Haixihai Folk Song Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Eryuan County, Dali

Chinese Name:洱源县海西海歌会
English Name: Haixihai Folk Song Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Eryuan County, Dali

Haixihai Folk Song Festival (洱源县海西海歌会) is an annual event held in the Haixihai Natural Freshwater Lake (海西海) located in Niujie Township (牛街乡), Eryuan County (洱源县), Dali. Celebrated on the 25th to 28th day of the sixth lunar month (in 2025, from July 19th to 22nd), this traditional festival is a celebration of Bai ethnic culture, love, and nature. The event is marked by folk singing, traditional rituals, and boat rides on the beautiful Haixihai Lake. It serves as a moment for young men and women to express their feelings, sing love songs, and bond with each other.

Haixihai Lake, known as “the first lake of Eryuan,” is a natural lake formed by an erosion depression. Surrounded by lush mountains, it offers stunning views that have earned it the nickname “the lake of mountains reflected” (海映山奇观). Each year, the festival brings together people from near and far, who sing, dance, and engage in the local customs that have been passed down through generations.

Date and Location

Time: 25th to 28th day of the sixth lunar month (July 19th-22nd, 2025).

Location: Haixihai Lake, Niujie Township, Eryuan County, Dali, Yunnan Province.

Cultural Significance

The festival holds deep cultural value as it celebrates the legend of the Seven Sons who created the lake (七子造湖) and combines rituals, folk customs, and expressions of love. It is a time for locals to remember their history and connect with their roots, while also providing a platform for the Bai people to express their love through folk songs and rituals.

Legend of Haixihai

According to legend, the Seven Sons blocked a waterfall cave using wooden materials to save their village from drought. After their sacrifice, they transformed into Haixihai Lake, a symbol of life-giving water that brought prosperity and blessings to the land.

Another legend involves the tragic love story of Tan Ge and Xiang Mei, which gave rise to the custom of folk song duets. These songs are a way of expressing both sorrow and hope, connecting the past with the present.

Main Activities

Rituals and Memorials

Commemoration Ceremony: Bai people gather at the lake, singing mournful songs to honor the seven sons and their role in creating the lake, as well as to express gratitude for their sacrifice.

Mythical Beliefs: It is believed that the sound of the folk songs will awaken the oil fish (潭香油鱼) in the lake, symbolizing the souls of the departed returning to their homeland.

Folk Entertainment

Boat Song Duets: Young men and women take to the lake on boats, singing Bai folk love songs. The three-stringed instrument (三弦) often accompanies these performances, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

Picnic Gatherings: Families gather by the lakeside for traditional meals, continuing the social customs of the Bai ethnic group.

Modern Development

Since 2018, the festival has been recognized as a key cultural activity in Eryuan County, contributing to the preservation of Bai cultural heritage. The event also combines with ecotourism, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the stunning scenery of Haixihai Lake, including the spectacular view of “the mountains reflected in the lake” (海映山).

Practical Information

Transportation

From Eryuan County Town: It takes around 30 minutes by car to reach Niujie Township and Haixihai Lake.

Best Experience

Participate in the Folk Song Duets on the 25th of the lunar month, and enjoy fresh lake fish dishes as part of the celebration.

Note

In 2025, the Torch Festival (火把节) will be held around the same time (July 19th-25th), so you can combine the two festivals for a truly immersive experience.

Conclusion

The Haixihai Folk Song Festival offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Bai people. It is a celebration of love, nature, and tradition, where visitors can experience the scenic beauty of Haixihai Lake, participate in romantic boat rides, enjoy folk songs, and explore local customs that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re drawn to the romantic folklore, the beautiful landscapes, or the community spirit, this festival is a truly unforgettable cultural experience.