Bathing Festival in Caojian Town of Yunlong County, Dali
Chinese Name:大理云龙县漕涧镇二八澡潭会
English Name: Bathing Festival in Caojian Town of Yunlong County, Dali
During the “Er·Ba Bathing Festival Arts Performance and Recognition Ceremony” held in the morning, the Party Committee and Government of Caojian Town recognized outstanding individuals such as moral role models, excellent teachers, and caring enterprises that emerged in 2015. They also organized an arts performance featuring more than ten cultural and artistic groups from Caojian Elderly Association, Yunlong No.2 High School, Caojian Middle School, and various village committees.
The performances included diverse cultural programs such as the Bai ethnic group’s “Mazi Song,” the Achang ethnic group’s “Dadao Dance,” the Miao ethnic group’s “Lusheng Dance,” the Yi ethnic group’s “July Torch Festival,” and a chorus titled “Blessings to Caojian.” These more than twenty colorful performances provided a rich cultural feast for the residents and visitors of the ancient town.
Festival Highlights:
- Arts Performance and Recognition Ceremony:
The festival opens with a ceremony recognizing outstanding individuals, including moral role models and excellent teachers, organized by the Party Committee and Government of Caojian Town. Cultural performances from various local groups enrich the festival, showcasing the diverse traditions of different ethnic groups such as the Bai, Achang, Miao, and Yi. - Cultural Performances:
The festival features over twenty vibrant performances, including:- Bai Ethnic Group’s “Mazi Song”
- Achang Ethnic Group’s “Dadao Dance”
- Miao Ethnic Group’s “Lusheng Dance”
- Yi Ethnic Group’s “July Torch Festival”
- A chorus titled “Blessings to Caojian”
Significance:
The “Er·Ba Bathing Festival” is a major event that promotes traditional culture, folk arts, and economic development, further establishing Caojian as the leading town in the Nujiang Grand Canyon.
Hot Springs:
Caojian is famed for its hot springs, with the Upper and Middle Bathing Ponds nestled in scenic forests, perfect for self-guided hiking. The Lower Bathing Pond, located 9 kilometers west in Xinsheng Village, features a unique hot spring waterfall.
Cultural Context:
Bathing is celebrated as one of the “Three Joys” in Caojian, particularly during the New Year and Spring Festival. Families from surrounding areas, including Baoshan and Nujiang, gather for an extended stay to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs, transforming the festival into a vibrant marketplace.
Caojian Town漕涧镇 is located at the junction of Dali, Baoshan, and Nujiang in Yunnan Province, serving as the western gateway to Dali Prefecture and a vital passage to the Nujiang Grand Canyon. The altitude of Caojian Ba Zi ranges between 1950 and 2120 meters. Caodian boasts abundant geothermal hot spring resources, earning it the reputation of being the hometown of natural hot springs.
The traditional festival of Caodian Town, the “Er·Ba Bathing Festival,” is inaugurated, lasting for half a month. Merchants and visitors from all directions, including from within the province and beyond, converge for this lively event.
