanmou animals of early Pleistocene period, such as Yunnan horse, saber tooth tiger, and saber tooth elephant, were unearthed together with stone tools and coal ash. Archaeologists also discovered in the Yuanmou Basin signs of glacier movements during the 4th Geological Age. A stone sign was erected in the site.

Not far from Yuanmou County, modern excavations have discovered human teeth dating back 1.7 million years. These fossils are the oldest in Asia, well before Peking Man. The Museum which is located in Yuanmou County, presents these extraordinary discoveries as well as those of mammalian bones and handicrafts, which are of paramount importance in the history of man.

Excavations

It was only a few kilometers away from Yuanmou where two incisors of a Homo erectus were discovered in 1965. A young geologist was then performing geological research in the Yuanmou basin when he found these fossils, which would be the oldest found in China and even in Asia. Teeth date from about 1,700,000 years or a million years before the Peking man, and Lantian man. Wanting to learn more, archaeologists went to a few hundred meters farther in 1984 and they discovered a tibia as well as several pieces of a handicraft. Later, other teams discovered tools and bones of mammals, ranging from Tigers and elephants to Saber-toothed or horses of Yunnan. Unfortunately, the excavations were not able to locate additional human bones. However, these discoveries made during the various excavations are of paramount importance in the history of the evolution of mankind and its ways of life.

The Yuanmou Man Museum

A Yuanmou Man Museum was created to expose the discoveries made during the various excavations. The Yuanmou man fossils are exposed as well as artifacts. The archaeological site itself is located a few kilometers outside of Yuanmou, near Danawu village.

If you want to spend your leisure time in Wuding County,don’t worry, you can find the the bars and clubs easily in Nanjain County. Maybe you are not interesting in bar and clubs and do not want to watch performance,you can also go to tea house.That is a good choice.

Name：Tongyishouge KTV( 同一首歌KTV)

Address：No.67，Shishan Road,Wuding County,Chuxiong

Name：Dazhouhuidu KTV(大舟汇都KTV)

Tel：0878-8716677

Address：Wuding Business Street,Wuding County,Chuxiong

Name：Tianfu Tea House(天福茶楼)

Address：No.3，Shishan Road,Wuding County,Chuxiong

Name：Ziyouzizai Bar(自由自在酒吧)

Tel:1597476698

Address：A-4-5,Luoziyi Village，Wuding County,Chuxiong

Name：Hongfu Tea Bar(鸿福茶舍)

Address：Yunwu Road,Wuding County,Chuxiong

The Torch Festival (火把节)

The Torch Festival is a traditional festival popular in the regions of the Yi people in Shuangbai county. It is also celebrated among other ethnic groups such as the Bai, Naxi, Jinuo and Lahu. The festival features lighting up torches, hence its name. It usually falls in early June of the lunar calendar or on the 24th or 25th of the month, usually lasting for three days of celebrations. The origin of the festival may have something to do with the worship of fire by ancestors, who believed fire had the power to repel insects, drive away evils and hence protect crop growth. For some ethnic groups, it is a tradition of the festival for elders to share farming experience with young people and admonish them to take care of crops.

The History of Lion Mountain

Mt. Lion Scenic Spot, about three kilometers west from Wuding County, is a well-known place of interest in the middle of Yunnan.

It is about 88 kilometers from Kunming by taking the second grade highway. The elevation of the main peak is about 2,420 meters, enjoying long spring and autumn and short winter and summer with an annual average temperature of 13.2¡æ, an annual rainfall of 1,160 mm and a forest coverage of 75.6%. With an area of 166 square kilometers, the resort is divided into four areas of 119 scenic spots, including Mt. Lion, the Xincun Lake, the Xiangshui Valley, and the relics of the Feng’s chieftain; It is actually a scenic resort combining one mountain, one lake and one valley as the main body and integrating landscapes, cultural relics, humanistic geology and ethnic customs.

