History of Baisha Old Town in Lijiang

Lijiang Baisha (白沙) Ancient Town, like an ancient pearl embedded in the northwest of Yunnan (云南), radiates a unique and enchanting historical brilliance. Located about 10 kilometers north of Lijiang (丽江) city, it is bordered by the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) to the north, Longquan (龙泉) to the south, and Zhishan (芝山) to the west. Its privileged geographical location carries the profound historical heritage and cultural traditions of the Naxi (纳西族) people.

Early Origins and Initial Development

As early as the Tang Dynasty (唐朝), Baisha Ancient Town began to emerge. When the Nanzhao (南诏) king designated the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the “Northern Sacred Peak (北岳),” the ancestors of the Mu (木氏) family (then the rulers of Lijiang) built Baisha Street and the Northern Sacred Peak Temple (北岳庙) here, marking a crucial beginning for the town’s development. At that time, Baisha began to attract settlers, gradually forming a community and laying the foundation for its future prosperity.

The Glorious Era from the Song-Yuan to Early Ming Dynasties

From the Song (宋) and Yuan (元) dynasties until the early Ming Dynasty (明初) in 1383, the Mu family resided in Baisha Ancient Town. During this long period, the town entered its golden age, becoming the political, economic, commercial, and cultural hub of Lijiang.

Political Center

The Mu family established governance here, effectively administering the Lijiang region. Their political influence extended to surrounding areas, making Baisha a crucial site for regional political decision-making.

Economic and Commercial Prosperity

The town’s commerce and handicraft industries flourished, making it a center for bronze casting, textiles, and embroidery. Skilled bronze craftsmen produced exquisite copperware that not only met local needs but was also sold afar, bringing substantial economic gains. The textile and embroidery industries thrived as well, with Naxi women weaving vibrant fabrics and stitching intricate patterns. These products became highly sought-after trade goods, attracting merchants and boosting the town’s commercial prosperity.

Cultural Flourishing

The Mu family’s emphasis on culture fostered its vigorous development in Baisha. Traditional Naxi culture was preserved and promoted here while blending with other ethnic cultures, laying the groundwork for the region’s unique cultural landscape.

Cultural Imprints in Historical Legends

The Legend of Baisha’s Name

According to legend, the ancient Mosuo (么些) people clashed violently with the “Puxi Barbarians (濮西蛮)” in Baisha, resulting in heavy casualties. The Naxi referred to the Puxi as “Beng (崩),” and “shi (石)” meant “death”—thus, the site was called “Bengshi (崩石)” (the place where the Puxi died). This legend not only records a fierce historical conflict but also reflects the Naxi people’s primal memory and unique understanding of this land, becoming part of Baisha’s historical culture.

The Legend of Dading Pavilion (大定阁)

Dading Pavilion was built by Tusi (土司, chieftain) Mu Zeng (木增) in gratitude for his mother’s kindness and wisdom, which greatly aided his upbringing. Named “Dading” to symbolize his mother’s peace and happiness, this legend embodies the Naxi culture of filial piety and imbues the pavilion with deep emotional significance, making it a symbolic landmark of the town.

The Legend of Naxi Ancient Music

Long ago, Baisha was a beautiful and peaceful place where people lived simple, happy lives. Naxi leader A Liang (阿良) dreamed of a divine revelation about a mystical musical treasury hidden in distant mountains. After a arduous journey, he met an elderly man who told him only those with pure hearts and unwavering faith could find it. A Liang persevered, reached the summit, and studied the music before returning to teach it to the locals. Thus, Naxi ancient music was passed down. This legend reflects the Naxi people’s yearning for beautiful music and highlights the art’s importance in their cultural heritage.

Cultural Legacy During the Ming and Qing Dynasties

In the Ming Dynasty (明朝), Baisha Ancient Town became home to the famous “Baisha Murals (白沙壁画).” These religious murals, created from the early Ming to early Qing (清初) dynasties over 300 years, blend Han (汉), Tibetan (藏), and Naxi artistic styles. Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, rich religious themes, and multicultural fusion, they hold immense artistic and historical value. Serving as vital artifacts for studying ethnic cultural exchange and religious dissemination, they also testify to Baisha’s cultural and artistic prosperity during the Ming and Qing periods.

After a millennium of history, Baisha Ancient Town stands like a heavy tome, each page inscribed with the wisdom, courage, and creativity of the Naxi people. From its origins to its zenith as a political, economic, and cultural center, and through its artistic and cultural legacy, Baisha’s unique historical narrative has made it a vital cradle of Naxi culture and a core bearer of Lijiang’s historical heritage, endlessly drawing visitors to explore its ancient charm.