Walabie Village of Yongning Town in Ninglang County, Lijiang

Geographical Location

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Skills

Ethnic Composition

Traditional Skills

• Mosuo Handicraft Textile (摩梭手工纺织): Mosuo women are proficient in exquisite handicraft textile skills, which have been passed down from generation to generation in Walabie Village. They use local natural materials such as hemp and wool, and traditional tools and techniques to weave fabrics like hemp cloth and woolen blankets. These textiles are often embroidered with auspicious patterns such as cloud and animal motifs. Not only are they used for daily wear and home use, but they also have high artistic value. Aqi Duzhima, as a folk and traditional crafts inheritor in Lijiang City and a inheritor of intangible cultural heritage in Yunnan Province, has established the “Aqi Duzhima” Mosuo handicraft textile brand. She continues to use traditional wool and hemp materials to weave textiles with various symbolic patterns and processes them into ethnic clothing, towels, shawls, etc., which are highly favored by domestic and international tourists. Currently, there are several Mosuo handicraft textile intangible cultural heritage workshops in Walabie Village. Tourists can observe Mosuo women weaving shawls, tablecloths, belts, bags, and other items on – site and even participate in the experience themselves to feel the charm of traditional skills.
• Traditional Residential Architecture (传统民居建筑): The traditional residential architecture of the Mosuo people is unique, mostly consisting of log cabins. Using round logs as the main building materials, these cabins are built in a layered structure, which is sturdy and stable. They are generally divided into two levels, with the upper level for living and the lower level for keeping livestock or storing miscellaneous items. The layout of the houses emphasizes harmony with the natural environment, reflecting the Mosuo people’s respect for and adaptation to nature. There are many experienced craftsmen in the village who inherit the traditional building skills of their ancestors. From the selection and processing of wood to the construction of the houses, every step follows strict traditional craftsmanship.
• Sulima Wine Brewing (苏理玛酒酿制): Sulima wine is a unique traditional liquor of the Mosuo people, and its brewing technique embodies the wisdom and lifestyle of the Mosuo. Made from high – quality grains such as barley and corn, it goes through multiple processes including fermentation and distillation. The wine has a rich aroma and a unique taste, and is an indispensable part of the Mosuo people’s daily life and festive activities. Tourists can visit local homes to learn about the brewing process of Sulima wine and taste this special liquor.

Customs and Festivals

Daily Customs

• Dietary Customs (饮食习俗): The diet of Walabie villagers is rich and varied. The staple foods include corn, potatoes, and barley, which are adapted to the local plateau climate. There are many Mosuo – style specialties, such as pig fat meat. After slaughtering a pig, the internal organs are removed, and the meat is salted and spiced with Sichuan peppercorns, then sewn and pressed. Because of its shape resembling a pipa, it is also called “pipa meat”, which has a unique flavor and can be preserved for a long time. There is also fish from Lugu Lake, which is delicious and can be cooked in a variety of ways. During meals, the Mosuo people pay attention to etiquette. At family gatherings, the elderly sit at the head of the table, and the younger generations sit in order, reflecting the tradition of respecting the elderly and loving the young.
• Living Customs (居住习俗): The Mosuo people live in matrilineal clan families, usually with an extended family living in a relatively concentrated area. The grandmother holds a revered position in the family and is the core decision – maker. Family members have harmonious relationships, work together, and share property. The layout of the house generally centers around the grandmother’s room, which contains a fireplace. The fireplace is an important place for family activities and discussions.
• Walking Marriage Custom (走婚习俗): Walking marriage is a unique marital institution of the Mosuo people and a major feature of their culture. In Walabie Village, young men and women establish relationships through singing and dancing. If they are compatible, the man will visit the woman’s flower – decorated room at night and return to his own home in the early morning. This form of marriage emphasizes the freedom and purity of love, and children are usually raised by the mother and her family. Although the form and concept of walking marriage have changed with the times, it remains an important part of Mosuo culture and attracts many tourists to learn about it.

Important Festivals

• Turning – Mountain Festival (转山节): On the twenty – fifth day of the seventh lunar month every year, the Mosuo people celebrate the grand Turning – Mountain Festival. Gema Goddess Mountain is regarded by the Mosuo people as the embodiment of the goddess and their sacred mountain. On the festival day, the Mosuo people dress in their finest clothes, bring sacrifices, and go to Gema Goddess Mountain for worship. People walk around the sacred mountain, praying for the goddess’s blessing of favorable weather, prosperity of livestock, and family happiness. During the walk, there are also song and dance activities, and young men and women have the opportunity to express their love, creating a lively atmosphere.
• Spring Festival (春节): The Mosuo people also celebrate the Spring Festival with great enthusiasm. From the twelfth lunar month, every household begins to get busy, cleaning the house and preparing New Year’s goods. On New Year’s Eve, the whole family gathers for dinner and worships their ancestors. On the first day of the New Year, people get up early, put on new clothes, visit relatives and friends, and exchange greetings. Traditional sports activities such as horse racing, wrestling, and swinging are held during this period, as well as grand song and dance performances, such as the Jia Cuo Dance. People hold hands and form a circle, singing and dancing to celebrate the New Year.
• Coming – of – Age Ceremony (成丁礼): When a Mosuo child turns 13 years old, a coming – of – age ceremony is held to mark their entry into adulthood. The ceremony usually takes place by the fireplace. Boys stand under the left – hand pillar, and girls stand under the right – hand pillar, where elders dress them in adult clothing. Boys then begin to participate in the family’s main labor, while girls start to learn to manage household affairs. The coming – of – age ceremony is an important rite in the growth of the Mosuo people, reflecting the family’s expectations and blessings for the younger generation.

