Xinyingpan Town of Ninglang County in Lijiang

Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡) is located in the southern part of Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is only 20 kilometers away from the county town and has an average altitude of 2,600 meters. The township covers a total administrative area of 223.71 square kilometers. To the east, it is connected to Lan Nijing Township (烂泥箐乡), and to the west, it is adjacent to Xibuhe Township (西布河乡). Situated in the Xiaoliangshan area (小凉山区域), the terrain is mostly hilly, with undulating mountains presenting a unique mountainous landscape. The diverse topography and landforms have created a wealth of natural scenery and ecological environments.

The Yi ethnic group is one of the main ethnic groups in Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡), with a relatively large population proportion. The traditional skills of the Yi people are dazzling. Among them, embroidery is particularly outstanding. Yi embroidery artists use colorful silk threads to carefully outline exquisite patterns on fabric, which contain Yi history, legends, and religious beliefs. These patterns are commonly seen on Yi clothing, bags, and other daily items, possessing both practicality and high artistic value. The silverware-making craftsmanship of the Yi people is also exquisite. Silversmiths go through a series of processes, such as melting, forging, and carving, to create uniquely shaped silver accessories like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The intricate patterns on the silverware reflect the Yi people’s unique pursuit of beauty.

There are also some Pumi people living in Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡). Niwozi Village Group (牛窝子村民小组) is the largest Pumi settlement in the country. The Pumi people are skilled in traditional handicraft weaving. They cleverly use materials like hemp thread and wool to weave practical and beautiful daily items such as baskets and carrying baskets. The weaving patterns contain cultural elements and life wisdom of the Pumi people, carrying on the inheritance of their national culture. In addition, the Pumi people’s hearth culture is unique. The hearth is not only a place for heating and cooking but also the core place for family gatherings and emotional exchanges. Many traditional customs and etiquette have been derived around the hearth.

There are also a small number of Han people and Mosuo people living here. The Mosuo people have preserved a unique matrilineal clan culture. Their traditional handicraft-making skills, such as making exquisite wooden bowls and weaving special fabrics, show the unique creativity and aesthetic of life of the Mosuo people.

The Yi Torch Festival is the grandest traditional festival of the Yi people, held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month every year. On the festival day, Yi people dress in their colorful traditional costumes, holding torches and dancing around the bonfire. During the festival, there will be exciting competitive activities such as bullfighting, wrestling, and horse racing. At the same time, a solemn fire sacrifice ceremony will be held to pray for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and good fortune in the coming year. The whole festival is full of enthusiasm and rich ethnic characteristics.

The Pumi Wuxi Festival is equivalent to the New Year of the Pumi people. People will slaughter pigs and sheep, prepare sumptuous food, visit relatives and friends, and exchange greetings. During the festival, Pumi families will hold grand ancestor-worshipping ceremonies to express gratitude for the protection of their ancestors. Young people will dance the lively Guozhuang dance, and people of all ages will be immersed in the joy of the festival.

Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡) is known as the “Apple Hometown” of Ninglang County (宁蒗县). In recent years, an Apple Harvest Festival has been held around the apple industry development. During the festival, visitors can participate in apple-picking activities and experience the joy of harvest. There will also be various agricultural product exhibitions and sales, as well as cultural performances, to showcase the local characteristic agriculture and folk culture.

Although Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡) does not have any world-famous large ancient buildings, the traditional dwellings of the Yi and Pumi people are unique. The Yi people’s earth-palm houses are mostly made of earth and wood. The houses have flat roofs and thick walls, which can effectively resist the cold in the mountainous areas and are also convenient for drying crops on the roof. The Pumi people’s log cabins are mainly made of round wood and have a well-shaped structure. The appearance is simple and natural, and the internal space layout is reasonable, reflecting the Pumi people’s concept of living in harmony with nature. In Niwozi Village Group (牛窝子村民小组), after the renovation of the dwellings, the houses in the Pumi settlement have integrated more national cultural elements and exude a strong national flavor.

Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡) is located in the mountainous area and has magnificent mountain views. In spring and summer, wildflowers in the mountains bloom in competition, forming a colorful sea of flowers; in autumn, the golden leaves and ripe apples complement each other, creating a beautiful picture of a bountiful rural landscape; in winter, in high-altitude areas, you can sometimes enjoy the snow-covered scenery. In addition, there are some clear streams and tranquil lakes in the township, such as the Wogao River (窝稿大河). After management, it has not only eliminated safety hazards but also become a unique scenic spot in the countryside.

Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡) is known as the “Apple Hometown” of Lijiang City (丽江市), with apple planting areas accounting for 85% of the county’s total. The township has a suitable altitude, large diurnal temperature difference, fertile soil, and long sunshine duration. The apples grown here are plump, high in sugar content, juicy, crispy, and sweet without being greasy, known as “honey core apples.” Visitors can visit apple orchards to learn about the planting and management processes, participate in apple-picking activities, and taste fresh apples. During the apple harvest season every year, the mountains and fields are covered with red apples, presenting a very spectacular scene.

Deep into the villages of local ethnic groups such as the Yi and Pumi people to experience unique national cultures. Appreciate traditional skills such as Yi embroidery and silverware making, participate in Pumi hearth gatherings, and taste Yi “guest-sending dishes” and Pumi special foods. During specific festivals such as the Yi Torch Festival and the Pumi Wuxi Festival, you can also personally feel the lively festival atmosphere and dance with local villagers.

If you start from Lijiang City (丽江市), you can first take a bus to Ninglang County (宁蒗县) at Lijiang Passenger Transport Station (丽江汽车客运站). The journey takes about 2 – 3 hours. After arriving in Ninglang County (宁蒗县), you can choose to take a rural passenger bus to Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡) or share a car with others. Sharing a car is relatively more convenient and flexible.

The road conditions in Xinyingpan Township (新营盘乡) are generally acceptable, but some sections are relatively rugged. When traveling within the township, you can rent local motorcycles for convenient and free access to various scenic spots. If you are traveling with a larger group, you may also consider chartering a car, which can save time and better arrange the itinerary. It is important to note that when driving or riding a motorcycle, you must wear a safety helmet to ensure travel safety.