Ningli Town of Ninglang County in Lijiang

Geography

Ningli Township is located in the western part of Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县), Lijiang City (丽江市). The township government is 25 kilometers away from the county seat, covering an area of 335.81 square kilometers at an altitude of 2,400 meters. It borders Daxing Town (大兴镇) to the east, Xichuan Township (西川乡) and Jinmian Township (金棉乡) to the south, across the Jinsha River (金沙江) lies Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县) to the west, and it borders Hongqiao Town (红桥镇) and Cuiyu Lisu and Pumi Ethnic Township (翠玉傈僳族普米族乡) to the north. The diverse geography here blends mountainous and plain landscapes, making it a hidden gem for tourism in northwest Yunnan (滇西北).

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Lisu Ethnicity (傈僳族)

The Lisu people make up a significant portion of the population here and are skilled in bamboo weaving. They create practical and beautiful items such as bamboo baskets, bamboo stools, and bamboo chairs. Their handwoven textiles are also exquisite, using hemp and cotton threads to produce sturdy fabrics with simple and rustic patterns.

Pumi Ethnicity (普米族)

The Pumi people excel in crafting traditional wooden items like wooden bowls and wooden spoons. Through a multi-step process, these items are both functional and artistic, with natural wood grain and color showcasing a blend of nature and craftsmanship.

Yi Ethnicity (彝族)

The Yi people are known for their rich embroidery patterns, diverse stitching techniques, and vibrant colors. Their silverwork craftsmanship is also exceptional, creating headpieces, bracelets, and other ornaments that carry deep cultural significance.

Naxi Ethnicity (纳西族) / Mosuo People (摩梭人)

The Mosuo people, residing in nearby areas, are famous for their wooden houses constructed in a distinctive style using dovetail joints. These structures include the main house, grandmother’s house, and flower tower, showcasing the unique architectural wisdom and cultural traditions of the Mosuo. Their handmade belts and bags feature intricate and beautiful patterns.

Customs and Festivals

Lisu Ethnicity (傈僳族)

  • Kuoshi Festival (阔时节): Celebrated around December 20th in the Gregorian calendar, this festival includes a ritual ceremony, followed by activities such as crossbow shooting and swinging.

  • Knife Pole Festival (刀杆节): Warriors climb a pole adorned with long knives to demonstrate their bravery and fearlessness.

Pumi Ethnicity (普米族)

  • Wuxi Festival (吾昔节): Held from the 7th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar for three days, during which the “sacrifice to the stove” ceremony is performed. People wear traditional attire, sing, and dance.

Yi Ethnicity (彝族)

  • Torch Festival (火把节): Celebrated on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month, people carry torches in a parade and gather around a bonfire to dance the “Datian” dance, praying for good weather and a good harvest.

  • Yi New Year (彝族年): Celebrated on an auspicious date in the 10th or 11th month of the lunar calendar, people slaughter pigs and sheep and visit relatives and friends.

Naxi Ethnicity (纳西族) / Mosuo People (摩梭人)

  • Mountaineering Festival (转山节): Celebrated on the 25th day of the 7th lunar month, the Mosuo people, in their finest attire, travel to Mount Ge Mu (格姆女神山) to pay respects, circumambulate the mountain, and engage in singing and dancing.

Ancient Architecture

Yi Earth-and-Wood Houses (彝族土掌房)

These are traditional buildings made from earth and wood, with rammed earth walls and flat roofs that are great for heat insulation and drying. Built in layers along the mountains, they reflect the Yi people’s architectural wisdom and the concept of mutual help among neighbors.

Mosuo Wooden Houses (摩梭人木楞房)

Constructed entirely of wood using dovetail joints, these houses are divided into the main house, grandmother’s house, and flower tower. Each space serves different functions, such as family activities, elder residences, rituals, and young women’s rooms. These houses are an essential part of Mosuo culture.

Tourism Resources

Natural Scenery

  • Yaoshan Mountain and Qinglong Lake (药山与青龙海): Located in Changping Village (长坪村), Yaoshan Mountain is home to numerous wild medicinal herbs and rare plants and animals. Qinglong Lake, at an altitude of 4,033 meters, is surrounded by pine and cypress forests. In spring and summer, rhododendrons bloom across the mountains, while in autumn, the meadows turn golden, creating a picturesque landscape that complements the Stone Forest (石林).

  • Arid River Valley Scenery (干热河谷风光): This area has an arid river valley climate, abundant sunlight, and fertile vegetation along the riverbanks. The area is rich in fruit trees, and the wetlands are home to various bird species.

Folk Culture Experience

  • Visiting Ethnic Villages: Deep dive into the local minority villages, visit their homes, sit around the fire pit, listen to stories, taste local food, and engage in handicraft making.

  • Folk Performance Viewing : During specific festivals or events, you can watch ethnic dance performances and immerse yourself in the essence of their culture.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation

  • By Air (飞机): Fly to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (丽江三义国际机场), take the airport bus to Lijiang city center, then take a bus to Ninglang County (宁蒗县), and finally transfer to a bus to Ningli Township. Bus services are limited, so it’s important to check schedules in advance.

  • By Train (火车): Take the train to Lijiang Station (丽江站), transfer to the bus station in Lijiang city center, then take a bus to Ninglang County, and finally transfer to a bus to Ningli Township.

  • By Bus (客车): There are buses from Lijiang city center to Ninglang County. Afterward, take a bus to Ningli Township or hire a car.

Internal Transportation

  • Rural Public Transportation : Bus services are limited and operate on an irregular schedule.

  • Renting Transportation : You can rent a motorbike or a small van. If renting a motorbike, safety is crucial. For renting a van, agree on the price and itinerary in advance.