Sanba Naxi Ethnic Town of Shangri-La City, Diqing

Location

Sanba Naxi Township (三坝纳西族乡) is located in the southeastern part of Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province. It lies between 27°19′-27°43′N latitude and 99°56′-100°19′E longitude. The township faces Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县) of Lijiang City (丽江市) across the river, borders Hutiaoxia Town (虎跳峡镇) to the south, Xiaozhongdian Town (小中甸镇) to the west, and Luoji Township (洛吉乡) to the north. The township government is located at an altitude of 2,450 meters, approximately 100 kilometers from Shangri-La City.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Ethnic Groups

Sanba Naxi Township is predominantly inhabited by the Naxi people, who make up about 62% of the total population. Additionally, it is home to 11 other ethnic groups, including Han, Hui, Yi, and Tibetan people. This multi-ethnic settlement has fostered a unique cultural environment enriched by diverse traditions.

Traditional Crafts

Dongba Papermaking

Dongba paper, also known as Baidi paper, is a traditional handmade paper of the Naxi people. This craft is preserved in Baidi Village (白地村) of Sanba Naxi Township. The primary raw material used is Wikstroemia lichiangensis, a unique plant in the region. The papermaking process includes collecting raw materials, drying, soaking, steaming, washing, pounding, refining, paper casting, pasting, and sun-drying. Dongba paper is thick, white, resistant to insects, and highly durable, playing a significant role in preserving Dongba culture. This craft is an important example of ancient Chinese handmade papermaking. However, due to its tradition of passing down the skill within families and not transmitting it to women, it faces challenges in modern commercialization and requires urgent protection.

Festivals and Customs

Dragon Worship Festival

The Dragon Worship Festival is an important traditional celebration for the Naxi people, usually held on the eighth day of the second lunar month. Also known as “Er Yue Ba” (二月八), it is particularly significant in the Baidi area of Sanba, where it is referred to as “Chao Bai Shui” (朝白水). The festival includes major and minor ceremonies—minor ceremonies occur annually, while major ceremonies are held during times of natural disasters or special circumstances. The ritual is led by a respected village elder known as the “Dragon Head” (龙头). A sacrificial altar is set up under a tree symbolizing the dragon, and each household prepares offerings such as pork and chicken. Only male members of the family participate in the ceremony, and all work ceases for three days during the event. On the first noon after the festival, each household sends a male representative with food and wine to the “Dragon Head’s” home to express gratitude. Today, the festival includes additional activities such as Dongba dance performances, horse racing, and cultural showcases at Baishuitai (白水台).

Daily Customs

The Naxi people adhere to principles of harmony between humans and nature. Many aspects of daily life, including weddings, funerals, childbirth, agricultural activities, and home construction, are conducted under the guidance of Dongba priests.

Traditional Clothing

In Gudou Village (古都村) of Sanba Naxi Township, Naxi women refer to themselves as “Nahan” (纳罕) and wear distinctive traditional attire. Their headpieces are woven with yellow, blue, and pink wool threads into braids, with twelve metallic circular ornaments sewn around the outer edge, similar to the “Seven Stars” (七星) design worn by Naxi women in Lijiang. They wear a long, cross-collared tunic without buttons, fastened with a belt woven from black and multicolored threads, adorned with tassels. The fabric is made of linen blended with fire grass fiber. The back hem features black and multicolored silk thread embroidery. They wear a white pleated long skirt with a thick black embroidered stripe. A full-piece goatskin cape is worn on the back, serving both as decoration and a rain shield.

Historical Architecture

Although there is no dedicated documentation on the ancient architecture of Sanba Naxi Township, traditional Naxi settlements generally feature timber-framed structures using locally sourced wood and stone. These buildings harmonize with the natural environment and often include courtyards, screen walls, and intricate wood carvings or colorful paintings that reflect Naxi artistic traditions.

Tourist Attractions

Baishuitai

Baishuitai (白水台), located in Baidi Village (白地村), is considered the birthplace of Dongba culture and a rare geological wonder. Dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties, it has long been a renowned scenic site. Under sunlight, Baishuitai appears as frozen white waterfalls, a vast blue gem, or cascading cotton-like terraces. It is often referred to as the “Chinese Pamukkale,” “Immortal’s Terraced Fields,” and a “World Geological Wonder,” making it one of the most popular attractions in Shangri-La.

Haba Snow Mountain

Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) stands at an elevation of 5,398 meters and is known as the “Mother of World Gardens” and a “Natural Wildlife Sanctuary.” It boasts a diverse ecosystem, covering nearly all vegetation types found in Shangri-La County, making it a prime destination for mountaineering and outdoor exploration.

Zhari Rock Paintings

The Zhari Rock Paintings (渣日岩画遗迹) hold historical and cultural significance, providing valuable insights into ancient human activities and artistic expressions.

Riverbank Waterfalls

The Riverbank Waterfalls (江边瀑布) offer a spectacular display of water cascading from high cliffs, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. The surrounding landscape enhances the visual appeal, making it a stunning site to visit.

Heiha and Jiuzi Lakes

Heiha (黑海) and Jiuzi Lake (九子海) are tranquil mountain lakes with crystal-clear waters and picturesque scenery. These serene spots are ideal for nature lovers seeking relaxation and immersion in the wilderness.

Transportation

External Transportation

By Air

Visitors can fly to Diqing Shangri-La Airport (迪庆香格里拉机场), which offers flights to and from cities like Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. From the airport, travelers can rent a car or take an airport shuttle to Shangri-La City, then transfer to Sanba Naxi Township.

By Train

The nearest train station is Lijiang Railway Station (丽江站), which connects to major cities like Kunming. From Lijiang, travelers can take a bus from Lijiang Passenger Station to Shangri-La, then transfer at Hutiaoxia Town to reach Sanba Naxi Township. Alternatively, private car rentals or shared rides offer more convenient travel options.

Internal Transportation

Within Sanba Naxi Township, main roads connect different villages, but some remote areas have rougher road conditions. Renting a car or hiring a private vehicle is recommended for easier access to attractions and flexibility in travel. Limited rural bus services are available, but schedules and routes should be checked in advance.