Longchuan County Culture
Many citizens of Dehong Prefecture belong to the Jingpo-nation ethnic group, an official minority in the People’s Republic of China. They are one and the same as the people of Kachin State, the adjacent part of Myanmar, and ethno-linguistic ties are strong.
There are 5 original ethnic groups in Dehong, Dai, Jingpo, De’ang, Lisu and Achang, who live together generation by generation. These ethnic minority live cross border. They keep the trade contacts and cultural exchanges. The major ethnic group in Longchuan is Jingpo. Longchuan enjoys traditional Jingpo culture. The mountainous residents are mainly Jingpo people. This is a minority that migrated from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in ancient times. They are brave and unrestrained. Here, travelers can dance with the elegant ethnic girls and play the drum with the strong boys. Grand group dancing with the drum and beautiful songs will gain your attentions. Achang people here make contribution to the colorful ethnic culture here. The representative festivals covers Water-splashing Festival of Dai, Munaozongge of Jingpo, Kuoshi Festival of Lisu and Aluwoluo Festival of Achang. Otherwise, Hinayana Buddhism is the major religion in Dehong. Dai and De’ang ethnic minorities believe in it. The pagodas and Zhuangfang (temple in Dai villages) are built in every Dai villages, which are the typical architectures in Dehong. Most of villages will pray in Zhuangfang and pagodas in certain time. Jingpo people worship nature and their ancestors, which can be seen in their sacrifice ceremony. In general, ethnic culture is the essential part of Longchuan.
Husa knife production industry
The Husa knife originated in the Husa Achang ethnic settlements in Longchuan county and is also referred to as the Achang knife. The Husa knife has been included as a national intangible cultural heritage and is favored by domestic and foreign merchants.
On May 20, 2006, Achang knife forging skills were approved to be included in the first baaatch of national intangible cultural heritage by the State Council. The Achang knife has a long history and was favorable in the early in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911). The knife is currently exported to different countries and regions, including Burma.
