Yan Bao (岩宝) is the recognized inheritor of Blang “Salaqin” (撒拉琴) making techniques in Daluo Town (打洛镇), Menghai County (勐海县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州).

Craftsmanship & Cultural Significance

Preservation Efforts

1. Apprenticeship & Workshops

• Mentors 15+ trainees in complete crafting process
• Conducts annual maker workshops in Blang villages
• Teaches instrument repair techniques

2. Cultural Revitalization

• Collaborates with Blang musicians to document playing styles
• Exhibits at intangible cultural heritage fairs
• Develops educational materials for schools

3. Sustainable Innovation

• Experiments with eco-friendly materials
• Designs travel-sized versions for modern players
• Establishes craftsmanship tourism experiences

Legacy & Contemporary Impact

Yan Bao’s work bridges ancestral craftsmanship with modern cultural demands, ensuring the Salaqin remains both a living tradition and evolving art form. His instruments are played by Blang artists across generations, symbolizing ethnic pride.

As a key figure in Xishuangbanna’s musical heritage, Yan Bao continues to:
Safeguard endangered making techniques
Innovate while respecting tradition
Promote Blang culture globally

His dedication preserves not just an instrument, but the soul of Blang musical identity.

For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2734.html

Mie Yezhang – Inheritor of Dai Pottery-making Craft in Lancang County, Puer 

普洱市澜沧县傣族土陶技艺传承人 – 咩叶章

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2733.html

Jiang Shimei – Inheritor of Lahu Ethnic Costume-making Skill un Lancang County, Puer 

普洱市澜沧县东朗乡拉祜族服饰制作技艺传承人 – 蒋石妹

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2732.html

Li Xuezhang – Artisan of Folk Zhizha Paper Art in Jingdong County, Puer 

普洱市景东县花山乡民间纸扎艺人 – 李学章

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2731.html

Lu Guizhi – Inheritor of Yi Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Jingdong County, Puer 

普洱市景东县安定乡彝族服饰制作技艺传承人 – 鲁桂枝

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2730.html

Mi Zaijun – Inheritor of Dai Brocade Textile Craft in Jiangcheng County, Puer 

普洱市江城县整董镇傣锦纺织技艺传承人- 咪仔君

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2729.html

Bai Lanxian – Inheritro of Yi Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Jiangcheng County, Puer 

普洱市江城县彝族民族服饰技艺传承人- 白兰仙

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2728.html

Wang Jianming – Craftsman of Folk Carving in Gejiu City, Honghe

Background and Artistic Journey

• Early Interest: Wáng Jiànmíng was born in Gèjiù City in 1962. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in art, particularly in painting and carving. His talent was nurtured by his junior high school art teacher.
• Diverse Skills: He is skilled in various forms of folk art, including carving, painting, clay modeling, and root art. His works often feature intricate designs and unique styles.

Artistic Achievements

• Wood Carving Mastery: Wáng Jiànmíng is particularly renowned for his wood carving skills. His works, such as the “Life” Maitreya Buddha statue and “Laughing Buddha” tea table, showcase his ability to blend traditional techniques with creative ideas.
• Cultural Recognition: His contributions to folk art have earned him recognition as a member of the China Folk Arts and Crafts Association and the China Folk Literature and Arts Association.

Artistic Style and Influence

• Unique Style: Wáng Jiànmíng’s works are characterized by their combination of ruggedness and elegance. He often draws inspiration from nature and daily life, creating pieces that reflect both cultural depth and artistic innovation.
• Cultural Exchange: He actively participates in cultural exchange activities, showcasing his works at local and regional exhibitions. His efforts have helped promote the recognition and appreciation of folk carving art.

Wang Qingyun –  Artist of Ancient Building Sculpture and Color Painting in Luxi County, Honghe

Background and Artistic Journey

• Early Interest: Wáng Yúnqīng was born in 1968 in Jiùchéng Dàbáilè Village, Lúxī County. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in painting and carving.
• Skill Development: He learned from his uncle and father-in-law, gaining rich experience and creativity in the field of wood carving and architectural work. Over the years, his skills have significantly improved.

Artistic Achievements

• Sculpture and Painting Mastery: Wáng Yúnqīng is particularly renowned for his skills in sculpture and painting. He has worked on numerous projects, including the famous Tōnghǎi Xiùshān Scenic Area, where he was responsible for painting, building pavilions, archways, fish ponds, and artificial hills.
• Recognition and Honors: His contributions to folk art have earned him recognition as a member of the China Folk Arts and Crafts Association and the China Folk Literature and Arts Association.

