Dongshan Temple Fair of Naxi Ethnic Minority in Lijiang

The Dongshan Temple Fair (东山庙会) is held in the Lijiang area of Yunnan Province (云南省丽江一带). Lijiang (丽江) is located in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province (云南省西北部), on the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau (青藏高原东南缘), in the Yunnan-Northwest Plateau (滇西北高原), and in the middle reaches of the Jinsha River (金沙江中游). It is connected to the north with the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), to the south with the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), to the west with the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州), and to the east with the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture (四川凉山彝族自治州) and Panzhihua City (攀枝花市). The surrounding natural scenery of Dongshan (东山) is picturesque, with undulating mountains and rich forest vegetation, adding a unique natural atmosphere to the temple fair. It is convenient to travel from Lijiang city center to Dongshan (东山), with various transportation options available.

The Naxi Dongshan Temple Fair, also known as the “Pig Sacrifice Fair” (祭猪会), has a long history and carries the Naxi people’s beautiful wishes for life. In the traditional life of the Naxi people, pigs are important livestock, and their fatness is related to the family’s economic situation and quality of life. Therefore, on the ninth day of the second lunar month every year, the housewives of Naxi families will bring a bowl of fava bean to the Dongshan Temple (东山庙) to worship the wooden pig statue inside the temple, praying for the pigs in their homes to be strong and healthy in the coming year. Over time, the temple fair has not only become a place for worship and blessings but also an excellent opportunity for young men and women to socialize and fall in love, reflecting the integration of life and emotions in Naxi culture.

On the day of the temple fair, the housewives of each family will prepare a bowl of fava bean early in the morning, which symbolizes vitality and hope. Then, dressed in traditional costumes, they head to Dongshan Temple (东山庙). Inside the temple, the housewives burn incense and kowtow devoutly in front of the wooden pig statue, offering the fava bean while murmuring their wishes for the pigs to be fat and strong in the coming year. The entire sacrificial process is solemn and full of ritual, with the housewives focusing intently and infusing their hopes for a better family life into the ceremony.

For young Naxi men and women, the Dongshan Temple Fair is an important opportunity for socializing and romance. On this day, young people dress in their favorite clothes and go to the temple fair in groups. In front of the temple, young men will use the excuse of asking for food to strike up a conversation with the girls they like. If a girl also has a good impression of the young man, she will happily chat with him. This unique way of socializing provides young people with the opportunity to get to know each other and adds a youthful and romantic atmosphere to the temple fair.

Lijiang (丽江) has a low-latitude warm temperate plateau monsoon climate. The ninth day of the second lunar month usually falls in March. It is spring in Lijiang (丽江) at this time, with rising temperatures and an average temperature of about 8℃ – 18℃. The weather is mild, but there is still a significant temperature difference between day and night, so it is necessary to add appropriate clothing when going out in the morning and evening. Spring precipitation is relatively low, with mostly sunny weather and bright sunshine, which is conducive to participating in the temple fair activities. However, the weather in the mountainous areas can be changeable, and occasional short showers may occur, so it is advisable to bring an umbrella just in case.

The best time to visit is on the day of the Dongshan Temple Fair (东山庙会), which falls on the ninth day of the second lunar month. On this day, the sacrificial ceremony, youth socialization, and other activities are all concentrated, and the temple fair site is bustling with activity, allowing visitors to fully experience the unique charm of the Dongshan Temple Fair (东山庙会). If you have more time, you can arrive in Lijiang (丽江) a day earlier or stay a day later to familiarize yourself with the environment or visit surrounding attractions after the temple fair.

Dongshan Temple (东山庙) is the core venue of the Dongshan Temple Fair (东山庙会). The wooden pig statue inside the temple is very unique and an important object for the Naxi people’s worship and blessings. The temple’s architectural style integrates traditional Naxi architectural elements, with upturned eaves and painted beams, exuding an ancient charm. During the temple fair, the temple is filled with incense smoke, and worshippers come and go continuously, allowing visitors to deeply experience the Naxi sacrificial culture.

