Village of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Kunming
Introduction to the Lisu Ethnic Minority
The Lisu ethnic minority (傈僳族) is a unique group in Yunnan Province (云南省), with a population of nearly 670,000. They primarily engage in agriculture and mainly inhabit the Nujiang (怒江) and Weixi Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (维西傈僳族自治州), particularly in the famous “Three Parallel Rivers” area. Additionally, there are communities in Lijiang (丽江), Diqing (迪庆), Dali (大理), and Baoshan (保山) prefectures and cities.
The Lisu people originated from the ancient Di-Qiang (氐羌) tribes and were historically known as “Bo” (僰) and “Pu” (濮) after migrating south during the Qin (秦) and Han (汉) dynasties. Their folk beliefs are rooted in animism, and they possess their own language and script. The Lisu culture is rich in folk songs and dances, showcasing their vibrant heritage.
Cultural Festivals and Traditions
The Lisu people refer to their annual New Year festival as “Kuo Shi” (阔时), which typically occurs between the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month and the tenth day of the first lunar month, coinciding with the blooming season of cherry blossoms. The “Kuo Shi Festival” (阔时节) has now been established as a communal ethnic festival celebrated by the Lisu people in Nujiang Prefecture (怒江州), occurring on December 20 each year.
Additionally, the Lisu community in Dehong (德宏) and Tengchong (腾冲) celebrates the “Knife Pole Festival” (刀杆节) on the seventeenth day of the second lunar month. These festivals are significant cultural events, reflecting the Lisu people’s traditions and community spirit.
Architectural Features of the Lisu Ethnic Village
The Village of Lisu Ethnic Minority (傈僳族寨) in Yunnan Ethnic Village is characterized by its typical “Qianjiao Luodi” (千脚落地) wooden house architecture. This style reflects the unique morphological features of the Lisu people’s terraced environment, showcasing their aesthetic preferences and open-minded lifestyle. The layout of the village exhibits a harmonious blend of traditional architectural design with the natural landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the cultural identity and daily life of the Lisu ethnic minority.
The Village of Lisu Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages provides a rich cultural experience, allowing visitors to explore the traditions, festivals, and architectural styles of the Lisu people. Through their unique practices and vibrant community life, the Lisu ethnic minority continues to thrive, preserving their heritage and sharing it with the world.
