Geographical Distribution of Limi Ethnic People

The Limi (俐侎) people are an ancient and mysterious ethnic group primarily found in Yongde County (永德县), Lincang City (临沧市), in southwestern Yunnan Province (云南省), China. As a branch of the Yi (彝族) ethnic group, the Limi population is concentrated in Wululong Yi Ethnic Township (乌木龙彝族乡) and other nearby areas, with a total population of approximately 26,000 to 29,000 people.

The Limi people have retained a rich cultural heritage, including traditional clothing, music, dance, and agricultural practices. They are known for their distinctive black clothing, which is handwoven and dyed, and their traditional festivals, such as the Sangzhuoli Festival (桑沼哩节), celebrated as the “Eastern Valentine’s Day.” The Limi people also practice the art of roasting whole lamb during special occasions, representing a significant part of their culinary tradition.

The Limi culture is deeply connected to nature, with their festivals and customs reflecting their respect for the environment. Their festivals are an integral part of their social life, and the Limi people continue to preserve their unique way of life, which is rooted in ancient customs and beliefs.

Core Distribution and Population Data

Main Settlements

Yongde County (永德县), Lincang City (临沧市): The core settlement area of the Limi (俐侎) people, home to 61.5% of the Limi population in the province. The population is primarily concentrated in areas such as Wululong Yi Ethnic Township (乌木龙彝族乡), Yalian Township (亚练乡), and Daxueshan Township (大雪山乡).

Other Settlements: A smaller number of Limi people live in the border areas between Fengqing County (凤庆县), Yingpan Town (营盘镇), Guo Dazhai Township (郭大寨乡), and Yun County (云县), particularly in Xingfu Town (幸福镇).

Population Statistics

Total Population: Estimated between 26,000 to 29,000 people, with approximately 12,000 residing in Yongde County (永德县).

Largest Population Areas:

• Lincang City (临沧市), specifically Yongde County (永德县) at its core.

• Wululong Yi Ethnic Township (乌木龙彝族乡) in Yongde County (永德县), which has 12,363 Limi (俐侎) people, making up 42.3% of the township’s population.

Administrative Divisions

Ethnic Townships

Wululong Yi Ethnic Township (乌木龙彝族乡), Yongde County (永德县): The largest settlement area for Limi (俐侎) people, with 42.3% of the population being Limi (俐侎). This area retains traditional attire, music, dance, and the cultural practice of the fire pit (火塘).

Other Settlements: Yalian Township (亚练乡), Daxueshan Township (大雪山乡), and other areas do not have independent ethnic townships but are home to smaller populations of Limi people.

Notable Villages and Cultural Hubs

Cultural Core Villages

Yanzijiao Village (岩子脚自然村), Wululong Township (乌木龙乡): A typical Limi (俐侎) village with 83 households and 317 people. The primary economic activity is walnut cultivation, and it preserves traditional lifestyles of the cool, high-altitude regions.

Zhamo Village (扎模村), Wululong Township (乌木龙乡): Known for its sea of rhododendron flowers (杜鹃花海) and wild tea gardens, Zhamo Village also preserves the fire pit culture and techniques for roasting whole lamb (烤全羊), both of which are part of the area’s intangible cultural heritage.

Traditional Festivals

Sangzhuoli Festival (桑沼哩节)

Held on the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month in Wululong Township (乌木龙乡), the Sangzhuoli Festival is a celebration of love, where Limi people bathe in hot springs, sing love songs, and engage in traditional matchmaking. It is often referred to as the “Eastern Valentine’s Day” (东方情人节).

Torch Festival (火把节)

Celebrated from the 20th to the 26th of the 6th lunar month, this festival takes place primarily in Wululong Township (乌木龙乡) and Yalian Township (亚练乡), featuring traditional torch dances, bonfires, and community gatherings.

Distinctive Geographic Features

Black Clothing Culture (黑衣部落文化)

The traditional clothing of the Limi (俐侎) people is predominantly black. Women spend 3 to 4 years making a complete set of clothing, which was included in the Yunnan Province (云南省) Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2019.

Ailao Mountain – Wuliang Mountain (哀牢山-无量山)

These mountain ranges, which range from 1,500 to 3,400 meters in elevation, have traditionally been the habitat of the Limi (俐侎) people. The area is home to ancient tea tree groves and terraced farming remnants.