Not far from Dongshan Temple (东山庙) is the Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), a World Cultural Heritage site (世界文化遗产). The streets in the ancient town are built along the water, paved with red conglomerate, and the earthen and wooden houses blend the architectural styles of Central Plains and Naxi. Here, visitors can wander through the ancient streets and alleys, admire the old buildings, and feel the strong ethnic atmosphere. The streets are lined with specialty shops selling ethnic handicrafts, clothing, and food. At night, the ancient town is brightly lit, with bustling bars and restaurants, forming a stark contrast to the quiet and simple daytime.

Lashi Lake (拉市海) is a famous plateau lake in Lijiang (丽江) and a habitat for migratory birds. It takes only a short drive from Dongshan Temple (东山庙) to get there. With its beautiful lake and mountain scenery, visitors can choose to ride horses along the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) to experience the historical charm or take a boat tour on the lake to enjoy the surrounding natural scenery. There are also many farmhouses around Lashi Lake (拉市海) where you can taste authentic local cuisine.

By air: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (丽江三义国际机场) is the main air gateway to Lijiang (丽江), with direct flights to many cities in China, such as Beijing (北京), Shanghai (上海), Guangzhou (广州), Shenzhen (深圳), Chengdu (成都), Kunming (昆明), etc. From the airport to Lijiang city center, you can take the airport shuttle bus, which has several routes available, with fares generally ranging from 20 to 30 yuan. You can also take a taxi, which costs about 80 to 100 yuan.

By train: Lijiang Station (丽江站) has trains to and from Kunming (昆明), Dali (大理), and other places. The train journey from Kunming (昆明) to Lijiang (丽江) takes about 4 to 5 hours. After arriving at Lijiang Station (丽江站), you can take a bus to the city center. There are several bus routes available, with fares generally at 1 to 2 yuan. You can also take a taxi, which costs about 30 to 50 yuan to the city center.

By bus: Lijiang’s (丽江) bus network is well-developed, and you can take a bus to the area near Dongshan Temple (东山庙). However, during the temple fair, buses may be crowded due to the large number of passengers, and routes may be temporarily adjusted according to the fair’s situation. It is recommended to check in advance and allow enough time for travel. The bus fare is generally 1 to 2 yuan.

By taxi/ride-hailing car: Taking a taxi or ride-hailing car is a convenient option for traveling within the city. The starting fare for a taxi is generally 8 to 10 yuan, with subsequent charges based on distance and time. During the temple fair, it may be necessary to wait in line for a taxi, so it is recommended to book a ride-hailing car in advance.

By car rental: If you want more freedom to arrange your itinerary, you can choose to rent a car in Lijiang city center to drive to Dongshan Temple (东山庙) yourself. There are many rental companies with a variety of car models, and prices vary according to the type of car and rental duration. You can enjoy the scenery along the way while driving, but you need to pay attention to the road conditions in the mountainous areas and drive carefully.

Naxi Smoked Pork Rib Hot Pot (纳西腊排骨火锅): Selected from high-quality pork ribs, which are marinated and air-dried, then stewed with local ingredients such as potatoes, corms, and carrots. The smoked ribs are savory and rich, the soup is thick, and the vegetables are sweet and delicious. It is a signature dish in Lijiang (丽江) and can be tasted in many restaurants in the city center.

Chicken Bean Jelly (鸡豆凉粉): Made from the unique chicken beans of Lijiang (丽江), the jelly is black and has a smooth texture. It can be served cold with soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, Sichuan pepper oil, garlic paste, and other seasonings for a sour and spicy taste. It can also be pan-fried, with a crispy skin and soft interior, and is best eaten with chili powder. You can taste it at the snack stalls around the temple fair.

Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑): Available in sweet and savory flavors. Sweet Baba is filled with rose sugar, red bean paste, etc., with a crispy outer skin and sweet inner filling. Savory Baba includes ingredients like scallions and ham, with a salty and fragrant taste. Made from high-quality local wheat flour and through several processes, it has a golden color and a fragrant aroma.

