Since it is located in the remote Honghe river valley, the closed environment enables Huyaodai ethnic people to completely preserve the original ecological Dai culture such as natural worship, witchcraft, tattoo, sacrificial offering, tooth dyeing and clothing of the Dai ancestors. To experience the authentic Huayaodai culture, Xinping county of Honghe river basin is must be the best choice. The dress of Huayaodai women is gorgeous and dazzing, beautiful and generous, and the chest is hanging all sorts of silver items. There are colored ribbons on all girls' waists, thus named the Huayaodai ethnic people.
Distribution of Huayao Dai
Huayao Dai is the appellation for Dai people living in the upper reaches of the Honghe river. Xinping county, located in Yuxi city of Yunnan province, is the hometown of Huayao Dai. As early as three or four thousand years ago, this area was inhabited by Pu people, one of the three groups(Qaing, Pu and Yue) activing in the southern part of the country. The Dai and Yi living in Xinping, together with neighboring Hani, Lahu, Han and Hui, build up the original ecological ethnic culture.
History of Huayao Dai
Huayao Dai have their own language, but no written language. Their culture is handed down from generation to generation by oral instruction or traditional customs, but Huayao Dai has created brilliant poetry. Their legacy is rich in literature, graceful in dance and moving in song. They still carry on the ancient customs of dyeing their teeth and tattooing. Huayao Dai tattoo is mainly to avoid evil, they think that people have soul and there are ghosts in the world, tattoo can drive out ghosts and let their own soul home.
More About Huayao Dai
Dabinglangyuan Village Dai (Huayao Dai) Ethnic Culture Protection Area in Gasa Town of Xinping County, Yuxi
Huajie Cultural Tourism Festival of Huayaodai Ethnic People in Xinping County, Yuxi
The Bathing Festival of Huayaodai Ethnic People in Xinping County, Yuxi