Chanzhanhe Town of Ninglang County in Lijiang

Chan Zhanhe Township (蝉战河乡) is located in the southern part of Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is situated at the junction of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, in the middle of the Hengduan Mountains in northwestern Yunnan. It is bordered by Lan Nijing Township (烂泥箐乡) to the east, Paoma Ping Township (跑马坪乡) to the south, Ningli Township (宁利乡) to the west, and Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡) to the north. The township government is about 50 kilometers away from the county town of Ninglang and approximately 105 kilometers by road from Lijiang city center. The total area of the township is 297.15 square kilometers. The terrain is generally higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, with an average altitude of around 2,800 meters. It is a typical mountainous area with crisscrossing mountains and deep, quiet valleys. The unique geographical features have created a rich variety of natural landscapes and ecological environments.

The Yi ethnic group is one of the main ethnic groups in Chan Zhanhe Township (蝉战河乡). They have thrived on this land, preserving their unique culture and skills. Yi embroidery is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship. The embroiderers use colorful silk threads to carefully create beautiful patterns on fabric, which reflect Yi history, legends, religious beliefs, and daily life scenes. These patterns are widely used on Yi clothing, bags, and handkerchiefs, serving both practical and cultural purposes. The silverware-making skill of the Yi people is equally impressive. Silversmiths go through multiple processes, such as melting, forging, and carving, to produce unique and delicate silver accessories like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Each piece highlights the Yi people’s unique pursuit of beauty and excellent craftsmanship.

In addition to the Yi ethnic group, there are also small populations of Pumi and Lisu ethnic groups living here. The Pumi people are skilled in traditional handicraft weaving. They use materials like hemp thread and wool to weave practical and beautiful items such as baskets, carrying baskets, and blankets. The weaving patterns contain cultural elements and wisdom of the Pumi people, carrying on their national cultural heritage. The Lisu people have unique skills in traditional bamboo weaving and wood carving. Their bamboo products and wooden handicrafts are simple yet elegant in design, combining practicality with artistry.

The Yi Torch Festival is the grandest and most solemn traditional festival of the Yi people, held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month every year. On the festival day, Yi people dress in their colorful traditional costumes, holding torches and dancing around the bonfire. There are exciting competitive activities such as bullfighting, wrestling, and horse racing. A solemn and mysterious fire sacrifice ceremony is also held, where people pray for the protection of the fire god, hoping for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and prosperity in the coming year. The festival is filled with enthusiasm and rich ethnic characteristics.

The Yi New Year is the traditional New Year of the Yi people, usually held on an auspicious day between October and November in the lunar calendar, lasting for 3 – 5 days. During the festival, families slaughter pigs and sheep to prepare sumptuous food. People dress in their finest clothes, visit relatives and friends, and exchange greetings. Yi families hold ancestor-worshipping ceremonies to honor their ancestors and express gratitude. There are also song and dance performances, traditional sports competitions, and other activities, creating a joyful and harmonious atmosphere.

Although the Ear-Boring Sacrifice is mainly an important ceremony of the Bunun people in Taiwan, some ethnic minorities in Chan Zhanhe Township (蝉战河乡) have similar customs of praying for a good harvest and passing on skills through sacrificial and competitive activities. At specific times, people hold ceremonies to worship nature spirits and ancestors. They also showcase archery and hunting skills, expressing their respect for nature and passing on traditional hunting techniques to the younger generation.

Chan Zhanhe Township (蝉战河乡) does not have any widely known large ancient buildings, but the traditional dwellings of the Yi and Pumi people are distinctive. The Yi people’s earth-palm houses are mostly made of earth and wood, with flat roofs and thick walls. This architectural style can effectively resist the cold climate of the mountainous area and is also convenient for drying crops on the roof. The Pumi people’s log cabins are mainly made of round wood and have a well-shaped structure. They look simple and natural, and the internal space is well-arranged, reflecting the Pumi people’s concept of living in harmony with nature. These traditional dwellings are not only shelters but also important symbols of national culture.

Chan Zhanhe Township (蝉战河乡) is located in a mountainous area with magnificent mountain views. In spring and summer, wildflowers in the mountains bloom in competition, creating a colorful sea of flowers like a beautiful painting. In autumn, the golden leaves and ripe crops complement each other, forming a picturesque harvest scene. In winter, in high-altitude areas, you can sometimes enjoy the snow-covered scenery. In addition, there are large areas of alpine meadows in the township. In spring and summer, the meadows are dotted with cattle and sheep, resembling a pastoral idyll.

The township is home to more than 50 species of wild animals and over 120 species of wild plants. The area for medicinal herb cultivation has reached 8,000 acres. Here, you have the chance to encounter rare wild animals such as the Yunnan golden monkey and the black-necked crane (although the probability is low, adding to the excitement of exploration). You can also enjoy a variety of wild plants and experience the magic and beauty of nature.

Chan Zhanhe Township (蝉战河乡) is mainly agricultural, with staple crops including potatoes, corn, and oats. In recent years, with the development of special agriculture, some areas have planted large areas of cash crops such as Sichuan pepper and green plums. Visitors can visit the fields to learn about the planting process of crops and participate in agricultural activities such as sowing and harvesting, experiencing the fun of rural life. During the harvest season, you can also taste fresh agricultural products and feel the gifts of nature.

Deep into the villages of local ethnic groups such as the Yi and Pumi people to experience unique national cultures. Appreciate traditional skills such as Yi embroidery and silverware making. Participate in Pumi hearth gatherings and taste Yi specialties like Tuo Tuo meat and sour soup, as well as Pumi delicacies like pipa meat and Suli Ma wine. During specific festivals such as the Yi Torch Festival and Yi New Year, you can also personally feel the lively festival atmosphere and dance with local villagers, deeply experiencing the folk customs of ethnic minorities.

If you start from Lijiang city center, you can first take a bus to Ninglang County at Lijiang Passenger Transport Station (丽江汽车客运站). The journey takes about 2 – 3 hours. After arriving in Ninglang County, you can transfer to a rural passenger bus to Chan Zhanhe Township (蝉战河乡). However, the rural buses have relatively few schedules, so it is recommended to check the departure times in advance and allow enough waiting time.

If you choose to drive yourself, start from Lijiang city center and follow the Lijiang-Ninglang Highway to Ninglang County, and then navigate to Chan Zhanhe Township (蝉战河乡). The overall road conditions are acceptable, but some mountain roads have many bends, so drive carefully.

The roads within Chan Zhanhe Township (蝉战河乡) are mainly rural highways and dirt roads, with some sections being relatively rugged. When traveling within the township, you can rent local motorcycles for convenient and free access to various scenic spots. If you are traveling with a larger group, you may also consider chartering a car, which can save time and better arrange the itinerary. It is important to note that when driving or riding a motorcycle, you must wear a safety helmet to ensure travel safety.