Dongba Paper Products (东巴纸制品): Dongba paper is a traditional handmade paper of the Naxi people, made from the bark of the Daphne plant using ancient techniques. The paper is strong, resistant to insect damage, and can be preserved for a long time. It usually has Dongba characters or patterns printed on it, which have high artistic and collection value. In the specialty shops of Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), you can buy notebooks, bookmarks, postcards, and other items made from Dongba paper.

Naxi Embroidery Crafts (纳西刺绣工艺品): Naxi embroidery has a long history, with delicate stitches and bright colors. The embroidery themes are extensive, including flowers, birds, figures, and landscapes. You can purchase embroidered handkerchiefs, bags, and accessories, which are not only beautiful but also practical, and allow you to appreciate the exquisite embroidery skills of the Naxi people.

Wood Carving Crafts (木雕工艺品): Lijiang’s (丽江) wood carving craftsmanship is exquisite. High-quality wood is selected to carve various lifelike patterns and shapes. There are many types of wood carving crafts, including pendants, ornaments, and furniture. Whether for personal collection or as gifts for relatives and friends, they are excellent choices. You can find your favorite wood carving works in the city’s wood carving shops.

Lijiang Ancient Town Inns (丽江古城客栈): There are many inns in Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), most of which retain the traditional architectural style of the Naxi people, with interiors decorated in ethnic style. Staying in an ancient town inn allows you to conveniently experience the charm of the ancient town and the life atmosphere of the Naxi people. However, during the temple fair, the inns in the ancient town are very popular, so it is recommended to book in advance. The prices vary according to the class and location of the inn, generally ranging from 200 to 1000 yuan.

City Hotels (市区酒店): If you prefer modern accommodation facilities and convenient transportation, you can choose a hotel in the city center. There are hotels of various classes in the city, from budget hotels to high-end star hotels. City hotels are close to Dongshan Temple (东山庙) and other attractions, making it easy to travel. The prices are relatively lower than those of the ancient town inns. Economic-type hotels cost about 100 to 300 yuan, while star hotels cost about 500 to 1500 yuan.

Unique Bed and Breakfasts (特色民宿): Lijiang (丽江) also has many unique bed and breakfasts, such as those in Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇), which have a quiet environment and a strong artistic atmosphere. Those at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) allow you to enjoy the beautiful snow mountain scenery up close. These bed and breakfasts usually provide personalized services, with cozy and comfortable rooms. They are also good choices during the temple fair, but booking in advance is recommended. The prices vary according to the characteristics and locations of the bed and breakfasts, generally ranging from 300 to 1500 yuan.

Depart from your accommodation and take the appropriate transportation to Dongshan Temple (东山庙). If you choose to drive yourself, plan your route in advance to enjoy the scenery along the way. Upon arrival at Dongshan Temple (东山庙), first visit the temple architecture to learn about its history and cultural background.

Participate in the sacrificial ceremony and observe the process of Naxi housewives worshipping the wooden pig statue. If interested, you may also experience a simple part of the ceremony with permission.

Browse the market around Dongshan Temple (东山庙), where there are various specialty goods and snack stalls.

Enjoy local cuisine at a restaurant or snack stall near Dongshan Temple (东山庙), such as Chicken Bean Jelly (鸡豆凉粉) and Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑), to experience the local flavor.

Watch the social interactions of young men and women in front of the temple and feel the unique youthful atmosphere. If you are outgoing, you can also communicate with the local youth to learn about their lives and culture.

Head to the Lashi Lake (拉市海) scenic area to experience horse riding along the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) or take a boat tour on the lake to enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain scenery.

Return to Lijiang city center or the ancient town after the tour.

Enjoy dinner in Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), choose a characteristic restaurant to taste Naxi Smoked Pork Rib Hot Pot (纳西腊排骨火锅) and other delicacies. After dinner, take a walk through the ancient town’s streets and alleys to admire the night scenery and experience the hustle and bustle and tranquility of the ancient town.

When attending the Naxi Dongshan Temple Fair (纳西族东山庙会), respect the customs of the Naxi people, protect the environment, and travel civilly. I hope this guide helps you have an unforgettable time during the temple fair and fully appreciate the unique charm of the Naxi people.