Jinmian Town of Ninglang County in Lijiang

Geographic Location

Jinmian Township is located in the southern part of Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province (云南省丽江市宁蒗彝族自治县), like a hidden gem in northwestern Yunnan. The township government seat is 70 kilometers west of Ninglang County. Covering a total area of 260.48 square kilometers, Jinmian Township borders Ningli Township to the east, Xichuan Township to the south, faces Mingyin Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县鸣音乡) and Dadong Township of Gucheng District (古城区大东乡) across the Jinsha River to the west, and connects with Cuiyi Lisu and Pumi Ethnic Township (翠玉傈僳族普米族乡) to the north. Its unique geographical location endows Jinmian with diverse terrains and rich climatic variations, offering visitors a distinctive travel experience.

Ethnic Minorities and Traditional Crafts

Yi Ethnic Group

The Yi people make up a significant proportion of Jinmian’s ethnic minorities. Their traditional crafts are enchanting, particularly Yi embroidery, which features intricate patterns inspired by nature—symbols of strength and freedom like lions and tigers, as well as scenes of daily life such as herding and hunting. Using techniques like flat stitching, chain stitching, and seed stitching, artisans skillfully combine silk threads to create vibrant textures and colors.

Yi silver jewelry craftsmanship is equally remarkable. Silversmiths transform silver into exquisite ornaments, from elaborate headpieces to delicate bracelets and earrings, each piece embodying Yi cultural values and aesthetics.

Lisu Ethnic Group

The Lisu people are renowned for their bamboo weaving. Local artisans expertly split bamboo into uniform strips and weave them into practical yet beautiful items like baskets, back carriers, and uniquely shaped stools and chairs, adding both utility and charm to daily life.

Lisu textile craftsmanship is also noteworthy. Using simple tools, they weave hemp and cotton threads into durable, patterned fabrics for clothing and bedding, showcasing their diligence and ingenuity.

Other Ethnic Minorities

Jinmian is also home to the Pumi and Naxi ethnic groups. The Pumi excel in crafting wooden utensils like bowls and spoons, which are both functional and artistically valuable. The Naxi are known for their Dongba paper-making, a complex process using local plant fibers to produce durable, insect-resistant paper that serves as a vital medium for preserving Dongba culture.

Customs and Festivals

Yi Customs and Festivals

Torch Festival: Held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, this grand celebration features Yi people in vibrant attire parading through villages with torches. At night, they gather around bonfires, dancing the spirited “Dati Dance” to ward off evil and pray for prosperity.

Yi New Year: Celebrated between the 10th and 11th lunar months, this festival involves feasting on dishes like buckwheat cakes and stewed meat, family reunions, and gift exchanges.

Lisu Customs and Festivals

Kuoshi Festival (阔时节): The Lisu New Year, around December 20th, includes rituals thanking nature, followed by archery and swing competitions, filling villages with joy.

Knife-Pole Festival (刀杆节): A daring event where Lisu warriors climb poles studded with blades barefoot, demonstrating their bravery.

Other Ethnic Festivals

The Pumi’s Wuxi Festival (吾昔节) on the 7th day of the 12th lunar month features ancestral worship and three days of singing and dancing. The Naxi’s Sanduo Festival (三朵节) on the 8th day of the second lunar month honors their protector deity with horse races and archery.

Ancient Architecture

Yi Earth Houses (土掌房): These sturdy, flat-roofed structures made of rammed earth provide insulation and communal spaces. Built into hillsides, their interconnected layouts reflect Yi communal values.

Tourism Resources

Natural Scenery

Qinglonghai Forest Tourism Zone (青龙海森林旅游区): At the summit of Yaoshan Mountain (药山), this area boasts alpine lakes, rhododendron forests, meadows, and stone forests. Qinglonghai (青龙海), or “Heavenly Lake,” sits at 4,033 meters, surrounded by pines and crystal-clear waters.

Valley Landscapes: Jinmian’s hot, dry valleys feature lush subtropical vegetation, fruit orchards, and vibrant birdlife along rivers.

Cultural Experiences

Yi Village Tours: Explore traditional homes, enjoy hearthside storytelling, and try embroidery or silver-making.

Lisu Culture: Witness energetic dances, learn bamboo weaving, or textile crafting.

Other Ethnic Activities: Join Pumi woodcraft workshops or Naxi Dongba paper-making demonstrations.

Transportation Guide

External Transport

By Air: Fly to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (丽江三义国际机场), then take a bus to Ninglang County, followed by a infrequent shuttle to Jinmian.

By Train: Arrive at Lijiang Railway Station (丽江站), then transfer to Ninglang by bus.

By Bus: Direct buses from Lijiang to Ninglang are available, with onward connections to Jinmian. Private hire is also an option.

Local Transport

Rural Buses: Limited and irregular schedules.

Rentals: Motorcycles or minivans can be hired locally; negotiate terms in advance.