Jiuxian Village of Qinfeng Town in Lufeng County, Chuxiong Prefecture

Overview

Jiuxian Village, located in Ma Jie Village Committee of Qin Feng Town, Lu Feng County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, is a traditional Chinese village with over 2,100 years of history. This ancient settlement, listed in the fourth batch of China’s Traditional Villages, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Yi and Miao ethnic groups who predominantly inhabit the area.

Ethnic Composition

According to 2024 data:

• ‌Miao population‌: 2,817
• ‌Yi population‌: 2,531
• Other minority groups including Lisu, Bai, Dai, and Hani make up the remaining population212.

Historical Background

Jiuxian Village boasts an impressive historical legacy:

• Established as the seat of Qin Zang County during the Western Han Dynasty (109 BC)
• Served as a county seat through multiple dynasties under names like “Red City” and “Luobu City”
• Became known as “Jiuxian” (Old County) after the county government relocated to Bi Cheng during the Ming Dynasty56
• Features well-preserved traditional architecture with intricate carvings and wooden lattice windows1

Culinary Culture

Yi Cuisine

• ‌Bamboo Fungus Chicken Soup‌: Made with local free-range chicken and wild bamboo fungus
• ‌Special Braised Platter‌: Traditional marinated meats with rich flavors
• ‌Chili Pork Bones‌: Slow-cooked with local chili peppers5253

Miao Cuisine

• ‌Sour Fish Soup‌: Signature dish featuring fermented tomato or chili broth
• ‌Blood Sausage‌: Made with pork blood, glutinous rice, and intestines
• ‌Oil Tea‌: Traditional beverage combining tea leaves with various grains5657

Traditional Attire

Yi Clothing

• Features elaborate embroidery patterns
• Distinctive firegrass hats handmade by local artisans
• Bright colors symbolizing the Yi people’s connection to nature1617

Miao Clothing

• Famous for intricate batik (wax-resist dyeing) designs
• Silver ornaments as important cultural symbols
• Colorful costumes worn during festivals1926

Customs and Traditions

Yi Customs

• ‌Torch Festival‌ (June 24): Most important annual celebration with bonfires and dancing
• ‌June 6 Lovers’ Festival‌: Traditional matchmaking event with singing competitions2233
• Unique marriage customs including “tying red strings” and “carrying the bride”22

Miao Customs

• ‌Flower Mountain Festival‌: Celebrated during Chinese New Year with pole climbing and courtship activities
• ‌Bullfighting Festival‌: Held on June 24 with colorful costumes and traditional dances2527
• Rich drinking culture featuring various toasting rituals25

Architectural Style

The village preserves remarkable traditional architecture:

• Ancient buildings with exquisite wood carvings
• Lingtong Temple, originally built in 837 AD during the Nanzhao Kingdom
• Four ancient camellia trees over 1,200 years old near the temple2831
• Traditional layout with harmonious distribution of structures1

Festivals and Celebrations

Handicrafts

Yi Crafts

• Intricate embroidery work
• Traditional musical instruments
• Wood carvings3940

Miao Crafts

• Batik (wax-resist dyeing) textiles
• Silver jewelry making
• Reed-pipe wind instruments4243

Religious Practices

• Blend of indigenous beliefs and Buddhism
• Lingtong Temple as important religious site
• Annual Confucius worship ceremony at Lingtong Academy645
• Some Christian influence in the region45

Language Use

• Both Yi and Miao languages spoken alongside Mandarin
• Yi language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family
• Miao language has distinct dialects in the region4749

Travel Tips

• Best visiting time: June for festivals
• Don’t miss: Traditional architecture and Lingtong Temple
• Local specialties: Bamboo fungus, batik products
• Cultural respect: Ask permission before photographing locals

Jiuxian Village offers an authentic cultural experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the living traditions of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities while enjoying the beautiful rural scenery of this ancient settlement.