Suogeyi Village in The Stone Forest of Shilin County, Kunming
Overview
Suogeyi Village (所各邑村) is located in the eastern part of Shilin County, 15 kilometers from the county seat and 4 kilometers from the Changhu Town government. As of 2009, the village had 302 households and a population of 1,257, primarily consisting of Sani people, a branch of the Yi ethnic group. The main road from Shilin to Luxi runs through the village, providing convenient access, and the village is equipped with tap water. The village is renowned for its rich karst landscape and ecological forests and has been listed as a key protection zone of the World Natural Heritage Site.
- Chinese Name: 所各邑村
- Foreign Name: Suogeyi Village
- Area: 23.53 km²
- Elevation: 1,890 meters
- Annual Rainfall: 1,050.2 mm
- Region: Changhu Town, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City
Suogeyi Village has a long history and is part of the Changhu Town of Shilin Yi Autonomous County in Kunming, Yunnan Province. It lies to the northwest of Changhu Town, 4 kilometers from the town government and 15 kilometers from Shilin County. The village is bordered by Weize in the east, Ge Yihei in the south, Shangpucao in the west, and Zumo in the north. Suogeyi Village administers two natural villages, Suogeyi and Dapingdi, with three village groups under its jurisdiction.
The village covers a land area of 23.53 square kilometers at an elevation of 1,890 meters, with an average annual temperature of 14.1°C and annual rainfall of 1,050.2 mm. The village is suitable for growing corn, tobacco, and barley, among other crops. With 3,036.6 acres of arable land and 20,126.50 acres of forest, agriculture remains the village’s primary economic activity. In 2008, the village’s total economic income was 11.0176 million yuan, and the per capita income for farmers was 2,432 yuan.
Culture of the Sani People (撒尼人)
Suogeyi Village is home to the Sani people (撒尼人), a branch of the Yi ethnic group who have lived in Yunnan’s Stone Forest for generations. The unique culture and folk customs of the Sani people blend with the natural beauty of the Stone Forest, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The Sani people’s traditional language, customs, lion dances during weddings and funerals, colorful embroidered costumes, passionate folk songs and dances, and legendary poetry are all deeply rooted in the village’s heritage.
Notable traditions include wrestling competitions, bullfighting, and sheep fighting, all of which are integral parts of their cultural life. One of the most famous local legends is the story of “Ashima,” referred to as the “Sani Venus,” a tale that has captivated visitors for centuries. The Torch Festival (火把节), celebrated with the vibrant Daisanxian Dance and illuminated by thousands of torches, paints the night sky of the Stone Forest red and leaves lasting memories for visitors.
Torch Festival (火把节)
The Torch Festival is the grandest traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group, celebrated on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. According to legend, the Sani people rebelled against a tyrannical tusi (local ruler), and to commemorate their victory, they designated this day as the Torch Festival. The celebration lasts for three days, during which villagers enjoy wrestling, horse racing, bullfighting, boat racing, and tug-of-war contests, followed by a grand bonfire party where people dance and celebrate all night.
Mizhi Festival (密枝节)
The “Mizhi Festival,” also known as the “Men’s Festival,” takes place over seven days in November. During this time, the men of the village, led by the local priest (毕摩), retreat into the sacred “Mizhi Forest” (密枝林), a revered forest located on the village’s holy mountain. There, they perform sacrificial rituals to pray for good harvests and the well-being of the village. The men feast with the gods, and under the influence of alcohol and divine authority, they openly criticize village officials and misbehaving villagers. This form of “divine democracy” serves as an essential tool for maintaining harmony within the village.
Additional Festivals
- Bu Nian Festival (补年节): In the second lunar month, on the 10th and 11th days, the Yi people celebrate an additional New Year. On this day, families prepare a grand feast, and women offer wine to the men in their households. A ritual dance known as the “Drum Dance” is performed by the men, symbolizing unity and blessings for the coming year.
- Qing Nian Festival (庆年节): Celebrated in the tenth lunar month, the Yi people express their joy with songs, dances, and festive events, congratulating each other on the year’s successes.
Bullfighting in Suogeyi Village (所各邑村斗牛)
Bullfighting is a deeply rooted tradition in Suogeyi Village, with a history dating back to ancient times. Bronze buckles from the ancient Dian Kingdom unearthed in the Dianchi region depict bullfighting scenes, illustrating the importance of this activity to the ancient inhabitants of the region. Since the Qing Dynasty, the Yi people of Shilin have continuously preserved the practice, even during tumultuous times such as the Cultural Revolution. Over time, bullfighting has evolved from a traditional festival event to a popular activity enjoyed by people from various ethnic groups, including Han and other minorities.
Many villages in the Stone Forest area have their own bullfighting arenas, with some dating back centuries. The largest bullfighting events take place around the Torch Festival in the sixth lunar month, but smaller events occur throughout the year, especially during festivals and the agricultural off-season.
Features of Bullfighting in Suogeyi
Suogeyi Village is known for producing outstanding fighting bulls, including local breeds like yellow cattle, water buffalo, and the historically famous black cattle. Although these bulls are primarily raised for farming, their gentle temperament is contrasted by their exceptional fighting skills in the arena. However, they tend to be smaller and less aggressive compared to imported breeds.
Bullfighting remains one of the most beloved pastimes for the Sani people. Almost every Yi village in the region has a bullfighting arena, and events can take place in fields or open spaces. The atmosphere is always lively, with villagers gathering to cheer on their favorite bulls. The thrilling moments, such as a bull suddenly charging or turning the tide of the battle, captivate the audience and provide an unforgettable experience.
Suogeyi Village, with its rich culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and vibrant traditions, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of the Sani people. The village’s karst landscapes, centuries-old festivals, and exhilarating bullfighting events provide a fascinating blend of nature and culture, making it an essential destination in the Stone Forest area.
Notable Attractions and Traditions:
- Suogeyi Village (所各邑村)
- Stone Forest (石林)
- Sani People (撒尼人)
- Torch Festival (火把节)
- Mizhi Festival (密枝节)
- Bu Nian Festival (补年节)
- Qing Nian Festival (庆年节)
- Bullfighting (斗牛)