The area has been well known in Yunnan Province and received tourists ever since the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. Regarded as an ideal land for taking a closer touch to nature, it is now full of cloud-capped ancient trees——a sea of forest that shadows the sun, the towering crags, the strangely-formed rocks, beautiful flowers such as peony, attractive landscapes and sweet spring. The relics and the legends about the Emperor Hui of the Ming Dynasty who shaved his own hair to become a reclusive monk at Mt. Lion make the resort even more interesting. The ancient Zhengxu Temple shows features of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and the imperial palace, teeming with monument inscriptions£¬poems and couplets which add up to more interests. The meditation master Zhikong’s feat of constructing the Zhengxu Meditation Temple made it the sacred place for worship among the Buddhists from South Korea.

Since 1986, Mt. Lion has been restored, developed and constructed with a total investment of over RMB 27 million yuan and its landscapes have been greatly improved. The large-scale Peony Garden sends forth scent to southwest China and the Zhengxu Meditation Temple resumes a highlighted spot and becomes a multi-functional scenic resort for traveling, summering, spending holidays and scientific investigation. It receives 200 thousand people annually from home and abroad. It is also designated as the base for teaching and scientific investigation of the Geological Department of the Kunming Technical Institute and the Geographical Department of Yunnan Normal University. Experts attending the “Fourth International Conference on Fishes during the Devonian” came here and made investigation and academic exchanges.

In 1988, it was listed in the first group of the scenic resorts of Yunnan Province. Then, upon the approval of the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government, it was reported for being granted the title of the national scenic resort.

The Lion Mountain Scenic Area is mainly composed of tourist sights such as Zhengxuxian Buddhist Temple, Peony Garden, forests and grotesque rocks etc. Known for its magnificence, wonderfulness, antiquity and elegance, the Lion Mountain is dubbed as “the first mountain in the southwest”. (1)-Zhengxuxian Buddhist Temple Originally erected in 1331, the temple was once enlarged by an Indian Buddhist master named Zhi Kong. The Majestic Hall of the temple looks quite magnificent with an ancient cypress in the front. Couplets and inscriptions on the pavilions and stone steles around enrich greatly the cultural connotations of the temple. Zhu Yunwen or Jianwen Emperor (1377-?), the grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang who is the founder of the Ming Power, is said to be a monk in the temple after his throne was stone by his uncle Zhu Di. Zhi Kong master chose the Lion Mountain for preaching and sponsored enlargement to Zhengxuxian Temple. He then went to South Korea for further preaching hence is worshiped by South Koreans. (2)-The Peony Garden The Peony Garden covers an area of more than 100 Mu (Chinese acre). Since the 1990s when peonies were first introduced to the Lion Mountain from Luoyang and other places of China, the Peony Garden has been grown with over 10,000 peony plants of over 60 kinds. A theme festival for peony flowers is annually held from April 20-May 10.

How to get there:

If you take a bus from the Kunming long distance bus station, the 100 kilometers distance will cost you RMB15. If you go from Chuxiong to Wuding, it will be RMB20. The minibus from Wuding to Mt. Lion costs RMB10.

Since 1938, dinosaur fossils have been found constantly in Lufeng. 24 genuses of 33 species and hundred of complete dinosaur fossils have been unearthed, which were considered as one of the most origin and age-old vertebrates fossils in an internal shape around the world.

Lufeng dinosaur is well known to the world as the fossils of dinosaurs of 1.8 billion years ago were excavated here. Mainly they are classified as three types: the carnivorous, the herbivorous and the polyphagias. Among those some are very famous, such as Lufengosaur huenei, Jinshanosaur, Lufeng magnus, Rukousaur, Massospondylus, Dilophosaur and so on. The fossils specimens were kept well in the dinosaur museum. The Lufeng dinosaur is of high research value in the study of paleontology even in the world.

Lufengosaur existed around 1.8 million years ago. One of its representatives is called the Archaeornithomimus, while another is called Tatisaurus which is a typical one in goose shape. Saurischia with Lukousaur and Lufengosaur are their models. Recently after investigating the environment, some researchers said in the Lufeng Street, a few vestiges of stars dashing are found in the regions where most dinosaurs existed.