Artistic Style and Influence

• Unique Style: Wáng Yúnqīng’s works are characterized by their combination of ruggedness and elegance. He often draws inspiration from nature and daily life, creating pieces that reflect both cultural depth and artistic innovation.
• Cultural Exchange: He actively participates in cultural exchange activities, showcasing his works at local and regional exhibitions. His efforts have helped promote the recognition and appreciation of folk carving and painting art.

Heritage and Training

• Training Apprentices: Wáng Yúnqīng has trained numerous apprentices, passing on the skills and knowledge of ancient architectural sculpture and painting to younger generations. His efforts have ensured the continuation of this cultural heritage.
• Community Engagement: He actively participates in community cultural activities, organizing performances and training sessions to promote ancient architectural sculpture and painting within his community. His work has helped keep this traditional art form alive and thriving among the local population.

For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2725.html

Feng Qinyin is a dedicated guardian of the Dai ethnic textile tradition in Dashuiping Township (大水平乡), renowned for preserving the intricate weaving techniques unique to the local Dai community. The Dai textiles of Yuanjiang County, characterized by vibrant patterns and natural dyeing methods, hold significant cultural and historical value in Yunnan’s multicultural landscape.

Background: Dai Textile Culture in Dashuiping Township

Cultural Heritage

• The Dai people in Yuanjiang County have practiced handloom weaving for centuries, producing fabrics for daily wear, religious rituals, and festivals.
• Techniques include backstrap loom weaving, cotton-spinning, and the use of plant-based dyes (e.g., indigo, turmeric).

Unique Features

• Patterns: Geometric motifs, floral designs, and symbolic imagery (e.g., elephants, peacocks) reflecting Dai cosmology.
• Functionality: Textiles serve practical purposes (clothing, bedding) and ceremonial roles (wedding dowries, temple offerings).

Feng Qinyin’s Role and Contributions

Preservation of Techniques

• Teaching Workshops: Trains younger generations in traditional spinning, dyeing, and weaving methods.
• Documentation: Collaborates with researchers to record endangered patterns and dye recipes.

Cultural Promotion

• Exhibitions: Showcases Dai textiles at events like the Yunnan Ethnic Cultural Festival and Yuanjiang’s “Huadeng Festival (花灯节)”.
• Innovation: Integrates modern designs into traditional fabrics to appeal to contemporary markets while retaining cultural authenticity.

Community Impact

• Empowers local women through textile cooperatives, combining cultural preservation with economic opportunities.

Key Characteristics of Dashuiping Dai Textiles

Materials and Tools

• Fibers: Locally grown cotton and silk.
• Looms: Traditional waist looms (腰机) and bamboo tools.

Signature Products

Dai Skirts (筒裙):

• Handwoven skirts with horizontal stripes, symbolizing water and fertility.

Sacred Cloths (佛幡):

• Used in Buddhist rituals, embroidered with lotus and flame motifs.

Dyeing Techniques

• Indigo Batik: Resist-dyeing using beeswax and indigo, creating layered blue-and-white patterns.
• Natural Pigments: Extracted from plants like Lithocarpus leaves (brown) and sappanwood (red).

Challenges and Initiatives

Current Issues

• Declining interest among youth due to labor-intensive processes.
• Competition from machine-made textiles.

Feng Qinyin’s Solutions

• Partners with schools to introduce weaving into extracurricular programs.
• Develops eco-tourism experiences, allowing visitors to learn textile crafts in Dai villages.

How to Engage

• Visit: Attend the annual Dai Textile Fair in Dashuiping Township (typically held in November).
• Support: Purchase authentic Dai textiles through cooperatives certified by Yuanjiang’s Cultural Bureau.
• Research: Access oral history records at the Yuxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Archive.

For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2724.html

Dharma (Bodhidharma) Cave is located on Xiangbi Mountain (Elephant Trunk Mountain) in Qizong Village, the joint place with Lijiang, Shangrila and Delin, 15 kilometers from Tachen of Weixi County. Dharma Mountain is 6 kilometers from the village, also named as Aluo Mountain where there is an ancient temple at the altitude of 3080m. Dharma Cave is on the cliff of the mountain. which is originally a cavern. 

Where is Bodhidharma Cave – Location

History and Culture

According to the Folklore, Dharma, who was a religious Buddhist, traveled from India to this place where he lived in the cave to strive for Buddhas for 10 years.  At last, he became the Buddha. Thus, the cave is named Dharma Cave, a holy place for pilgrimage. For cherishing the memory of Bodhidharma, in 1151 local Buddhist followers built the way to the cave and built up a temple on the cliff, it took nearly 30 years.

In the late Qing dynasty, the scripture hall and monks‘ apartment were began to built. It’s said that it lasted 30 years. Today’s Dharma Cave was rebuilt after 1980 by the people’s government at provincial, state and county levels and the believers’ donations.

