Dongba Kingdom in Lijiang

More Picture

Overview

Dongba Kingdom (东巴王国) is located at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) in Lijiang (丽江), Yunnan Province (云南省), approximately 12 kilometers from the ancient city of Lijiang. It is one of the main attractions in the Lijiang Dayu Long Tourist Area (丽江大玉龙旅游景区) and covers an expansive area of 160 acres. The purpose of Dongba Kingdom is to inherit and promote the Naxi Dongba culture (纳西东巴文化), vividly showcasing a theme of respecting nature and harmonious development with the environment.

Attractions

The scenic area consists of two main parts: Dongba culture (东巴文化) and ancient Naxi (纳西) ancestral villages. It is subdivided into smaller sections, each offering unique insights into Naxi heritage and spirituality:

• Pictographic Character Square (象形文字广场): Features the Dongba Pictographic Character Wall (东巴象形文字墙), which is an essential attraction that highlights the rich symbolic language of the Naxi people.
• Five Grains Bridge (五谷桥): Represents agricultural significance and is designed to symbolize the importance of crops in Naxi culture.
• Gateway Area – Staff (门户区·法杖): A ceremonial area featuring symbolic staff used in Dongba rituals.
• Shenlu Map (神路图): An ancient stone carving that is regarded as the “longest ancient religious painting” in history, providing a visual representation of Naxi cosmology and belief systems.
• Naxi Cultural Totem Square (纳西文化图腾广场): Displays intricate totem poles that reflect the spiritual beliefs and cultural identity of the Naxi people.
• Ancient Naxi Ancestral Village (纳西先民古村落): A reconstructed village that offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and community of the Naxi ancestors.

Key Attractions

1. Dongba Pictographic Character Wall (东巴象形文字墙):
   • Length: 99 meters
   • Height: 4.9 meters
   • Features over 1,400 Dongba characters categorized into 18 groups, including astronomy, geography, anthropology, and ornithology. It serves as a living testament to the Naxi people’s communication with nature and the cosmos.
2. Shenlu Map (神路图):
   • Dimensions: 10 meters wide and 250 meters long
   • Recognized as a masterpiece of ancient religious art, the Shenlu Map illustrates the mythology and cosmology of the Naxi people, detailing their beliefs about the creation of the universe and the relationship between humans and nature.
3. Naxi Ancestral Village (纳西先民古村落):
   • A representation of the traditional Naxi lifestyle, showcasing original architectural styles and everyday life, helping visitors understand the socio-cultural evolution of the Naxi people.

Cultural Significance

Lijiang has been a beautiful and peaceful place since ancient times, known for its multicultural environment. Over a thousand years ago, the Naxi people, living near the Jinsha River (金沙江) within the Hengduan Mountains (横断山脉), created a unique and mystical pictographic writing system known as Dongba characters. This system records the natural world and human existence and is recognized as a “living fossil of writing.” Remarkably, this ancient and mysterious symbol has been preserved and continues to be used today.

The Dongba religion (东巴教), the original faith of the Naxi people, has no formal doctrines or unified organization. The priests who conduct religious ceremonies are known as “Dongba,” meaning “wise ones who perform divinations and recite scriptures.” They serve as the main disseminators of Naxi culture, performing rituals for various life events and ceremonies.

Dongba Kingdom symbolizes the Naxi people’s cultural protection and development, allowing ancient traditions to thrive in nature, illustrating the spiritual and cultural richness of the Naxi community.

Unique Features

Dongba Kingdom covers 160 acres and is divided into five main sections, each rich in cultural significance:

1. Pictographic Character Square (象形文字广场): Features the ancient Dongba Pictographic Character Wall, a crucial cultural heritage site.
2. Naxi Cultural Totem Square (纳西文化图腾广场): Displays totem poles that embody the spirit and identity of the Naxi culture, serving as symbols of their beliefs and values.
3. Stone Carvings of Dongba Figures (东巴): Statues of significant Dongba figures allow visitors to pay tribute to the pioneers of Dongba culture and reflect on their contributions to Naxi identity.
4. Shenlu Map (神路图): The sacred stone carving regarded as the longest religious painting in ancient times, offering a visual narrative of the Naxi cosmology.
5. Ancient Naxi Ancestral Village (纳西先民古村落): A site that reflects the traditional lifestyle and beliefs of the Naxi people, serving as a living museum of their cultural heritage.

Walking into Dongba Kingdom feels like stepping back in time, with culture, knowledge, customs, and religion vividly displayed. The revival of ancient culture and the diversity of religious beliefs highlight the depth of Dongba’s historical significance.

How to Get There

To reach Dongba Kingdom from Lijiang’s Old Town, you can take a taxi, which takes about 30 minutes, or opt for a local tour service. Buses are available as a budget-friendly transportation option, with regular routes running between Lijiang and the scenic area.

Transportation Options:

• Taxi: Quick and convenient; approximately 30 minutes from Lijiang Old Town.
• Local Tours: Many tour operators offer packages that include transportation to Dongba Kingdom.
• Bus: Economical option with regular schedules, typically taking about 40-50 minutes.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
• Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into Dongba culture, including detailed explanations of the significance of various symbols and rituals.
• Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local traditions and practices, especially when interacting with the Naxi community, and avoid disturbing religious ceremonies.
• Photography: Bring a camera, as the scenery and cultural elements provide excellent photo opportunities; just ensure to ask for permission if photographing people.
• Stay Hydrated: The elevation and activities may cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water during your visit.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The terrain may require walking on uneven paths, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

With its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings, Dongba Kingdom offers a unique experience that connects visitors with the ancient traditions of the Naxi people, making it a must-visit destination in Yunnan Province.