Lufeng dinosaur museum:There are the hall of ancient living beings, the hall of bronze ware and earthenware, and the hall of ancient pithecanthropus, where photos and diagrams of dinosaur fossils from all over of the world are also exhibited.

If you want to spend your leisure time in Lufeng County,don’t worry, you can find the the bars and clubs easily in Nanjain County. Maybe you are not interesting in bar and clubs and do not want to watch performance,you can also go to tea house.That is a good choice.

Name：Shiji KTV( 世纪KTV)

Address：No.23，Longcheng Road,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

Name：Huayangnianhua KTV(花样年华KTV)

Address：Aroun Xinxi Street ,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

Name：Yimingxuan Tea House(颐茗轩茶楼)

Address：Around No.33，Xinxi Street,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

Name：Lanbing Bar(蓝冰酒吧)

Tel：13508782738

Address：Shiji Shopping Hall，Around Huimin Road,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

Name：Ziyou Bar(自由酒吧)

Address：Wanrong Street ,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

Name：Deng Tea Bar(等茶舍)

Address：Huimin Road,Lufeng County,Chuxiong

The Torch Festival (火把节)

The Torch Festival is a traditional festival popular in the regions of the Yi people in Shuangbai county. It is also celebrated among other ethnic groups such as the Bai, Naxi, Jinuo and Lahu. The festival features lighting up torches, hence its name. It usually falls in early June of the lunar calendar or on the 24th or 25th of the month, usually lasting for three days of celebrations. The origin of the festival may have something to do with the worship of fire by ancestors, who believed fire had the power to repel insects, drive away evils and hence protect crop growth. For some ethnic groups, it is a tradition of the festival for elders to share farming experience with young people and admonish them to take care of crops.

Travelers weary from treks in Yunnan and Western China will find Kunming to be relaxing and fun. Pleasant open-air spots abound in the City of Eternal Spring and the region’s Dai and Yi minority groups stage a number of colorful festivals and performances year round. There are three entertainment areas in the city, the Xinyin Residential District, Kundu Bar District, and Yunnan University Area. Each has its own distinctive style and atmosphere, which suits different crowds.

Main Kunming Entertainment

Teahouses & Bars

Located on the east side of the city, the Xinyin Residential District is renowned for its typical Chinese teahouses and Chinese bars. Locals and tourists alike frequent the various teahouses sampling the finest tea that the province has to offer. Visitors interested in exchanging travel stories and tips always find this a worthwhile cultural experience. The Kundu Bar Area is the place for those seeking a livelier time. Many of Kunming’s young people flock here nightly to enjoy rock n’ roll music, karaoke, flashy discos, and video arcades. Meanwhile, the bars and cafes around Yunnan University are good bets for a festive evening full of fun. Two of the more famous hangouts are Black Knight Club and Camel Bar.

Kundu Night Market

Visitors that missed the chance to browse the markets during the daytime can instead head to the Kundu Night Market. It offers many ethnic specialties as well as jewelry, brocades, and jade. The hustle and bustle of the night market, combined with bargain hunting and lots of gift items, are sure to bring a merry evening and happy memories.

Festival Events

Festivals play an important role in the lives of Kunming’s people. Among the most popular are the Kunming International Culture and Tourism Festival, the Kunming International Flower Exhibition, and the Yi Torch Festival. Be sure to check out when these will be held so that you can join in the fun.

Kunming, reputedly “Spring City”, is endowed with time honored history, favorable climate as well as profound culture. The magnificent Stone Forest, fragrant flowers, amazing Dianchi Lake, grand Daguan Pavilion and featured Ethnic Village are what intrigues tourists to pay a visit. Apart from these renowned attractions, the profound Kunming culture also has much to offer to visitors. The characteristic culture in Kunming ranges from Dian Opera, eighteen oddities of Yunnan, Kunming tune, wax printing, which would be a great feast to the eyes’ of visitors.

