Daan Yi and Naxi Ethnic Town of Yongsheng County in Lijiang
I. Location
Yongsheng County Da’an Yi and Naxi Nationality Township (永胜县大安彝族纳西族乡) is located in the northwest of Yongsheng County (永胜县), 53 kilometers away from the county town (straight-line distance of 26 kilometers). It borders Sanchuan Town (三川镇) to the east, Shunzhou Town (顺州镇) to the south, Gucheng District (古城区) across the Jinsha River (金沙江) to the west, and Songping Lisu Nationality Township (松坪傈僳族乡) is separated by the Wulang River (五郎河) to the north. The township has a total area of 240.7 square kilometers, with the highest elevation at 3477 meters and the lowest at 1298 meters. It administers eight village committees and 91 villagers’ groups.
II. Ethnic Groups and Their Traditional Skills, Customs, and Festivals
A. Ethnic Composition
Da’an Yi and Naxi Nationality Township (大安彝族纳西族乡) is home to nine ethnic groups, including Han (汉族), Yi (彝族), Naxi (纳西族), Tibetan (藏族), Bai (白族), Miao (苗族), Zhuang (壮族), Lisu (傈僳族), and Pumi (普米族). Among them, the Yi population is 4231, the Naxi population is 4245, and the Tibetan population is 929.
B. Ethnic Culture
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Yi: The Yi people have a rich cultural heritage, including Yi songs and dances, traditional costumes, etc. Visitors can participate in traditional Yi festivals such as the Torch Festival (火把节) to experience the unique culture of the Yi people.
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Naxi: The Naxi people attract many visitors with their unique ethnic charm. Visitors can stroll through Naxi villages, admire traditional log cabins, listen to ancient ethnic legends, and immerse themselves in the charm of ethnic culture.
III. Ancient Architecture
Within Da’an Yi and Naxi Nationality Township (大安彝族纳西族乡), there is the “Jinlong Bridge” (金龙桥), an important post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), which holds significant historical value.
IV. Historical Figures
Da’an Yi and Naxi Nationality Township (大安彝族纳西族乡) was once a vital route on the Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) and has a long-standing historical and cultural heritage. Although there are no explicitly recorded historical figures, the rich ethnic culture and historical relics here testify to the wisdom and hard work of the local people.
V. Tourist Attractions
A. Natural Scenery
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Jinsha River Grand Canyon: Located at the border between Yongsheng County (永胜县) and Sichuan Province (四川省), the canyon features beautiful mountains and rivers, with clear waters, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts and hikers.
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Wulang River: The Wulang River (五郎河) serves as the boundary river between Da’an Township (大安乡) and Songping Township (松坪乡). The riverbanks are picturesque and form an essential part of the natural scenery.
B. Cultural Attractions
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Ancient Tea Horse Road Relics: The “Jinlong Bridge” (金龙桥) within Da’an Township (大安乡) is an important post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道). Visitors can experience the prosperity of the ancient tea and horse trade here.
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Ethnic Festivals: Da’an Township (大安乡) develops rural tourism through festivals and has launched unique festivals such as the Torch Festival (火把节).
VI. Transportation
To get to Da’an Yi and Naxi Nationality Township (大安彝族纳西族乡) from the county town of Yongsheng (永胜县), you can choose to drive or take public transportation. If you drive along the county road, the total distance is about 53 kilometers, which will take approximately 1 hour. If you choose public transportation, you can take a bus to Da’an Township (大安乡) at the Yongsheng County Passenger Station (永胜县客运站), with a journey time of about 1.5 hours.
VII. Travel Tips
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Best Travel Time: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Da’an Yi and Naxi Nationality Township (大安彝族纳西族乡), when the climate is pleasant and the natural scenery is the most charming.
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Local Specialties: Visitors can taste local specialties such as Yongsheng Ham (永胜火腿), butter tea (酥油茶), and cured meat (腊肉).
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Accommodation Recommendations: There are several hotels available in the county town of Yongsheng (永胜县), with prices ranging from 100 to 300 yuan per night.
Da’an Yi and Naxi Nationality Township (大安彝族纳西族乡) has become an attractive rural tourism destination with its rich natural scenery and unique ethnic culture. Here, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature, and experience the unique culture and lifestyle of ethnic minorities.
