Dongshan Lisu and Yi Ethnic Town of Yongsheng County in Lijiang

Dongshan Lisu and Yi Nationality Township (东山傈僳族彝族乡) is located in the eastern part of Yongsheng County (永胜县), Yunnan Province (云南省), about 86-88 kilometers away from the county town. It is bordered by Dayao County (大姚县) of Chuxiong Prefecture (楚雄州) across the river to the east, connected with Dongfeng Township (东风乡) to the south, adjacent to Chenghai Town (程海镇) to the west, and neighboring Liude Township (六德乡) and Renhe Town (仁和镇) to the north.

The Lisu ethnic group (傈僳族) accounts for 56% of the total population of the township. Their traditional skills include making Lisu costumes (傈僳族服饰). These costumes are brightly colored and beautifully patterned, usually made of homemade linen or cotton fabric, and decorated with silver ornaments. In addition, the Lisu people are also skilled in rattan weaving (藤编技艺), creating various practical and aesthetically pleasing daily utensils from rattan.

The Yi ethnic group (彝族) makes up 41% of the total population. The traditional skills of the Yi people include embroidery (彝族刺绣), which is characterized by its rich colors and diverse patterns. It is commonly used to decorate costumes, headwear, and waistbands. The Yi people are also proficient in silverware making (银饰制作), producing exquisitely shaped silver ornaments with unique ethnic styles.

The “Kuoshijie” (Lahu New Year, 阔时节), which falls in late December of the lunar calendar, is an important festival for the Lisu people. During the festival, people dress up in their finest traditional costumes and engage in various celebratory activities, such as performing the “Azhi Mugu” dance (阿尺目刮舞). This dance imitates the movements of animals, with graceful and lively steps that reflect the essence of life. Additionally, the Lisu people celebrate the “Daogan Festival” (刀杆节), where they perform the incredible skills of “climbing the knife ladder” and “walking on fire,” praying for peace and happiness.

The most important festival for the Yi people is the “Torch Festival” (火把节), usually held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. During the festival, the Yi people dress in their festive costumes, hold torches, and walk around their homes and fields. They then gather together to light a bonfire, singing and dancing. The Yi people also celebrate the “Yi New Year” (彝族年), during which they slaughter pigs and sheep, prepare sumptuous meals, visit relatives and friends, and celebrate together.

Dongshan Lisu and Yi Nationality Township (东山傈僳族彝族乡) is located in a high-altitude mountainous area, with a terrain that is higher in the west and lower in the east. The altitude ranges from 1,100 meters to 3,390 meters. The township features towering mountains, deep valleys, and a forest coverage rate as high as 60%, creating a typical vertical climate. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent mountain views, deep gorges, and dense forests.

Visitors can delve into the local villages to experience the folk cultures of the Lisu and Yi ethnic groups. They can visit the traditional Lisu dwellings known as “thousand-footed houses” (千脚落地房) to learn about their unique architectural styles and living patterns. They can also enjoy Yi dance performances and taste the traditional Yi dish “Tuotuo meat” (坨坨肉).

Starting from the county town of Yongsheng (永胜县), visitors can take a passenger bus to Dongshan Township (东山乡). The bus usually passes through major townships, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery along the way.

If choosing to drive, start from the county town of Yongsheng (永胜县) and follow the local roads. The total distance is about 86-88 kilometers. The road conditions are generally good, but there are many mountain roads, so drivers need to be cautious.

Dongshan Lisu and Yi Nationality Township (东山傈僳族彝族乡) is a place full of ethnic charm and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for tourists who enjoy experiencing ethnic cultures and natural scenery.