Jizu Mountain Pilgrimage Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Binchuan County, Dali

Chinese Name:宾川县鸡足山朝山会
English Name: Jizu Mountain Pilgrimage Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Binchuan County, Dali

The Jizu Mountain Pilgrimage Festival (鸡足山朝山会) is a traditional Buddhist festival held annually in the Binchuan County (宾川县), Dali, from the 1st to the 15th day of the lunar new year. The festival revolves around pilgrimage, prayers for blessings, and admiring the scenic beauty of Jizu Mountain (鸡足山). During the event, various ethnic groups engage in religious rituals such as offering incense, fruits, and donations at temples, as well as lively folk activities including dragon dances, lion dances, hunting, horse racing, song performances, lantern riddles, and more.

A key feature of the festival is the pilgrimage to visit various temples, with a major tradition being the early morning hike to the summit to watch the sunrise on the 15th day of the lunar new year. The festival, blending religious worship and local cultural celebrations, draws large crowds of pilgrims and tourists, making it a lively and significant event in the region.

Date and Location

• Time: From 1st to 15th day of the lunar new year, with the peak day falling on the 15th day (in 2025, the festival will take place from January 29th to February 12th).

• Location: Jizu Mountain, approximately 100 kilometers from Dali (大理), and 30 kilometers from Binchuan County (宾川县).

Core Activities

Religious Ceremonies

• Temple Visits: Pilgrims visit temples such as Zhusheng Temple (祝圣寺) and Jinding Temple (金顶寺), where they offer incense, fruits, and donations for the maintenance of the temples and to seek blessings.

• Sunrise at Jinding Peak: On the 15th day, thousands of people gather at the Jinding Peak (金顶), the highest point of Jizu Mountain, to witness the breathtaking sunrise and the miraculous Buddha’s light (佛光).

Folk Celebrations

• Dance and Music Performances: Enjoy the Bai ethnic group’s whip dance (霸王鞭舞), folk song competitions (对歌调), and dragon and lion dance parades.

• Market Trading: The Pilgrimage Market is a popular spot during the festival, where local products such as incense, vegetarian food, and specialty products from Binchuan (such as citrus fruits and walnuts) are sold.

Unique Experiences

• Pilgrimage Hike: Pilgrims walk from Zhusheng Temple to Jinding Temple, performing a ritual of kneeling with every step.

• Torch Procession: A night-time tradition involves pilgrims holding torches, creating a beautiful river of light resembling a starry galaxy.

Historical Background

Buddhist Significance

Jizu Mountain is one of the four great Buddhist mountains of China and has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries. The mountain is closely associated with Kasyapa Buddha (迦叶尊者), the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism (禅宗), and has a rich history of Buddhist teachings and practices. The tradition of the Pilgrimage Festival began during the Ming Dynasty and has continued to thrive, attracting pilgrims from Southeast Asia and beyond.

The festival has been celebrated for centuries, with Xu Xiake (徐霞客), a famous Ming Dynasty traveler, praising the mountain and its pilgrimage tradition in his travel writings, stating that Jizu Mountain is “not just the most important mountain of Jizu, but also the most important in the entire country.”

Legends and Origins

The festival is said to have originated from the legend of Kasyapa Buddha (迦叶尊者) and his teachings, which took place on Jizu Mountain. Over time, it became an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, particularly for those practicing Chan Buddhism. The 15th day of the lunar new year is the most significant day of the festival, as it marks the culmination of the pilgrimage with the sunrise ceremony.

Festival Highlights

Main Activities

• Buddhist Rituals: Pilgrims visit the key temples and offer their respects, prayers, and donations to Buddha, asking for peace and prosperity.

• Cultural Celebrations: The festival also features a variety of cultural activities, including traditional dances, dragon dances, lion dances, and folk singing competitions.

• Sunrise at Jinding Peak: A highlight of the festival is the sunrise at Jinding Peak, where the Buddha’s light (佛光) can be seen in the early morning.

Traditional Market and Commerce

• Pilgrimage Market: During the festival, the pilgrimage market (香会街) becomes a central hub for trading, where locals sell goods such as incense, vegetarian food, and local specialties such as Binchuan citrus fruits and walnuts.

Torch Parade

• Torch Procession: As night falls, a torch procession takes place, where pilgrims walk with torches from Zhusheng Temple to Jinding Temple, symbolizing a connection between the human world and the divine.

Cultural Significance

Cultural Unity

The Jizu Mountain Pilgrimage Festival brings together people from different ethnic groups such as the Han, Bai, and Tibetan peoples. The festival promotes cultural exchange and strengthens the sense of community among the various groups that participate.

Buddhist Heritage

The festival plays a crucial role in the preservation of Buddhist traditions and is considered an essential part of the Bai people’s spiritual life. It also highlights the importance of Buddhism in Yunnan Province and in Southeast Asia, where many pilgrims also participate.

Practical Information

How to Get There

• From Dali: Jizu Mountain is located about 2 hours by car (86 kilometers) from Dali Old Town.

• Public Transport: Binchuan Bus Station offers direct minibuses to Jizu Mountain (ticket price around 10 CNY).

Ticket Prices

• Entrance Fee: 80 CNY for entry to the scenic area.

• Cable Car: Round-trip cable car fare is 120 CNY.

Recommended Itinerary

• Classic Route: Lingshan Yihui Fang → Zhusheng Temple → Cable Car → Jinding Temple.

• In-Depth Route: Xuyun Temple → Huashou Gate → Azalea Corridor (杜鹃长廊).

Important Notes

• Sunrise Viewing: Be prepared to climb early in the morning for the sunrise ceremony; wear warm clothes as it can be cold.

• Respect Religious Customs: Visitors are encouraged to respect local religious practices and avoid taking photos of monks without permission.

The Jizu Mountain Pilgrimage Festival offers a unique blend of Buddhist reverence, ethnic traditions, and cultural performances. Whether you’re taking part in the religious rituals, admiring the scenic beauty of Jizu Mountain, or participating in the lively folk activities, the festival provides a deep connection to the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Bai people and their religious practices.