Taiyue Village of Yilong Town in Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture

🏞️ Overview of Taiyue Village (太岳村)

Taiyue Village (太岳村) lies on the shores of Yilong Lake (异龙湖) in Shiping County (石屏县). Its history is deeply connected with Shiping Ancient Town (石屏古城), a thousand-year-old settlement said to be built on the back of a divine turtle. According to legend, five ancient wells were used to “lock” the turtle in place, and their mineral-rich water became the natural brine for making tofu.

The local population is predominantly Han Chinese, but Yi culture—especially the Huayao Yi (花腰彝, Nisu branch)—plays a significant role. Their settlements still preserve vibrant ethnic traditions, from clothing to rituals, making Taiyue Village (太岳村) a cultural gem beside the lake.

🍲 Culinary Culture

Intangible Heritage Tofu Craft

Shiping Tofu (石屏豆腐) is renowned for being set with brine from ancient wells, a craft passed down for centuries. Around Taiyue Village (太岳村), visitors can savor specialties such as tofu casserole with fish and freshly grilled tofu. A local saying goes: “Tofu is not just a dish—without it, the table feels incomplete.”

Local Produce

The surrounding highlands are rich in citrus, bayberries, and Qingmian sheep (青绵羊), which are woven into Yi-style cooking traditions.

👘 Costumes & Handicrafts

Huayao Yi Attire (花腰彝服饰)

Their clothing is famous for multi-color patchwork, with black, red, and yellow as dominant tones, complemented by green bead strings and pom-poms. Floral motifs, especially the horse chestnut flower (马缨花), symbolize ancestral protection and natural worship.

Handicrafts

The Huayao Yi excel in embroidery and paper-cutting. Techniques include flat stitch, knot stitch, and seed embroidery, creating patterns of plants, animals, and geometric totems.

🎶 Customs & Traditional Arts

Intangible Heritage Performances

• Haicai Tune (海菜腔): A powerful high-pitched folk singing style recognized as national intangible heritage.

• Cigarette-Box Dance (烟盒舞): A dynamic Yi ethnic dance often performed during festivals.

Divine Turtle Legend

The belief in the “divine turtle carrying the town” gave rise to rituals of worshipping ancient wells, praying for peace and prosperity.

🏯 Architecture & Village Layout

Historic Buildings

Within and near Taiyue Village (太岳村), visitors can find historical sites such as the Former Residence of Yuan Jiagu (袁嘉谷故居) and the Confucian Temple (文庙), showcasing the architectural charm of Ming and Qing dynasties. Shiping is often called a “museum of southern Yunnan residences.”

Settlement Design

Traditional courtyards are built with earthen walls and grey tiles, blending harmoniously with the natural scenery of Yilong Lake (异龙湖).

🔥 Festivals & Celebrations

Torch Festival (火把节)

The Yi people’s most important celebration features bonfire parties and the famous Datih Dance. Huayao Yi women’s dragon dance performances are especially striking.

Lotus Festival

During summer, Yilong Lake (异龙湖) bursts into bloom with thousands of lotus flowers. Visitors can enjoy lotus-viewing boat rides, folk songs, and Shiping tofu tastings.

🙏 Religion & Language

• Faiths: Han Confucian culture (e.g., sacrifices to Confucius at the temple) coexists with Yi ancestral worship and nature-based beliefs.

• Languages: Mandarin Chinese is commonly spoken, while Huayao Yi language is preserved in ceremonial songs and folk chants.

🌟 Travel Experiences

Cultural Immersion

• Join the Torch Festival bonfire party and learn the Cigarette-Box Dance.

• Visit traditional tofu workshops and experience the age-old brine coagulation process.

Nature & Ecology

• Take a boat across Yilong Lake (异龙湖) in summer to admire lotus blossoms and migratory birds.

• Hike Qianyang Mountain (乾阳山) for panoramic views of the village and the lake.

Hands-On Craft

• Learn Huayao Yi embroidery or paper-cutting.

• Create your own piece featuring the symbolic horse chestnut flower (马缨花).