Zhao Guangzong - Representative Inheritor of Bai Raosanling Ceremony Project in Xizhou Town, Dali 

Zhao Guangzong (赵光宗), a Bai ethnic cultural artist, comes from Qingdong Village (庆洞村), Xizhou Town (喜洲镇), Dali City (大理市), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省).
He is the key inheritor and organizer of the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage project “Rao San Ling” (绕三灵, in the Bai language called Guan Shang Lan, meaning “visiting the three capitals”).

The Path of Inheritance and Core Role

Growing Up in Tradition

Raised in the heartland of the “Rao San Ling” festival, Zhao Guangzong was deeply influenced by this ancient folk tradition from childhood. Through years of participation and learning from elder artists, he mastered the complete set of ritual procedures, singing and dancing skills, and organizational rules.

His Role as Cultural Leader

In his village, Zhao is recognized as the “Da Jinglüe” (大经略)—the principal ritual expert and organizer—and a highly respected officiant. His role goes far beyond performance; he is the central figure ensuring the smooth unfolding of the festival.

He is skilled in:

• Rituals and ceremonial prayers

• Traditional singing duets and dance steps

• Improvising witty and blessing-filled Hualiu Songs (花柳曲, Bai love songs)

• Presiding over various ceremonies

With profound knowledge of the Benzhu faith (本主信仰), pilgrimage routes, and local legends, Zhao is often described as a “living encyclopedia” of Rao San Ling.

The Unique Cultural Space of “Rao San Ling”

A Grand Folk Festival

“Rao San Ling” is one of the most magnificent traditional festivals of the Bai people. It takes place each year from the 23rd to the 25th day of the fourth lunar month.
Far more than a song-and-dance gathering, it is a vast cultural space blending:

• Religious rituals

• Agricultural prayers

• Social interaction

• Music, dance, and entertainment

The Pilgrimage Route

Over three days, participants follow a fixed route to worship at three sacred Benzhu Temples (本主庙) located in different villages:

1. “Fo Du” (佛都) – Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺)

2. “Shen Du” (神都) – Qingdong Benzhu Temple (庆洞本主庙)

3. “Xian Du” (仙都) – Heyicheng Benzhu Temple (河矣城本主庙)

Among these, Zhao’s home village of Qingdong (庆洞村), the “Shen Du,” serves as the festival’s climax and spiritual center.

Along the pilgrimage route, villagers of all ages join the procession, led by guides carrying gourd staffs and willow branches, singing and dancing while praying for good weather, family well-being, and peace for the nation.

Transmission and Contribution

With elder artists gradually passing on, inheritors like Zhao Guangzong are of great importance. He:

• Teaches the Next Generation: passing on songs, dances, and ritual procedures.

• Organizes and Guides: ensuring the festival is preserved in its authentic form.

Thanks to his dedication, “Rao San Ling” continues to thrive as a living heritage and contributes to the vitality of this tradition, which is also recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage pilot project.