Shilongba Town of Huaping County in Lijiang

Geographic Location

Shilongba Town (石龙坝镇) is located in the southeastern part of Huaping County (华坪县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Panzhihua City (攀枝花市) to the east, faces Yongren County (永仁县), Chuxiong Prefecture (楚雄州) to the south, connects with Rongjiang Town (荣将镇) to the west, and borders Xingquan Town (兴泉镇) to the north. The town government is 20 kilometers from Huaping County’s center and 30 kilometers from the government seat of Panzhihua City. It has been known since ancient times as the “Gateway to Huachuan” and the “Throat of Sichuan.”

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Shilongba Town is a multi-ethnic region home to 12 ethnic groups, including the Han (汉), Yi (彝), Dai (傣), and Lisu (傈僳) people. Among these, the Yi and Dai peoples are the most significant.

Dai Ethnicity (傣族)

The Dai people’s traditional crafts include Dai brocade (傣族织锦) and Dai bamboo weaving (傣族竹编). Dai brocade is known for its vibrant colors and exquisite patterns, often used for making clothing and decorations. Dai bamboo weaving uses bamboo as raw material to create various household items and crafts.

Yi Ethnicity (彝族)

The Yi people’s traditional crafts include Yi clothing (彝族服饰) and Yi silver jewelry (彝族银饰). Yi clothing is colorful and beautifully patterned, with strong ethnic characteristics.

Customs and Festivals

Dai Ethnicity (傣族):

  • Water Splashing Festival (泼水节): One of the most important festivals for the Dai people, typically held on the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar. During this festival, people splash water on each other to wish for health and happiness.

  • Torch Festival (火把节): A traditional festival for the Yi people, celebrated annually in Shilongba Town. People light torches, sing and dance, praying for good weather and a bountiful harvest.

Yi Ethnicity (彝族):

  • Torch Festival (火把节): As mentioned above, this traditional festival is celebrated every year in Shilongba Town, where the Yi people light torches, sing, and dance, praying for good weather and a bountiful harvest.

Ancient Architecture

The ancient architecture in Shilongba Town is primarily reflected in the traditional dwellings of various ethnic groups, such as the Dai bamboo houses (傣族竹楼) and Yi earthen houses (彝族土掌房). These ancient buildings feature unique ethnic styles and hold historical value.

Tourist Resources

Natural Scenery:

  • Jinsha River (金沙江): Shilongba Town is located along the Jinsha River, a water system rich in rivers, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

  • Mango Plantations (芒果种植园): Shilongba Town is a major mango-producing area in Huaping County, known for its “Huaping Jinsha River 100-mile Mango Green Corridor.” Visitors can enjoy the spectacular mango plantations and taste fresh mangoes.

Cultural Experience:

  • Longjing Village (龙井村): Longjing Village is the most concentrated Dai settlement in Lijiang City. The village preserves the complete Dai culture. Visitors can experience the Dai Water Splashing Festival and taste Dai specialties such as “Hand-pulled Lamb” (手抓羊肉) and “Fire Roasted Dried Meat” (火烧干巴).

  • Torch Festival (火把节): Participate in the Yi people’s traditional Torch Festival and experience the warmth and joy of the Yi culture.

Transportation

External Transportation:

To reach Shilongba Town, travel to Lijiang City first and then take a transport to Huaping County. Shilongba Town is 20 kilometers from the county seat, with convenient transportation options.

Internal Transportation:

The town primarily relies on road transport. Some scenic spots are connected by rural roads, and it is recommended to travel by car or charter a vehicle.

Shilongba Town, with its unique natural landscapes and rich ethnic culture, is a destination worth visiting. Here, you can deeply experience the way of life of the ethnic minorities and immerse yourself in the strong ethnic atmosphere.