Lantern Festival of Naxi Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name: 纳西族新春灯会
English Name: Lantern Festival of Naxi Ethnic Minority

The Lantern Festival of the Naxi Ethnic Minority (纳西族新春灯会), celebrated annually in Lijiang (丽江), is an extraordinary fusion of Naxi traditions, artistic performances, and modern technology. It takes place at the Black Dragon Pool Park (黑龙潭公园) and surrounding areas, providing an immersive cultural experience for visitors. Below is an expanded look at the key highlights and activities of this vibrant event.

Festival Background and Evolution

Origins of the Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival (灯会) is traditionally celebrated by the Naxi ethnic group (纳西族) in Lijiang (丽江), marking the end of the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities. This festival combines Naxi cultural practices with innovative light displays and performances, drawing visitors from around the world. It originated as a way for Naxi people to express gratitude for the harvest, promote cultural heritage, and celebrate new beginnings.

Over the years, the festival has transformed from a traditional lantern display into a larger cultural event incorporating light and technology, creating a truly unique experience for attendees.

Significance of the Festival

Cultural Preservation: The festival is an essential means of preserving Naxi culture (纳西文化), featuring elements such as Dongba scriptures (东巴经文), Naxi music (纳西音乐), and traditional dances like Leba (勒巴舞).

Tourism Boost: The event serves as a significant attraction for tourists, contributing to the local night economy and benefiting surrounding businesses in Lijiang (丽江).

Highlights and Activities

Lantern Parade: A Journey Through Time

Route: The lantern parade begins at the Great Waterwheel (大水车) and makes its way through the Yuhe Corridor (玉河走廊), continuing towards the South Gate of Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭南大门). It passes through the heart of Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城), offering a beautiful view of the city lit up by lanterns.

Experience: Naxi performers (纳西演员) carry traditional lanterns (花灯) as they lead the parade, accompanied by the music of Baisha Xiyue (白沙细乐), an ancient style of Naxi music.

Light and Shadow Technology Show: The Future of Naxi Myths

A spectacular visual show utilizes interactive projections (互动投影) and mist imaging (雾气成像) to bring to life traditional Dongba mythology (东巴神话) with scenes such as:

• “The Divine Bird Perched on the Red Cliff” (神鸟栖霞)

• “Fish Leaping Over the Lantern River” (鱼跃灯河)

This innovative approach integrates Naxi mythology with modern technology, creating a mesmerizing experience for visitors.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Market

The festival features a craft market (非遗市集) where visitors can:

Watch live demonstrations of Dongba paper painting (东巴纸画), a traditional form of artwork unique to the Naxi people.

Shop for Naxi lanterns (纳西提灯), which are made using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

Purchase traditional tie-dye (扎染) items, another distinctive Naxi craft.

These crafts not only provide a unique souvenir but also offer visitors a deeper connection to the cultural practices of the Naxi people.

Special Performances

Traditional Naxi Dance: Leba Dance (勒巴舞)

Leba is a traditional Naxi dance (纳西族传统舞蹈) performed during the Lantern Festival. Dancers, dressed in “Starry Sky and Moon” attire (披星戴月), a distinctive traditional dress of Naxi women, perform intricate and graceful movements that symbolize the Naxi people’s deep connection to nature.

The Leba Dance is performed in a circle around a bonfire (篝火), adding to the festive atmosphere as the crowd joins in the celebration.

Grand Outdoor Performance: Naxi Creation Myths

This large-scale outdoor show integrates Dongba scriptures (东巴经文) with modern stage art to tell the story of the Naxi creation myths (纳西创世传说).

The performance features elaborate storytelling through dance and visual effects, offering an engaging and immersive experience that transports the audience into the world of Naxi mythology.

Cultural Significance

Heritage and Tradition

The Lantern Festival celebrates the preservation of Naxi culture by incorporating traditional practices and performances. In 2025, Baisha Xiyue (白沙细乐), an ancient form of Naxi music, will be included as a permanent feature of the festival. This is a major step in preserving the unique musical heritage of the Naxi people.

Night Tourism and Economic Growth

The festival significantly boosts the night economy in Lijiang, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each day. The event supports local businesses, including restaurants, accommodations, and souvenir shops, providing a significant economic benefit to the region.

Cultural Unity and Connectivity

The Lantern Festival brings together people of different backgrounds, promoting cultural exchange and unity. Visitors from across the world come to experience Naxi traditions, enjoy the performances, and connect with the cultural spirit of Lijiang (丽江).

Travel Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the festival is from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM when the light effects are most vibrant, and the full magic of the lantern displays can be experienced.

Transportation and Access

Walking is the best way to navigate the Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城), as the festival locations are close together. Alternatively, public transport is available for getting to various venues.

Avoid peak hours: To fully enjoy the event, it is recommended to visit the festival during off-peak hours, especially if you prefer a more relaxed experience without the heavy crowds.

Interactive Features

In 2025, a “Digital Lantern Riddles” (数字灯谜) interactive segment will be introduced. Visitors can participate by scanning QR codes to solve riddles related to Naxi culture, adding an exciting and engaging element to the event.

Conclusion

The Lantern Festival of the Naxi Ethnic Minority (纳西族新春灯会) is a one-of-a-kind celebration of Naxi culture and Naxi traditions, blending ancient customs with modern technology. Whether you’re interested in the spectacular light shows, the cultural performances, or the stunning traditional crafts, the Lantern Festival offers a memorable experience that brings the history and heritage of the Naxi people (纳西族) to life. Don’t miss this incredible event when visiting Lijiang (丽江) during the Chinese New Year.