Flower

The weather, water and soil in Yunnan are distinctive. While located in the middle of Yunnan, Kunming is richly endowed with nature. There, the flowers blossom in a riot of color regardless of the seasonal changes. In the winter, roses remain showcasing their delicate charm and even in January, roses are still blossoming. Thus, a saying goes like this in Kunming, “Flowers can be found everywhere in the city.” The flowers blossom year round contributing to its fame as “the spring city.” Kunming also boasts the biggest flower trading market throughout the country and its daily export-import volume tops all places in China.

When it comes to flowers in Kunming, a place that can’t be missed is the flower market in Shangyi Street. Crossing the central area of the city, Shangyi Street is characterized by its French architecture. Today, it has become the biggest flower market in Kunming. A saying vividly depicts the atmosphere in the market as the “Flowers are sold by catty.” Flower is the symbol of the city, a mundane detail of the local lifestyle and a way for the people to express their emotions. Flowers are rich in meaning in this region including its role in occasions such as birthdays, festivals, weddings, showing care to patients, visiting relatives and friends, and expressing feelings between lovers. In daily life, the local people pick up many flowers on the way home after work, elaborately trim and arrange them in a vase to decorate their homes.

Important Festivals

The Golden Hall Temple Fair
Time: The ninth day in the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar

The traditional golden hall temple fair is held in the Golden Temple Park. From the eighth to the tenth day in the first month of Chinese lunar calendar, the Fengming Hill swarms with pilgrims from around the country. Various specialties and famous local delicacies as roasted rice cake, canned rice-flour noodles, cold broad-bean-flour noodles and cold rice pastes can be seen everywhere from the foot to the top of the hill. The temple fair is just as lively as it is elsewhere. On the occasion of the temple fair, there are a wide range of famous specialties, local food and flowers competing with each other in beauty. In addition, there are different kinds of entertaining activities and popular performances.

The Yi Torch Festival
Time: June 24 (Chinese lunar calendar)

The traditional Yi Torch Festival is held in Shinan County, Lunan. Visitors can experience the festive atmosphere in the Stone Forest Scenic Spot. During the festival, from village to village, the local people prepare lavish meals, traditional attire and gather in a certain place to celebrate the festival. In the daytime, they have such activities as bullfight and wresting. At night, they gather to light up torches and pile them up like a “fire pagoda”, around which they sit, sing and dance. What an exultant picture!

Dian Opera

Dian Opera is a kind of local opera in Yunnan Province, which integrates various traditional Chinese operas introduced into Yunan during Qianlong reign in Qing Dynasty. Dian opera is of Yunnan features, which was born in 1821 and is prevalent among Yunnan, Sichuan and Guizhou regions. Dian opera is good at characterization and heroes in the opera are vividly-portrayed. Dian opera is featured with exquisite sensibility-presentation and lively language, which is brimming with strong folk ballad flavor. Although originating from Shaanxi opera, Anhui opera and Han opera, Dian opera differentiates from them after years of evolution and is of its own features, which integrates the dialects, local custom and folk songs of Yunnan together. The operatic tune of Dian opera is resounding, mellow and cheerful. Dian opera includes three kinds of tunes, namely, Stringed tune, Xiangyang tune and Huqin tune. Instrument for Xiangyang tune and Huqin tune is both dominated by Chinese violin, while stringed tune by musical-saw. Apart from those dominated ones, there are also other instruments accompanied, such as Erhu, Suona horn, flute and the likes. During Guangxu reign in Qing Dynasty, Dian opera was widely spread among counties of Yunnan province. By the time of Republic of China, it had been pervaded in the whole province. After the people’s republic of China is founded, the Dian opera has created many plays reflecting the daily life of such ethnic minorities as Bai, Dai, and Hani people of China, which are well-reviewed by the public. Special attention is paid to singing, dancing and rhythm in Dian opera, which is comprehensive art of China.

