Village of Achang Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Kunming
Overview of the Achang Ethnic Minority
The Achang ethnic minority (阿昌族) is a unique group in Yunnan Province (云南省), primarily distributed in Dehong Prefecture (德宏州) across counties such as Longchuan (陇川), Lianghe (梁河), and Luxi (潞西). With a population of approximately 39,000, many Achang people adhere to primitive religions that worship ancestors and spirits, while some areas also practice Southern Theravada Buddhism. The Achang are descendants of the Di and Qiang ethnic groups, having entered the Nu River (怒江) basin in northwest Yunnan as early as the 2nd century AD. By the 13th century, some settled in Husa Bazi (户撒坝子) in Longchuan County, while others later moved to Lianghe.
Achang craftsmen are renowned for producing “Husa knives” (户撒刀), which include long knives, short knives, and concealed knives, characterized by their exquisite beauty and high quality. These products are sold not only within Yunnan but also in neighboring regions such as Sichuan and Tibet, as well as countries like Myanmar (缅甸), India (印度), and Pakistan (巴基斯坦).
Architectural Features of the Achang Village
The Achang village (阿昌寨) within the Village of Achang Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages features a courtyard-style main building that harmoniously connects with structures like the village gate and workshops. The buildings are adorned with blue tiles, brick walls, and stone foundations, showcasing distinctive architectural characteristics. The main structure, facing west, is a single-story building known for its unique design that emphasizes verticality.
Cultural Practices and Hospitality
The Achang people are known for their warmth and hospitality, placing great importance on respecting the elderly and caring for the young. When guests visit, hosts are expected to offer fine wine and tea. Dining etiquette is significant; guests may politely decline a prime seat if they are younger in age. When offering toasts or serving tea, it is considered impolite to accept without showing deference.
There are customs surrounding meal invitations; guests are expected to accept regardless of whether they drink alcohol or tea. During meal invitations, it is customary to receive food with both hands, showing respect, regardless of one’s hunger level.
Major Religious and Cultural Festivals
The Achang people celebrate several significant religious festivals, including:
- Jinwa (进洼)
- Chuwa (出洼)
- Bai Chai (白柴)
- Water Festival (水节)
In addition to these religious occasions, major festivals that are similar to those celebrated by the Dai people (傣族) include traditional market days, the annual “Dengwo Luo” (蹬窝罗), street fairs, the harvest festival (尝新节), and the Water Splashing Festival (泼水节).
Traditional Crafts and Heritage
The Achang people from Husa possess exceptional skills in blacksmithing and knife-making, creating durable iron tools. Their knives—long knives, pointed knives, cleavers, kitchen knives, scissors, and sickles—are known for their sharpness and aesthetic appeal. The “Husa knife” is famous throughout the region and is highly valued by the Dai, Han, Jingpo, and De’ang ethnic groups. The knife-making technique of the Achang has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
