Kaishan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Xiangyun County, Dali

With a history of hundreds of years, Kaishan Festival(开山节)is Miao ethnic minority’s traditional festival which is passed on from generation to generation. In 2016, Kaishan Festival was listed as the county-level intangible cultural heritage reserve of Xiangyun County (祥云县). Kaishan Festival is held in Liziqing Miao Ethnic Village, Daying Village Committee, Hedian Town in Xiangyun County(祥云县禾甸镇大营村委会李子箐苗寨).

Audio-visual Feast

When you step into the Miao ethnic village, the etiquette you firstly get is the fragrant wine and enthusiastic toasting song. Beautiful Miao ethnic ladies will give you enthusiasm dyed with lantanas to show blessing and friendship for guests. The hanging basket feast(吊篮宴) will provide you with a chance to taste original ecology snacks of Miao ethnic village and feel lively spring coming from the high mountain.

Time

Kaishan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority is held in Liziqing Miao Ethnic Village in Xiangyun County on January 15 of lunar calendar every year .

Holding Place

Liziqing Miao Ethnic Village, Daying Village Committee, Hedian Town（禾甸镇大营村委会李子箐苗寨）

Li Zijing Village Miao “Mountain Opening Festival”

Overview:

The “Mountain Opening Festival” is a traditional Miao ethnic celebration that has been passed down through generations, with a history of over a hundred years. In 2016, it was included in the intangible cultural heritage list of Xiangyun County.

According to legend, the Miao people, who migrated for thousands of years and struggled against harsh natural conditions, once lived by hunting in remote mountain areas. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Li Zijing Miao Village celebrates the festival with a ceremony to honor their ancestors and mark the beginning of a year’s labor and hunting activities. During the festival, the Miao people erect a mountain god altar, play traditional reed pipes, and gather from all directions to sing, dance, and drink sweet wine. They pray for a good harvest, favorable weather, and safe and successful hunting for the year.

Welcome Ceremony:

  • Welcome Gate: The distinctive entrance gate for the festival.
  • Unique Pouring Method: Traditional way of serving drinks.
  • Welcome Wine: Sweet Miao wine served to guests.
  • Friendly Miao Women: Warm greetings from local Miao women.
  • Toast Songs: Traditional songs performed to celebrate.
  • Festive Atmosphere: The lively scene of the welcome event.

Mountain Opening Ceremony:

  • Ceremony Site: The location where the rituals are performed.
  • Ritual Activities: Various traditional rites conducted during the festival.
  • Ritual Items: Objects used in the ceremonial practices.
  • Miao Men with Bows and Crossbows: Traditional weapons used in rituals.
  • Unique Ritual Methods: Traditional Miao practices during the festival.

Festival Performances:

  • Passionate Speeches: Enthusiastic addresses by festival organizers.
  • Miao Host: Emcee with traditional Miao flair.
  • Simple and Rustic Setting: Traditional and down-to-earth festival atmosphere.
  • Beautiful Miao Dances: Elegant dances performed by the Miao people.
  • Miao Songs: Emotional performances of Miao folk songs.
  • Singing and Dancing: Joyful participation by the villagers.
  • Inspirational Stories: Stories of resilience, including those of disabled Miao girls.
  • Mountain Songs: Traditional mountain songs performed.
  • Children’s Dance Performances: Energetic dance acts by local children.
  • Miao Fashion Show: Display of traditional Miao clothing.
  • Community Dancing: Enjoying the afternoon with group dances.

Hunting Activities:

  • Hunting Grounds: The areas where hunting takes place.
  • Hunters: Miao men engaged in hunting.
  • Start of the Hunt: The beginning of the hunting activities.
  • Successful Hunts: Hunters showcasing their successful catches.
  • Return and Sharing: Sharing the results of the hunt with the community.
  • Tasty Results: Tempting results of the hunting effort.

Daily Life and Production:

  • Field Work: Farming and agricultural activities.
  • Oxen Plowing: Use of oxen in agricultural work.
  • Collecting Firewood: Miao women returning with firewood.
  • Hardworking Miao Women: Depictions of daily labor and diligence.

Experience Li Zijing Village:

In Li Zijing Miao Village, the “Mountain Opening Festival” retains its traditional charm, reflecting the Miao people’s ideals and pursuits for life and their environment.

Charming Li Zijing Village:

  • Pine Needle Roads: Pine needles lining the village paths.
  • Red Lanterns and Ancient Homes: Traditional decorations and architecture.
  • Organic Eggs: Fresh, locally produced eggs.
  • Mountain Beauty: The scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains.
  • Miao Girls: Traditional Miao attire and accessories.
  • Grass Stacks: Unique styles of traditional grass storage.
  • Miao Costumes: Elegant traditional clothing.
  • Miao Headgear: Intricate Miao headpieces.
  • Kind Miao Elderly: Warm and welcoming elder villagers.
  • Miao Youth: Stylish young Miao men.
  • Traditional Beauty: The inherent beauty of Miao culture and attire.

Li Zijing Village is like a precious pearl, nestled on the eastern side of Daying Village in Hedian Town, Xiangyun County. The mountains, waters, and people here embody a poetic charm. The trees, wind, and air offer a lingering, irresistible comfort.

Visiting Li Zijing is like opening a magical book, where every visitor and reader will find their own story. The beauty here is a blend of misty and rustic elements, from leisurely chess games under trees to enjoying wine among flowers and savoring tea in courtyards.

Walking through Li Zijing, immerse yourself in the century-old history of the Miao people and their timeless grace. The warm and hospitable Li Zijing Village always welcomes you!

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