Xibuhe Town of Ninglang County in Lijiang

Geographic Location

Xibuhe Township (西布河乡) is under the administration of Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县) in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. It is located in the southern part of the county and borders Zhanhe Township (战河乡) and Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡) to the east, Guanghua Lisu and Yi Township (光华傈僳族彝族乡) in Yongsheng County to the south, Xichuan Township (西川乡) to the west, and Ningli Township (宁利乡) and Daxing Town (大兴镇) to the north.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Yi People (彝族)

  • Yi Embroidery (彝族刺绣): Known for its bright colors and diverse stitching techniques, Yi embroidery often features floral, animal, and geometric patterns on clothing, such as sleeves, collars, and aprons.

  • Yi Silverware Crafting (彝族银饰制作): Exquisite craftsmanship is showcased in silver jewelry like bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, which are commonly worn during festivals and special occasions for good fortune.

Lisu People (傈僳族)

  • Bamboo Weaving (竹编技艺): The Lisu people excel in bamboo weaving, creating baskets, mats, chairs, and various handicrafts that are both functional and artistically unique.

Mosuo People (摩梭族)

  • Wooden House Construction (木楞房建造技艺): The Mosuo people construct log houses that are warm in winter and cool in summer, with earthquake-resistant designs. The structures are built using interlocking logs without nails and typically include a main house, grandmother’s room, and “flower house” (a private space for young women).

Customs and Festivals

Yi People (彝族)

  • Torch Festival (火把节): Held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, this is the most significant Yi festival. People light torches, sing, dance, and hold activities like bullfighting, horse racing, and wrestling to pray for good harvests and fortune.

  • Yi New Year (彝族年): Celebrated in the tenth lunar month, this three-to-five-day festival includes feasting, wearing traditional attire, visiting relatives, and ancestral worship ceremonies.

Lisu People (傈僳族)

  • Knife Pole Festival (刀杆节): Celebrated on the eighth day of the second lunar month, Lisu warriors climb a sharpened knife pole barefoot to demonstrate courage and seek blessings for safety and prosperity.

  • Harvest Festival (收获节): Held during the harvest season, people sing, dance, and enjoy fresh produce to express gratitude to nature.

Mosuo People (摩梭族)

  • Walking Marriage (走婚习俗): This unique practice involves men visiting their partners at night and returning home before dawn, reflecting the Mosuo matriarchal society.

  • Mountain Circumambulation Festival (转山节): Held on the 25th day of the seventh lunar month, the Mosuo people dress in festive attire and circle Gemu Goddess Mountain (格姆女神山) to seek blessings.

Historic Architecture

  • Yi Mud Houses (彝族土掌房): Built with wood and mud, these flat-roofed houses allow for grain drying and social gatherings. The interconnected structures form distinct village landscapes.

  • Mosuo Log Houses (摩梭人木楞房): Constructed entirely from wood using mortise and tenon joints without nails, these houses include the main house, grandmother’s room, and “flower house,” reflecting Mosuo culture.

Tourist Attractions

Natural Scenery

  • Guangma Mountain (光马山): At 3,550 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of mountains, grasslands, and rivers.

  • Damaidi River (大麦地河), Xibu River (西布河), Hailuo River (海洛河): These clear rivers provide scenic spots for relaxation, fishing, and picnicking.

Ethnic Villages and Culture

  • Yi Villages (彝族村寨): Experience Yi culture through the traditional hearth-centered household, which serves as a place for family gatherings and ancestor worship.

  • Lisu Villages (傈僳族村寨): Witness unique religious ceremonies featuring Lisu priests performing spiritual dances, chanting, and rituals.

  • Mosuo Villages (摩梭族村寨): Explore matrilineal households, participate in traditional singing and dancing, and learn about Mosuo customs.

Transportation

External Transportation

Visitors can first travel to Lijiang before heading to Ninglang County. From Ninglang, there are shuttle buses to Xibuhe Township (西布河乡), or private car hire is an option. The distance from Ninglang County to Xibuhe Township is about 58 kilometers.

Internal Transportation

The main mode of transportation within Xibuhe Township is by road, though some village roads may be in poor condition. Walking or renting a motorcycle allows for a more immersive experience. For distant attractions, it’s recommended to check road conditions and transportation options in advance.

Accommodation and Local Cuisine

Accommodation

Lodging options include guesthouses and rural homestays with basic but clean facilities. Staying in local homes allows for cultural exchanges and an authentic experience.

Cuisine

Local dishes reflect Yi, Lisu, and Mosuo culinary traditions:

  • Yi Cuisine: Tuotuo Pork (坨坨肉), Roast Suckling Pig (烤乳猪).

  • Lisu Cuisine: Bamboo Rice (竹筒饭), Hand-grabbed Rice (手抓饭).

  • Mosuo Cuisine: Cured Pork (猪膘肉), Sulima Wine (苏里玛酒).

Additionally, visitors can savor fresh wild vegetables, such as fiddlehead ferns (蕨菜), for a taste of the region’s natural bounty.