Culture of Baoshan Stone Town in Lijiang

Baoshan Stone City (宝山石头城) is located in Baoshan Township (宝山乡), Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (丽江市玉龙纳西族自治县), Yunnan Province. This ancient Naxi village built on a massive rock formation boasts not only unique natural scenery but also profound cultural heritage, preserving many traditional Naxi customs and cultural characteristics.

I. Naxi Culture

As a typical Naxi settlement, Baoshan Stone City has well preserved and developed Naxi cultural traditions.

1. Dongba Culture (东巴文化)

Dongba culture represents the ancient and unique cultural system of the Naxi people, including:

  • Dongba script (东巴文字)
  • Dongba paintings (东巴绘画)
  • Dongba music (东巴音乐)
  • Dongba dance (东巴舞蹈)

The Dongba script is the world’s only still-used pictographic writing system, renowned as “living hieroglyphs.” Visitors can explore Dongba cultural exhibitions to understand Naxi history and religious beliefs.

2. Naxi Ancient Music (纳西古乐)

This traditional music is famous for its long history and distinctive style, blending elements from Han (汉族), Tibetan (藏族), Bai (白族) and other ethnic musical traditions. Main instruments include:

  • Flute (笛子)
  • Erhu (二胡)
  • Pipa (琵琶)

Visitors can enjoy live performances of this captivating music.

3. Naxi Traditional Architecture

The architecture combines characteristics from Han, Tibetan and other ethnic styles. Most buildings feature:

  • Earth-wood structures
  • Terraced construction following mountain contours
  • High artistic value alongside practical functionality

II. Traditional Festivals

The Naxi people in Baoshan Stone City maintain many traditional festivals that serve as important cultural vehicles and visitor experiences.

1. Naxi “Sanduo Festival” (纳西族”三多节”)

Held annually from the 15th to 20th day of the third lunar month, this important festival features:

  • Cultural exchanges
  • Entertainment activities
  • Ethnic cultural displays including Naxi ancient music, Dongba dance and Leba dance (勒巴舞) performances

2. Torch Festival (火把节)

Celebrated on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, this festival involves:

  • Torch lighting ceremonies (symbolizing dispelling evil and praying for happiness)
  • Cultural activities including Naxi song/dance performances
  • Wrestling competitions

III. Folk Customs

Unique folk traditions preserved here showcase Naxi cultural characteristics while attracting visitors.

1. Naxi Wedding Customs (纳西族婚俗)

The elaborate wedding rituals include multiple stages:

  • Marriage proposal
  • Engagement
  • Wedding procession

Visitors can observe displays explaining these unique traditions.

2. Naxi Traditional Handicrafts

Traditional crafts include:

  • Embroidery (刺绣)
  • Wood carving (木雕)
  • Silverware production

Visitors can watch demonstrations and even create their own souvenirs.

IV. Cultural Preservation

Baoshan Stone City prioritizes cultural heritage protection through multiple approaches.

1. Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection

Protected items include:

  • Naxi Dongba culture
  • Naxi ancient music

Preservation methods:

  • Establishing cultural protection zones
  • Conducting inheritor training programs

2. Cultural Tourism

Cultural resources are showcased through:

  • Dongba cultural exhibitions
  • Naxi ancient music performances
  • Traditional lifestyle experiences

V. Cultural-Tourism Integration

The city combines rich cultural resources with tourism to create unique products, allowing visitors to experience ethnic culture while enjoying natural scenery.

1. Cultural Experience Activities

Visitors can participate in:

  • Dongba cultural experiences
  • Naxi ancient music performances
  • Traditional handicraft workshops

2. Cultural Exhibition Spaces

Key venues include:

  • Dongba Culture Museum (东巴文化博物馆)
  • Naxi Ancient Dwelling Exhibition Hall (纳西族古民居展示馆)

These spaces display cultural heritage while offering immersive experiences.

VI. Culture and Society

Cultural development enriches local life and promotes social harmony.

1. Cultural Activities

Regular events include:

  • Dongba cultural exhibitions
  • Naxi ancient music performances

These activities showcase heritage while enriching community life.

2. Cultural Inheritance

Preservation methods ensure continuity of:

  • Dongba culture
  • Naxi ancient music
    Through:
  • Protection zones
  • Inheritor training

Baoshan Stone City is an ancient village brimming with Naxi cultural characteristics – from unique natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage.