Village of Mongolian Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Kunming
Introduction to the Mongolian Ethnic Minority
The Mongolian ethnic minority (蒙古族) in Yunnan Province (云南省) has a population of approximately 23,000 people. Most of them are descendants of the troops led by Kublai Khan (元世祖忽必烈) during his conquests of Yunnan. The Ximeng Mongolian Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡) in Tonghai County (通海县) is a major settlement area for the Mongolian people, while other Mongolian compatriots live among various ethnic groups, primarily in the urban and rural areas of central Yunnan (滇中).
The Mongolians in Ximeng Township have unique languages and clothing distinct from those of the Inner Mongolian grasslands. Their representative festival is the Nadam Fair (那达慕大会), which occurs every three years. Their ancestors entered Yunnan in earlier times and stationed nearby, gradually shifting to a fishery-based livelihood after settling in their current location. As the water level of Qilu Lake (杞麓湖) receded, agriculture became the mainstay of their economy.
Architectural Features of the Mongolian Ethnic Village
The Mongolian Ethnic Village (蒙古族村) within the Yunnan Ethnic Village features representative courtyard-style buildings known as “one imprint” (一颗印) architecture, yurts (蒙古包), and horse racing grounds (跑马场). This architectural ensemble reflects the ancestral characteristics of nomadic peoples from the vast grasslands and showcases the unique architectural style of the Mongolian people in Yunnan.
Traditional Festivals of the Mongolian Ethnic Minority
The Mongolian ethnic group celebrates several traditional festivals, including:
- Nadam Fair (那达慕): The most grand and widely celebrated festival among the Mongols, held every three years during the livestock fattening season in July and August. The term “Nadam” means entertainment or games in Mongolian.
- Animal Husbandry Festival (兴畜节): Another significant festival for the Mongolian people.
- Luban Festival (鲁班节): Celebrated on the second day of the fourth lunar month each year.
Cultural Heritage of the Mongolian Ethnic Minority
The Mongolian people are often referred to as a “musical nation” and a “poetic nation.” Their multi-part folk songs, Morin khuur (马头琴) music, and the epic “Gada Meilin” (史诗《嘎达梅林》) are recognized as national intangible cultural heritage and are included in the protection list of cultural heritage by the state.
The Village of Mongolian Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Ethnic Villages offers a deep insight into the culture, traditions, and architecture of the Mongolian people in Yunnan. Visitors can experience the rich heritage of the Mongolian ethnic minority, participate in cultural festivities, and appreciate their unique artistic expressions.