Kunming Tune

Kunming tune is a kind of folk art on singing. It has many forms, folk song, ditty and ballad for example, which is prevalent among the suburb of Kunming City. No make-up and special place is required in Kunming Tune. Kunming is multi-ethnic inhabited and different ethnic minorities have different singing styles. Tune of Han people in Yunnan has diversified forms. Forms of Han tune generally include solo, duet and antiphony between men and women etc., each of which are sung while working in the field. The theme of the tune is mainly focused on wisdom, love and motherland-eulogizing. To Sani people, a branch of Yi ethnic minority, the tune is usually sung on festival, social contact, love-expressing as well as working. After People’s Republic of China is founded, tunes of Yunnan is greatly developed, which is performed in accompany with musical instruments. The most reputed Yunnan tunes in China include “Singing Folk Songs”, “Horse Driving Tunes”, “Rippling Brook”, and “Flooding Rivers” and the likes.

Wax Printing

Wax printing is a traditional skill prevalent among ethnic minorities in Yunnan province. It is featured with distinctive patterns, simplified style and exquisite designs. The procedure for wax printing is quite sophisticated. Dip the knife into the melted wax and draw delicate patterns on a piece of white cloth, then dye the cloth blue. After the cloth is already dyed, take the wax away, and the exquisite patterns drawn before would be revealed clearly on the cloth. Moreover, the wax layer cracks naturally while being dyed, which creates the special ripples on the cloth, making the patterns more vivid and life-like. With its unequalled features, varied patterns, elegant colors and unique style, wax printing is widely applied in clothes-producing and life- necessity-making.

Wax printing prevails in Yunnan, particularly prevalent among Miao and Bai ethnic minorities. Miao People has the unparalleled weaving skills passed down from generation to generation. Cloth made by Miao People is tender, tightly-woven, high-quality and durable, which enjoys great reputation in history. With the unbeatable weaving skill, the wax-printed works of Miao people are more marvelous and enchanting. Wax printing in Yunnan usually takes local scenery and folk custom as its main material, in which such patterns as peacoak, elepant, camellia and cuckoo are often applied. Wax printing in Yunan, as a folk art, has been produced as tourist souvenir and export commodity, which contributes a lot to the development of Yuannan economy.

With the recently emerging tourist industry in Lijiang, many new bars and cafes have sprung up amidst a rich cultural atmosphere. Most of them are located in the Old Town and are frequented by foreign visitors. A number of the hangouts are multi-functional, serving food and drinks, but also offering travel information and story swapping.

The bars are generally located along the Yuquan River that winds its way through the Old Town. The Sakura Cafe, Well Bistro, Sun Room Cafe are all popular venues. While the bars and cafes are good fun, any visit to Lijiang should include a Naxi Ancient Music Concert. The Naxi Ancient Music Institute is the best place to visit, although the Dongba Palace opposite the Institute also hosts numerous cultural activities and musical performances.

Main Entertainments in Lijiang Naxi Ancient Music and Dance Show 

Naxi Ancient Music and Dance Show

Long-time inhabitants of Lijiang, the Naxi people have created a unique and splendid culture, while also absorbing select bits and pieces of other culture groups. The Dongba culture is primarily based on the local religion, which touches every aspect of daily life. Music and dance are also two treasured cornerstones of the mysterious Dongba culture. Most visitors opt for a tour itinerary by which they can take in the scenic spots by day and the Naxi ancient music and dance shows by night.Naxi Concert Hall  

Naxi Concert Hall

Every night from 20:00 to 21:30 there is a wonderful concert of melodious Naxi music, performed by a group of local senior musicians whose average age is 60 years. Because each year one or two of these great musicians passes away, it is reported that this rare art form is in danger of fading from memory and being lost forever.Dongba Palace  

Dongba Palace

The newly rebuilt Dongba Palace is decorated with typical Naxi religious symbols and ornaments, which add much color to the othwerise solemn atmosphere. The palace is located just opposite of the Naxi Ancient Music Institute and holds a music and dancing show daily. In addition, Dongba Palace hosts various other cultural activities including some religious rites.