What to See/Do

Temple
In Dharma Cave, there is a temple built with wood against the cliff and shaped after the cave, forming a unique view of a stone cave being the monks’ dormitory.

Scenery
The tall and green trees cover the mountain, during the periods of March and April the azalea and camellia are blooming everywhere. On the top of mountain you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Haba Mountain and Biluo Mountain, as well as the Jinsha River.

Activities
Every April of Lunar Year calendar, the Bodhidharma Temple will hold Shifo Festival to worship Dharma with the desire to get rid of calamities and bring happiness, and monks will dance “Qiangmo”. There are lots of visitors on Bodhidharma Mountain, which is quite hilarious. On the “Kudong Festival” of November, the monks will dance mask dance lasting a day.

Yunnan Travel Guide

Things To Do

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Travel Information

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Yan Bao – Inheritor of Bulang “Salaqin” -making Craft in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna

Yan Bao (岩宝) is the recognized inheritor of Blang “Salaqin” (撒拉琴) making techniques in Daluo Town (打洛镇), Menghai County (勐海县), Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). Craftsmanship & Cultural Significance Catego ...

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• Bulang Ethnic Minority
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Mie Yezhang – Inheritor of Dai Pottery-making Craft in Lancang County, Puer 

Mie Yezhang – Inheritor of Dai Pottery-making Craft in Lancang County, Puer  普洱市澜沧县傣族土陶技艺传承人 – 咩叶章 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2733.html...

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• Dai Ethnic Minority
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Jiang Shimei – Inheritor of Lahu Ethnic Costume-making Skill un Lancang County, Puer 

Jiang Shimei – Inheritor of Lahu Ethnic Costume-making Skill un Lancang County, Puer  普洱市澜沧县东朗乡拉祜族服饰制作技艺传承人 – 蒋石妹 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2732.html...

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• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Puer
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Li Xuezhang – Artisan of Folk Zhizha Paper Art in Jingdong County, Puer 

Li Xuezhang – Artisan of Folk Zhizha Paper Art in Jingdong County, Puer  普洱市景东县花山乡民间纸扎艺人 – 李学章 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2731.html...

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Lu Guizhi – Inheritor of Yi Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Jingdong County, Puer 

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Culture    Veiw

• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Puer
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Mi Zaijun – Inheritor of Dai Brocade Textile Craft in Jiangcheng County, Puer 

Mi Zaijun – Inheritor of Dai Brocade Textile Craft in Jiangcheng County, Puer  普洱市江城县整董镇傣锦纺织技艺传承人- 咪仔君 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2729.html...

Culture    Veiw

• Dai Ethnic Minority
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Bai Lanxian – Inheritro of Yi Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Jiangcheng County, Puer 

Bai Lanxian – Inheritro of Yi Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Jiangcheng County, Puer  普洱市江城县彝族民族服饰技艺传承人- 白兰仙 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2728.html...

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• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Puer
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Wang Jianming – Craftsman of Folk Carving in Gejiu City, Honghe

Wang Jianming – Craftsman of Folk Carving in Gejiu City, Honghe Wáng Jiànmíng is a folk carving artist from Gèjiù City, Honghe Prefecture. Below is a detailed introduction about...

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Wang Qingyun –  Artist of Ancient Building Sculpture and Color Painting in Luxi County, Honghe 

Wang Qingyun –  Artist of Ancient Building Sculpture and Color Painting in Luxi County, Honghe Wáng Yúnqīng is a folk artist specializing in ancient architectural sculpture and painting in...

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Shi Zhenglan – Inheritor of Traditional Han Costume-making Skill in Chengjiang County, Yuxi

Shi Zhenglan is dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique traditional Han costume culture of Yangzong Town (阳宗镇). The town’s Han women’s attire, characterized by “Manxianggun (满镶滚)” and “Hua Tuojian (花托肩)”, re...

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Feng Qinyin –  Inheritor of Dai Textile Craft in Yuanjiang County, Yuxi 

Feng Qinyin is a dedicated guardian of the Dai ethnic textile tradition in Dashuiping Township (大水平乡), renowned for preserving the intricate weaving techniques unique to the local Dai community....

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• Yuanjiang County
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Bodhidharma Cave in Tacheng, Diqing

Dharma (Bodhidharma) Cave is located on Xiangbi Mountain (Elephant Trunk Mountain) in Qizong Village, the joint place with Lijiang, Shangrila and Delin, 15 kilometers from Tachen of Weixi County. Dharma Mountain...

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• Diqing
• Three Parallel Rivers
• Weixi County