Lanniqing Town of Ninglang County in Lijiang

Lanmijing Township (宁蒗县烂泥箐乡) is located in the southeastern part of Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省), and is at the junction of Ninglang County (宁蒗县) and Yanyuan County (盐源县) and Yanbian County (盐边县) in Sichuan Province (四川省). The total administrative area of the township is 438.08 square kilometers, and the township government is stationed in Xiacangchang (下仓厂), only 23 kilometers away from the county town of Ninglang (宁蒗县城). It is adjacent to Yanyuan County (盐源县) and Panzhihua City’s Yanbian County (盐边县) in Sichuan Province to the east, next to Chanzhanhe Township (蝉战河乡) to the south, leans on Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡) to the west, and borders Daxing Town (大兴镇) to the north. The township features karst topography, with high mountains, steep slopes, and crisscrossing gullies. The terrain is high in the northwest and low in the southeast, with altitudes ranging from 2450 meters to 3900 meters.

The Yi ethnic group is the main ethnic group here and possesses many exquisite traditional skills. Yi embroidery is unique. Embroiderers shuttle colorful silk threads through the fabric to create exquisite patterns, which often contain elements of Yi history, legends, and religious beliefs, and are commonly seen on clothing and bags. The silverware making skill of the Yi ethnic group is also quite mature. Silversmiths create uniquely shaped silverware such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets through processes like melting, forging, and carving. The patterns on the silverware are delicate and exquisite, showing the Yi people’s unique understanding of beauty.

The Pumi ethnic group is good at traditional handicraft weaving. They use materials like hemp thread and wool to weave practical and beautiful items such as bamboo baskets and carrying baskets. The weaving patterns are rich in ethnic characteristics, reflecting the Pumi people’s life wisdom and cultural heritage.

This is the most grand festival here, held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. On that day, Yi people dress in colorful traditional costumes, hold torches, and dance around the bonfire. They hold bullfighting, wrestling, horse racing and other competitive activities, and also conduct fire sacrifice ceremonies, praying for favorable weather and a good harvest in the coming year. The festival atmosphere is热烈欢快，充满了浓郁的民族风情。

This is the New Year of the Pumi ethnic group. People slaughter pigs and sheep, prepare delicious food, visit relatives and friends, and exchange blessings. During the festival, Pumi families hold solemn ancestor-worshipping ceremonies to thank their ancestors for their protection. The young people dance the lively Guozhuang dance, and people of all ages are immersed in the joy of the festival.

Kuoshijie is the traditional New Year of the Lisu ethnic group, held on the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month and lasting for 12 days. During the festival, Lisu people dress in their finest clothes and hold grand sacrificial activities, praying for happiness and a good harvest in the coming year. They also engage in traditional sports activities such as crossbow shooting and swinging, which are very lively.

Although Lanmijing Township (宁蒗县烂泥箐乡) is not famous for ancient architecture, some traditional dwellings of the Yi and Pumi ethnic groups are very unique. The Yi’s earth – palm houses are mostly made of earth and wood. The houses have flat roofs and thick walls, which can not only resist the cold in the mountainous area but also be used to dry crops on the roof. The Pumi’s log – cabin houses are mainly made of round logs. The houses have a well – arranged internal space and a simple appearance, reflecting the Pumi people’s concept of living in harmony with nature.

At present, there are relatively few materials about local historical figures in Lanmijing Township (宁蒗县烂泥箐乡). However, Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县) has produced many people who have had an important impact on local development. For example, in the field of national culture inheritance and development, there are Yi culture researchers who are committed to exploring, sorting out, and inheriting Yi traditional culture, so that the ancient Yi culture can continue and develop in the new era. Although these people are not unique to Lanmijing Township (宁蒗县烂泥箐乡), their contributions have radiated to the whole Ninglang County (宁蒗县), including Lanmijing Township (宁蒗县烂泥箐乡), and promoted the prosperity of local culture.

The township is characterized by rolling mountains and vast alpine meadows. In spring and summer, the meadows are covered with blooming wildflowers and herds of cattle and sheep, creating a picturesque pastoral scene. At higher altitudes, visitors can enjoy magnificent mountain views. When clouds and mist swirl around, the peaks appear and disappear as if in a fairyland. In addition, the rich natural resources give birth to a variety of wild mushrooms. During the rainy season, the mountains become a paradise for mushroom pickers, with rare species such as matsutake and boletus emerging from the ground.

Nuomiaping Village (牦牛坪村) is well – known for its large – scale sheep farming and potato planting. Visitors can go there to learn about the modern animal husbandry and crop cultivation process and feel the vigorous development of rural industries.

Not far from Lanmijing Township (宁蒗县烂泥箐乡) is the famous Lugu Lake (泸沽湖). The lake water is clear and blue, and the lake scenery is beautiful. There are three famous islands in the lake: Heiwa Wu Island (黑洼吾岛), Liwubi Island (里务比岛), and Lig Island (里格岛), known as the “three islands of Lugu Lake (泸沽湖)”. Renting an electric vehicle to tour around the lake is a popular way to enjoy the scenery. The Mosuo villages along the lake preserve the original matrilineal family system and the custom of “walking marriage”. Visitors can delve into the unique Mosuo culture. There is also Lig Village (里格村), which attracts many tourists with its beautiful bay and unique folk customs.

If you depart from Lijiang City (丽江市), you can first take a bus to Ninglang County (宁蒗县) at Lijiang Passenger Transport Station (丽江客运站). The journey takes about 2 – 3 hours. After arriving in Ninglang County (宁蒗县), transfer to a rural passenger bus to Lanmijing Township (宁蒗县烂泥箐乡). The rural passenger buses have relatively few schedules, so it is recommended to find out the departure times in advance.

The total mileage of roads in Lanmijing Township (宁蒗县烂泥箐乡) is nearly 300 kilometers. The highway from the county town to Yanyuan County (盐源县) in Sichuan Province passes through Da’erdì (大二地) and Shuicaoba Village Committees (水草坝村委会). However, some roads are earthen and in average condition. If you drive there by yourself, you should pay attention to driving safety. For sightseeing within the township, you can choose to rent a local motorcycle or negotiate with villagers for a chartered vehicle to freely visit various attractions.