Geographical Distribution of Naxi Ethnic Minority

The Naxi Ethnic Minority is primarily located in the northwestern region of Yunnan Province (云南省), particularly in areas like Lijiang City (丽江市), Shangri-La County (香格里拉县), and Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县). Known for their rich Dongba culture (东巴文化), which is closely tied to their traditional beliefs and rituals, the Naxi people are famous for their distinctive language, music, and art.

The Naxi people’s population in Yunnan is about 295,000, with the majority residing in Lijiang, Yulong, and surrounding areas. Key Naxi towns and villages such as Baidi Village (白地村) and Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇) have preserved many traditional customs, including Dongba rituals and celebrations.

Their festivals, including the Dongba Festival (东巴会) and the Spring Sacrifice (春祭), are integral to Naxi culture, while their culinary traditions, such as Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑) and Yulong Dian Zhonglou (玉龙滇重楼), showcase local craftsmanship and heritage.

The Naxi people’s cultural landscape is dotted with villages that retain ancient practices, such as the Dongba script and sacred mountain worship, making them a key ethnic group in the region’s cultural and spiritual fabric.

Core Distribution and Population Data

Provincial Distribution Patterns

The Naxi people are primarily distributed in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province (云南省), particularly in Lijiang City (丽江市), Shangri-La County (香格里拉县), and Weixi Lisu Autonomous County (维西傈僳族自治县). The distribution is characterized by a “large dispersion, small settlements” pattern.

Main Settlement Areas:

Lijiang City: The area with the largest concentration of Naxi population, comprising over 55% of the Naxi population in the province.

Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县): Home to 127,900 Naxi people, making up 55% of the total population.

Other regions: Ninglang, Yongsheng, Jianchuan, and Heqing also have Naxi populations.

Population Statistics:

Total Population: Approximately 295,000 (as of 2000), representing 95.5% of the total Naxi population in China.

County Distribution:

• Yulong County: 127,900 Naxi people (55% of the population).

• Gucheng District: Approximately 60,000 Naxi people.

• Shangri-La City: Approximately 12,000 Naxi people.

Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Naxi Autonomous County

Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县): The only Naxi autonomous county in China, established in 2003. It governs 7 towns and 9 townships.

• Historical Evolution: The original Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County was abolished in 2002 and divided into Gucheng District and Yulong County.

Naxi Ethnic Villages and Townships:

Sanba Naxi Township (三坝纳西族乡) in Shangri-La City: Located in the southeastern part of Shangri-La, it borders Yulong County (玉龙县) across the river.

• Cultural Features: Known as the birthplace of Naxi Dongba Culture (纳西东巴文化), it is home to the national intangible cultural heritage site of Naxi Handicraft Paper-making Techniques (纳西族手工造纸技艺).

Daan Yi and Naxi Township (大安彝族纳西族乡) in Yongsheng County (丽江市永胜县): A multi-ethnic township with a significant Naxi population (4,245 Naxi people).

Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县): The only Naxi autonomous county in China, home to over 58% Naxi population.

Cultural Features of Naxi Villages:

Baidi Village (白地村) in Shangri-La City: The birthplace of Dongba Culture, home to the famous Bai Shui Tai landscape.

• Intangible Heritage: The February 8th Festival (二月八节庆) is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage event.

Nanxi Village (南溪村) in Yulong County: Known for its location at 1,476 meters above sea level, it is often referred to as “Little Shangri-La” for its scenic beauty.

Wumu Village (吾木村) in Yulong County: Famous for its preserved Dongba sacrificial rituals, with a natural god worship ceremony before cutting wood.

Jiazi Village (甲子村) in Yulong County: A village surrounded by mountains with 19 natural villages.

Eya Naxi Ancient Village (俄亚纳西古村寨) near Muli County, Sichuan (四川木里县): A defensive village built on a cliff, retaining the most complete form of Dongba culture.

Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇) in Lijiang: An important town along the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997 as part of Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城).

Geographic and Cultural Markers

Key Geographic and Cultural Locations:

Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山): A sacred mountain for the Naxi people, central to their “San Duo” belief system.

Bai Shui Tai (白水台): Located in Sanba Township, Shangri-La, this area is the origin of Dongba Religion (东巴教) and features the stunning Huaquan Terrace landscape.

Festivals and Cultural Activities

Dongba Rituals and Celebrations:

Dongba Festival (东巴会): Held annually at Yushui Zhai (玉水寨) in Lijiang, typically on the 5th day of the 3rd lunar month. Activities include chanting Dongba scriptures and performing Shiluo dances.

Spring Sacrifice (春祭): Held in Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇) and Baisha Village (白沙村), typically in the first lunar month.

Autumn Sacrifice (秋祭): Held in Taian Township (太安乡) in Yulong County during the 7th lunar month.

Bai Shui Tan Festival (白水潭会): Celebrated in Baidi Village, Sanba Township, Shangri-La, on the 8th of the 2nd lunar month. This festival is known for its rituals and the vibrant celebration of Dongba Culture.

Specialty Products and Cultural Goods

Local Products:

Yulong Dian Zhonglou (玉龙滇重楼): A national geographical indication product, known for its medicinal properties.

Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑): A traditional food originating from the Ming Dynasty, evolving from “crispy fried pastry” (酥饼油丝).

Cultural Clothing:

Starry and Moonlit Sheepskin Cloak (披星戴月羊皮披肩): A symbolic Naxi garment that represents “carrying the sun and moon on the shoulders and the Seven Stars on the back.”