The famous ancient city of Lijiang (丽江古城) boasts a history of 800 to 900 years. As early as the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋, 1127–1279 AD), the city began taking shape. During the Ming Dynasty (明朝, 1368–1644), it was called “Dayan County” (大研县), literally meaning “ink slab”—a name inspired by its location in the center of the Lijiang Basin (丽江坝), surrounded by lush green mountains and crisscrossed by rivers, resembling an ink stone.

Since the Qing Dynasty (清朝, 1644–1911), Lijiang served as a key trade hub along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道). In 1997, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (世界文化遗产).

Early History: The Cradle of Ancient Civilization

Lijiang is one of southwest China’s most significant regions for early human activity. As far back as 100,000 years ago, “Lijiang Man” (丽江人), a Homo sapiens group, lived here during the late Paleolithic Age (旧石器时代晚期).

Before the Song Dynasty: A Land of Shifting Dynasties

Warring States Period (战国时期, 475–221 BC)

• Belonged to the Qin State (秦国).

Han Dynasty (汉朝, 206 BC–220 AD)

• Part of Yue Commandery (越嶲郡).

Three Kingdoms Period (三国时期, 220–280 AD)

• Governed under Yunnan Commandery (云南郡).

Southern Dynasties (南朝, 420–589 AD)

• Known as Suidun County (遂久县).
• During this time, the Naxi Ethnic Group (纳西族) migrated into Lijiang.

Tang Dynasty (唐朝, 618–907 AD)

• Initially under Yaozhou (姚州), later controlled by the Tibetan Empire (吐蕃) and the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国).

Song and Yuan Dynasties: The Birth of “Lijiang”

Song Dynasty (宋朝, 960–1279 AD)

• The city’s construction began.
• Kublai Khan (忽必烈) conquered Dali (大理) and stationed troops here.
• Later named “Lijiang Route” (丽江路), the origin of the name Lijiang (丽江).

Ming and Qing Dynasties: Flourishing Trade and Governance

Late Ming Dynasty (明朝晚期)

• The Wu Family’s (木氏) palaces were renowned for their grandeur.

Qing Dynasty (清朝)

• Establishment of Lijiang Prefecture (丽江府).
• In 1723, the hereditary chieftain system in Yunnan was abolished.
• Lijiang County (丽江县) was officially formed in 1770.

Modern and Contemporary Era

1961

• Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County (丽江纳西族自治县) was established.

1997

• Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List (世界遗产名录).

The smart and unsophisticated Naxi people who have long inhabited Lijiang preserve the unique and profuse Dongba Culture. In fact, a great number of scholars and travelers are attracted to this mysterious place more for the culture than its charming sceneries. Dongba Culture is of a religious nature and make up the most important component of the ancient Naxi culture. 

However, before the form of the Dongba Culture, the Naxi people in Lijiang followed the native religion of sorcery. During the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, a series of the other cultures, such as the Tibetan Bon Religion, Buddhism and Taoism, were introduced into this region, affecting the native religion. Along with the impact and blending among these various cultures, the new Dongba Religion was founded. The Dongba Culture is said to been passed on by the Dongbas who were sages that integrated song, dance, the classics, history, painting and medicine. They enjoyed a high social position within the Naxi group because they were considered as mediums between humans, gods and ghosts, as well as are able to remove disasters and guarantee good fortunes. At present, there are no more than 30 Dongbas living in Lijiang, so it is a memorable experience for travelers to visit them.

Dongba Characters

Dongba culture, Yunnan

Dongba CharactersThe immense Dongba Culture consists of its writings, scriptures, paintings, dance and music. Amongst them, the characters are not surprisingly the soul. Enjoying a history of over 1,000 years, it is still used by a few Naxi people even now. At first, the character was just a kind of hieroglyphic recorded on wood and stone. Later, with the use of paper, the use of characters gained popularity and gained its formal name. As a rare cultural treasure for all mankind, the Dongba character is the only existing hieroglyphic in China and praised to be the ‘Living Fossil’ showing the characters’ origin and development of human society.

