Labo Town of Ninglang County in Lijiang

Geographical Location

(Labo Township) (拉伯乡) is located in the northernmost part of Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, situated in the dry-hot valley along the (Jinsha River) (金沙江). To the north, it borders (Muli County) (木里县) of Sichuan Province’s (Yijixiang) (依吉乡) and (Shangri-La City) (香格里拉市) in (Diqing Prefecture) (迪庆州). To the west, it faces (Fengke Town) (奉科镇) in (Yulong County) (玉龙县) across the river, while to the south, it adjoins (Cuiju Township) (翠玉乡) and to the east, it borders (Yongning Township) (永宁乡). Though the area is remote with inconvenient transportation, it retains vast areas of pristine forests, high mountain lakes, and hundreds of acres of alpine meadows.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

(Labo Township) (拉伯乡) is a multi-ethnic area, home to the (Mosuo) (摩梭), (Han) (汉族), (Pumi) (普米族), (Miao) (苗族), (Zhuang) (壮族), (Naxi) (纳西族), (Lisu) (傈僳族), and (Tibetan) (藏族) peoples. The traditional crafts of these ethnic groups are diverse and vibrant:

Han Embroidery

In (Jiaze Village) (加泽村), Han women still practice traditional embroidery techniques. They use thread and their clothing to express thoughts and feelings, stitching the beauty of life.

Pumi Traditional Craftsmanship

The (Pumi) (普米族) are skilled in making traditional clothing and raising poultry, such as the (Labo High-foot Chicken) (拉伯高脚鸡), a chicken breed that has been raised for generations in (Labo Township) (拉伯乡).

Mosuo Traditional Craftsmanship

The (Mosuo) (摩梭) people preserve their unique matrilineal society traditions and customs, forming a distinct (Mosuo) (摩梭) culture.

Customs and Festivals

(Labo Township) (拉伯乡) is home to many rich traditional customs and festivals celebrated by its ethnic groups:

Mosuo Festivals:

  • Mountain Walking Festival (转山节): A significant festival where (Mosuo) people dress in traditional attire and walk around (Gemu Goddess Mountain) (格姆女神山) to pray for blessings.

  • Ancestral Worship Festival (祭祖节): A festival where (Mosuo) people honor their ancestors.

  • Walking Marriage Custom (走婚习俗): A unique form of marriage among the (Mosuo) people, where relationships and families are formed through the “walking marriage” system.

Yi Festivals:

  • Torch Festival (火把节): Held on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month, where people light torches, sing, and dance to pray for good harvests and favorable weather.

  • Yi New Year (彝族年): A festival to celebrate the harvest and honor ancestors, typically held in the 10th lunar month.

Ancient Architecture

The ancient architecture of (Labo Township) (拉伯乡) mainly consists of traditional houses from various ethnic groups, such as the (Mosuo) (摩梭) wooden log houses and the (Yi) (彝族) adobe houses. These buildings showcase unique ethnic styles and historical significance.

Tourist Resources

Natural Scenery:

  • Jinsha River Grand Canyon (金沙江大峡谷): (Labo Township) (拉伯乡) lies along the (Jinsha River) (金沙江), featuring the spectacular (Jinsha River Grand Canyon) (金沙江大峡谷).

  • High Mountain Lake Cluster (高山湖泊群): There is a high-altitude lake cluster at an elevation of 4326 meters, an undeveloped virgin area.

  • Pristine Forests (原始森林): Vast areas of untouched forests make it a paradise for nature lovers.

Cultural Experience:

  • Mosuo Cultural Village (摩梭文化村): The well-preserved traditional architecture and customs of the (Mosuo) (摩梭) people transport visitors back in time to an ancient era.

  • Traditional Villages (传统村落): Visitors can explore villages of various ethnic groups such as the (Yi) (彝族) and (Pumi) (普米族) to experience their unique cultures.

Transportation

External Transportation:

  • By Air: Fly to (Lijiang Sanyi International Airport) (丽江三义国际机场), then take an airport shuttle to (Lijiang City) (丽江市), followed by a bus to (Ninglang County) (宁蒗县), and finally transfer to (Labo Township) (拉伯乡). Be aware that bus services are limited, so check schedules in advance.

  • By Train: Take a train to (Lijiang Station) (丽江站), then transfer to a bus from (Lijiang City) (丽江市) to (Ninglang County) (宁蒗县), and finally a bus to (Labo Township) (拉伯乡).

  • By Bus: Buses are available from (Lijiang City) (丽江市) to (Ninglang County) (宁蒗县), then transfer to (Labo Township) (拉伯乡). Alternatively, you can charter a vehicle, but it will be more expensive.

Internal Transportation:

  • Village Transport: There are limited public transport options within the township, and road conditions may not be ideal. It is recommended to travel by self-driving or chartered vehicle.