Yangping Yi Ethnic Town of Yongsheng County in Lijiang

Location

Yangping Yi Ethnic Township (羊坪彝族乡) is located in the northeastern part of Yongsheng County (永胜县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province. The coordinates range from 100°45′ to 101°00′ east longitude and 26°10′ to 26°40′ north latitude. To the east, it borders Liude Township (六德乡), to the southwest it connects with Yongbei Town (永北镇), and to the north it adjoins Ninglang County (宁蒗县). The township covers an area of 164.1 square kilometers, and the township government is located in Zhongyangping (中羊坪), which is 16.2 kilometers from the county seat.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Yangping Yi Ethnic Township (羊坪彝族乡) is a predominantly Yi (彝族) ethnic township, with the Yi people here being part of the Xiao Liangshan Yi group (小凉山彝族). They migrated from the Daliangshan region in Sichuan around the early 15th century.
The traditional crafts of the Yi people include:

• Embroidery (刺绣): Known for its bright colors and intricate patterns, Yi embroidery holds high artistic value.

• Felt-making (擀毡制作): This ancient craft is used to create felt items such as blankets, mats, and hats.

Customs and Festivals

• Torch Festival (火把节): One of the most important Yi festivals, usually celebrated on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month. People light torches to drive away evil spirits, ward off disasters, and pray for happiness.

• Yi New Year (彝族年): A traditional festival of the Yi people, usually held in the 10th lunar month. It is a time to pray for a good harvest and to honor ancestors.

• Skirt Changing Ceremony (换裙仪式): A coming-of-age ceremony for Yi girls, usually held when they reach the age of 12 to 13 years, known as “Shanlar” in the Yi language.

Tourist Attractions

• Yangping Reservoir (羊坪水库): One of Yunnan Province’s key water conservation projects and the first reservoir in Yongsheng County (永胜县). The reservoir has an elevation of 2,520 meters and a total capacity of 41.5 million cubic meters. The surrounding area is a picturesque scene of intersecting mountains and valleys. Visitors can take small wooden boats through the valleys, enjoying the beautiful views of green mountains, clear water, and the sound of pines.

• Ta’erbo Ren Mountain (他尔波忍山): The highest peak in Yongsheng County (永胜县), with an elevation of 3,953.3 meters. Snow often covers the peak in winter and spring, and the mountain is rich in forests. During spring and summer, the mountain slopes are dotted with flowering rhododendrons.

• Yangping Meadow (羊坪草甸): Located to the north of Yangping Reservoir (羊坪水库), this vast meadow transforms into a stunning “grassland” every summer, making it an ideal spot for summer relaxation and enjoying natural scenery.

• Potato Flower Sea (洋芋花海): Every summer, over 300 acres of potato flowers bloom in Shui Ke Le Village (水柯乐村) in Yangping Township (羊坪乡), creating a breathtaking landscape of white and purple flowers across the mountains.

Transportation

• By Road: Yangping Yi Ethnic Township (羊坪彝族乡) is easily accessible from Yongsheng County (永胜县), 16.2 kilometers from the county seat. The Xiangkong Highway (祥空公路) between Yongsheng County (永胜县) and Yangping Township (羊坪乡) has been fully completed. From Lijiang (丽江), you can drive along the appropriate highways to reach Yangping Township (羊坪乡).

• Public Transportation: You can take a local bus or taxi from Yongsheng County (永胜县) to Yangping Yi Ethnic Township (羊坪彝族乡).

Accommodation and Cuisine

• Accommodation: There are a few guesthouses in the township, but it is also possible to stay in the county seat, where the accommodation conditions are relatively better.

• Cuisine: You can try Yi ethnic dishes, such as potatoes, buckwheat, corn, and white kidney beans. Additionally, Yongsheng County (永胜县) is famous for its ham and butter tea, which are unique local specialties.

Shopping and Local Products

• Shopping: The Yi embroidery crafts and felt-made products in Yangping Yi Ethnic Township (羊坪彝族乡) are distinctive local souvenirs.

• Local Products: White kidney beans are one of the leading agricultural products of Yangping Township (羊坪乡), known for their plump, uniform grains and excellent quality.