Dongba Scriptures

All the scriptures were written in the picture-like characters, so they are not interpretable by ordinary folk. However, under the help of the Dongbas, some scriptures were translated into Mandarin and shown to readers at the end of the last century. These scriptures contain almost all aspects of the Naxi people, ranging from the nation’s legends and history to traditional dancing and music. Now, these scriptures are kept in many countries other than China, such as the United States of America, Canada, Japan, Britain, France, Germany and Austria.

 Dongba scriptures

Writing in Dongba Characters

Dongba Painting

Colorful Dongba Paintings of Naxi People

Dongba Paintings

Traditionally, the exquisite and colorful Dongba paintings completely reveal the beliefs and good wishes of the Naxi people. Some of them are drawn to depict the daily lives of locals. The most famous one is the Painting of Sacred Road to Heaven which is approximately 14 meters long and 0.26 meters wide. This painting tells the story of how the dying man’s soul is released from suffering. Vivid scenes describe how he passes into Hell, the human world, the natural heaven and finally Heaven. Nowadays, local artisans have created a series of modern Dongba paintings that retain the essence of those from more traditional times.

Dongba Dance and Music

The same to the other minorities, dance and music play vital roles in the Naxi people’s daily life. The classical Naxi dance is the Dongba dance which is a kind of religious dance being played in the sacrifice events. However, most of these dancing show the locals’ fight against the natural world and the forces of evil. There are about 60 kinds of dance recorded in two Dongba scriptures, including animal dance, sword and bow dance as well as the God dance. In fact, most of dance movements prefer to imitate animals, such as tiger, elephant, frog, monkey and eagle.

 Dongba dance and music

Dancing Mosuo People, Lijiang

Dongba art, Yunnan

Dongba Dancing and Musical Show

In the sacrifice events of Dongba Religion, the dance is usually accompanied with the Dongba music (also the Naxi Ancient Music). The content of these music is mainly derived from the scriptures and widely singing by the Naxi people. The used instruments include ring, drum, gong and cymbal, producing simple but impressive rhythm. Fortunately, when come to Lijiang, visitors can enjoy the Dongba dance and music shows in the Dongba Palace and Naxi Concert Hall.

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• Wuding County

Lufeng County History

Since 1938, dinosaur fossils have been found constantly in Lufeng. 24 genuses of 33 species and hundred of complete dinosaur fossils have been unearthed, which were considered as one...

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• Chuxiong
• Lufeng County

Lufeng County Entertainment

If you want to spend your leisure time in Lufeng County,don’t worry, you can find the the bars and clubs easily in Nanjain County. Maybe you are not interesting...

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• Chuxiong
• Lufeng County
• Nightlife and Entertainment in Chuxiong

Lufeng County Culture

Charming Lufeng World Dinosaur Valley In China, and even throughout the world, Lufeng is the area where dinosaur fossils were discovered and famous for the greatest quantity, most complete...

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• Chuxiong
• Lufeng County

Entertainment in Kunming City

Travelers weary from treks in Yunnan and Western China will find Kunming to be relaxing and fun. Pleasant open-air spots abound in the City of Eternal Spring and the...

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• Kunming
• Nightlife and Entertainment in Kunming

Culture of Kunming City

Kunming, reputedly “Spring City”, is endowed with time honored history, favorable climate as well as profound culture. The magnificent Stone Forest, fragrant flowers, amazing Dianchi Lake, grand Daguan Pavilion...

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• Kunming

Entertainment of Lijiang City

With the recently emerging tourist industry in Lijiang, many new bars and cafes have sprung up amidst a rich cultural atmosphere. Most of them are located in the Old...

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• Gucheng District
• Lijiang
• Nightlife and Entertainment in Lijiang

History of Lijiang City

The famous ancient city of Lijiang (丽江古城) boasts a history of 800 to 900 years. As early as the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋, 1127–1279 AD), the city began taking...

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• Lijiang

Culture of Lijiang City

The smart and unsophisticated Naxi people who have long inhabited Lijiang preserve the unique and profuse Dongba Culture. In fact, a great number of scholars and travelers are attracted...

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• Lijiang