Culture of Baisha Old Town in Lijiang

Lijiang Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town, as an integral part of the Lijiang Old Town, resembles a dazzling pearl carved by time, radiating a rich and unique cultural charm. It is not only the birthplace of Naxi (纳西) culture but also carries a thousand years of historical changes and profound cultural heritage.

1. Mysterious and Captivating Historical Legends

The Origin of the Name “Baisha” (白沙)

Tracing back to ancient times, the Mosuo (么些) people and the “Puxi Barbarians” (濮西蛮) engaged in a fierce battle on this land. The intensity of the conflict resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, leaving the ground littered with bones. The Naxi (纳西) people referred to the “Puxi Barbarians” (濮西蛮) as “Beng” (崩), and “stone” (石) meant “death.” Thus, Baisha (白沙) was called “Bengshi” (崩石) in the Naxi (纳西) language. This poignant history has cast a mysterious veil over Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town.

The Legend of Dading Pavilion (大定阁)

As one of the iconic structures of Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town, Dading Pavilion (大定阁) holds a deeply moving story. It was built by the Tusi (土司, chieftain) Mu Zeng (木增). His mother, a kind and wise woman, provided immense support during his upbringing. To express his gratitude, Mu Zeng constructed this pavilion and named it “Dading Pavilion” (大定阁), symbolizing his mother’s peace and happiness. This reflects the Naxi (纳西) people’s traditional culture of filial piety.

The Legend of Naxi Ancient Music

Legend has it that in ancient times, Baisha (白沙) was a serene and beautiful place where people lived simple, happy lives. The Naxi (纳西) leader A Liang (阿良) received divine inspiration in a dream, learning of a distant treasure trove containing the most enchanting music in the world. Upon waking, he embarked on a journey, overcoming countless hardships. At the foot of a mountain, he met an elderly man with white hair who told him that only those with a pure heart and unwavering faith could find the treasure. Undeterred, A Liang (阿良) succeeded in reaching the summit and discovered the treasure. After studying there for a long time, he returned to Baisha (白沙) and taught the music to the locals. Thus, Naxi Ancient Music was passed down, becoming a cultural treasure of the Naxi (纳西) people and a testament to their relentless pursuit of beauty.

2. Profound Historical and Cultural Heritage

A Millennia-Old Historical Development

With a history spanning over a thousand years, Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town saw the Mu (木) family ancestors construct Baisha Street (白沙街) and Beiyue Temple (北岳庙) during the Tang Dynasty. From the Song and Yuan Dynasties to the early Ming Dynasty, it became the settlement of the Mu (木) family and the political, economic, and cultural center of Lijiang (丽江). This long history has endowed the town with a deep cultural foundation.

Precious and Unique Cultural Heritage

Baisha Murals (白沙壁画)

These artistic treasures, painted from the early Ming to early Qing Dynasty over 300 years, are primarily located in Dabaoji Palace (大宝积宫) and Liuli Hall (琉璃殿). The murals skillfully blend Han (汉), Tibetan (藏), and Naxi (纳西) painting styles, focusing on religious themes. They hold immense artistic value and serve as a vital window into Dongba (东巴) culture and the fusion of ancient ethnic cultures.

Baisha Fine Music (白沙细乐)

A traditional Naxi (纳西) musical performance with a long history, its melodious tunes carry the emotions and memories of the Naxi (纳西) people. It is a key pathway to understanding Naxi (纳西) culture, akin to a musical chronicle of their history.

Unique Architectural Art

The town’s buildings, mostly constructed with local stone and wood, exude a rustic charm. The narrow alleys and cobblestone streets bear the marks of time, with many two-story blue-brick and wooden structures. The Baisha (白沙) ancient architectural complex, built during the peak of the Mu (木) Tusi (土司) regime in the Ming Dynasty—including Dabaoji Palace (大宝积宫), Liuli Hall (琉璃殿), and Wenchang Palace (文昌宫)—showcases distinctive layouts and embodies the architectural artistry of the Naxi (纳西) people, reflecting their wisdom and creativity.

3. Solemn and Reverent Religious Culture

Fuguo Temple (福国寺)

Located on Zhishan (芝山) Mountain west of Baisha (白沙), Fuguo Temple (福国寺) is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist temples in Lijiang (丽江) and the ancestral temple of the Naxi (纳西) Mu (木) Tusi (土司). Its grand and solemn architecture, coupled with thriving incense offerings, makes it a vital symbol of local religious culture. It highlights the Naxi (纳西) people’s reverence for Tibetan Buddhism and the profound influence of religious culture, offering visitors an excellent opportunity to explore local beliefs.

Sanduo Pavilion (三多阁)

This temple venerates “Sanduo” (三多), the protective deity of the Naxi (纳西) people, holding a significant place in local religious culture. During important festivals or rituals, locals gather here to express their reverence and prayers, allowing visitors to deeply feel the Naxi (纳西) people’s religious devotion and traditional beliefs.

4. Rich and Colorful Folk Culture

Traditional Music and Dance

Visitors to Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town can immerse themselves in the charm of Naxi (纳西) traditional music and dance. The unique melodies and rhythmic beats, paired with passionate dance movements, vividly portray the life and spirit of the Naxi (纳西) people, creating an enchanting ethnic cultural atmosphere.

Unique Handicrafts

Dongba Tie-Dye (东巴扎染)

Characterized by blue-and-white hues, Naxi (纳西) tie-dye evokes the imagery of clear skies and white clouds captured on fabric. At Dongba Tie-Dye (东巴扎染) workshops, visitors can try their hand at this traditional craft, creating their own tie-dye pieces and experiencing the wonder of Naxi (纳西) folk art.

Wood Carving

Featuring exquisite patterns and craftsmanship, these carvings come in various shapes and symbolic meanings, suitable for decoration or collection. Each piece embodies the skill and wisdom of Naxi (纳西) artisans, representing a perfect blend of culture and artistry.

Silver Jewelry

With diverse designs combining traditional Naxi (纳西) elements and modern aesthetics, these finely crafted pieces boast distinct ethnic characteristics, making them ideal for wearing or gifting.

Embroidery

Vibrant in color and delicate in stitching, Naxi (纳西) embroidery often depicts mythological tales and natural landscapes. Items like shawls and handkerchiefs are not only beautiful and practical but also rich in cultural significance.

5. The Enchanting Life of the Ancient Town

Sifang Street (四方街)

As the heart of Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town, Sifang Street (四方街) served as the prototype for similar streets in Shuhe (束河) Ancient Town and Lijiang (丽江) Old Town. Once a bustling trade hub, it is now surrounded by historic buildings and traditional shops. Here, visitors can savor local delicacies like jidou liangfen (鸡豆凉粉, chickpea jelly), Naxi (纳西) grilled fish, cured pork ribs, and yak meat hotpot, while shopping for handicrafts and soaking in the lively atmosphere of traditional Naxi (纳西) market culture.

Ancient Streets and Qiben Lane (栖本巷)

Baisha (白沙) Ancient Street retains the traditional Naxi (纳西) architectural style, with rows of old wooden houses lining the roads, offering a perfect setting for strolls and photography. Qiben Lane (栖本巷), less crowded and brimming with local life, allows visitors to experience the authentic daily scenes of the town and feel its tranquility and harmony.