Ancient Architecture

Historical Figures

Tourism Resources

Natural Scenery (自然景观)

• Plateau Rural Landscape (高原田园风光): The surrounding area of Walabie Village is surrounded by vast and fertile farmland, with different scenery in each season. In spring, the tender green seedlings of barley and wheat break through the soil, covering the earth with a green carpet. In summer, crops grow vigorously under the nourishment of sunshine and rain. In autumn, the golden rice and full corn crops are harvested, and the fields are filled with the joy of harvest. In winter, although the fields are a bit desolate, the distant mountains and fields form a quiet ink – wash painting. Visitors can walk in the fields and participate in agricultural activities such as sowing and harvesting to experience the fun of rural life.
• Forest Landscape (山林景观): The surrounding mountains of the village are densely forested, with a high forest coverage rate and a wide variety of trees. Walking in the forest, you can breathe in the fresh air, hear the cheerful songs of birds, and see small animals such as squirrels darting through the trees. The forest is home to various rare plants, and in certain seasons, visitors can follow local villagers into the mountains to pick mushrooms, experiencing the fun of exploring nature. In addition, there are some clear streams in the forest, with gurgling water adding a touch of liveliness to the forest. It is an ideal place for summer retreat and relaxation.

Cultural Scenery (人文景观)

• Mosuo Cultural Experience (摩梭文化体验): Visitors can delve into Mosuo families to experience their daily lives. Learn traditional skills such as Mosuo handicraft textile – making and Sulima wine brewing, taste Mosuo – specific cuisine, and participate in family sacrifices. The village regularly holds Mosuo cultural activities such as Daba scripture – chanting ceremonies and Mosuo dance performances, in which visitors can actively participate to gain a deeper understanding of the unique cultural connotations of the Mosuo people. The village also has the Aqi Duzhima Mosuo Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, which displays traditional handicrafts and folk culture of the Mosuo people, allowing visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of Mosuo culture.
• Ancient Architecture Tour (古建筑游览): Visit the traditional log cabins and other ancient buildings to appreciate the unique architectural style and cultural connotations of the Mosuo people. With the guidance of a tour guide or local villagers, learn about the historical stories and cultural significance behind these ancient buildings. Some residences have been transformed into folk museums or guesthouses, where visitors can choose to stay and experience a combination of tradition and modernity, feeling the living atmosphere of the Mosuo people.

Leisure and Entertainment (休闲娱乐)

• Hot Spring Therapy (温泉疗养): The Yongning Hot Spring, located not far from Walabie Village, is a typical plateau hot spring. Local Mosuo people call it “Hot Water Pond”. The hot spring water gushes out from the rock crevices at the foot of Wadu Mountain, is very clear, and is always steaming. The water temperature is a constant 37℃, suitable for human bathing. The water contains sulfur – hydrogen and other components, which have certain therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis and some skin diseases. Tourists can go to the hot spring bathhouse to enjoy the relaxation and comfort brought by the hot spring, and relieve travel fatigue.
• Folk Activity Participation (民俗活动参与): Participate in traditional folk activities of the Mosuo people, such as bonfire evenings. As night falls, a bonfire is lit in the village square. Tourists join the Mosuo people to dance around the bonfire, learn traditional Mosuo dances such as Jia Cuo Dance, and feel the enthusiasm and rich national flavor of the Mosuo people. You can also participate in traditional sports activities of the Mosuo people, such as horse racing and wrestling, to experience the fun of competition.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation (外部交通)

• By Air (飞机): First, arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. The airport is far from Ninglang County. You need to take a special – line bus to Ninglang County at the airport. After arriving in Ninglang County, transfer to a bus or charter a vehicle to Walabie Village.
• By Train (火车): Take a train to Lijiang Station. Then, take a bus to Ninglang County at Lijiang Bus Station. After arriving in Ninglang, transfer to a vehicle heading to Yongning Township and finally take a bus or a local rural passenger vehicle to Walabie Village.
• By Car (汽车): If departing from a nearby city, you can take a long – distance bus directly to Ninglang County Passenger Station, then transfer to a vehicle heading to Yongning Township, and finally go to Walabie Village.

Internal Transportation (内部交通)

• Chartering a Car (包车): In Lugu Lake or Yongning Township, you can choose to charter a car to Walabie Village. This method is more convenient, allows you to arrange your itinerary freely, and you can also enjoy the surrounding scenery along the way. The cost of chartering a car from Lugu Lake Passenger Station is about 15 yuan per person.
• Rural Passenger Transport (农村客运): There are rural passenger vehicles heading to various villages in Yongning Township. You can take such vehicles to Walabie Village. However, the frequency of buses may be low, so you need to inquire about the departure time and schedule in advance.

For Chinese version please go to :

http://ylxf.yn.gov.cn/Html/News/2015/2/11/67697.html