Yongning Town of Ninglang County in Lijiang

Geographic Location

Yongning Township is located in the northern part of Ninglang County, at the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. It covers an area of 645.4 square kilometers and borders multiple towns in Sichuan. The terrain is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, with significant elevation differences. The highest point is 3,700 meters, and the lowest point is 2,644 meters. The presence of (泸沽湖) Lugu Lake makes it a popular tourist destination.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Naxi People (Mosuo)

The (摩梭人) Mosuo people make up a significant portion of the population in the area and have a deep cultural heritage. They have a long history of copperware production, with a variety of items ranging from decorative brass utensils to exquisite white copper crafts, highly appreciated by surrounding ethnic groups. Their wooden house structures, made entirely of wood and connected by mortise and tenon joints, feature the main house, grandmother’s room, and flower tower, reflecting their unique family structure and cultural traditions.

Pumi People

The (普米族) Pumi people excel in making handcrafted wooden bowls, spoons, and other items, crafted through multiple processes to combine both practical and artistic value. They are also skilled in hand weaving, producing strong, durable fabric with simple tools and traditional patterns.

Yi People

The (彝族) Yi people have rich embroidery patterns derived from nature, legends, and daily life. Their embroidery is known for its vibrant colors, created using various stitching techniques. Yi silver jewelry is also meticulously crafted, carrying the cultural and aesthetic values of the Yi people.

Customs and Festivals

Naxi People (Mosuo)

  • Mountain Climbing Festival (转山节): Held on the 25th day of the seventh lunar month, the Mosuo people dress in traditional clothing and travel to (格姆女神山) Mount Gemu to pray, listen to lamas chanting, and participate in cultural activities. It is also a great opportunity for young people to meet potential partners.

  • Mountain Pilgrimage Festival (朝山节): On the same day, the Mosuo people climb (格姆女神山) Mount Gemu holding prayer flags to worship and make wishes in a solemn ceremony.

Pumi People

  • Wuqi Festival (吾昔节): Starting on the 7th day of the 12th lunar month and lasting three days, the Pumi people hold a ritual to honor their ancestors, praying for their protection while singing and dancing.

  • Big New Year (大过年): Similar to the Spring Festival, the Pumi people clean their homes, prepare delicious food, visit relatives, and engage in various recreational activities like target shooting and horse racing.

Yi People

  • Torch Festival (火把节): Held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, people carry torches in a parade, dancing around a bonfire at night to pray for good weather.

  • Yi New Year (彝族年): Celebrated on an auspicious date between October and November in the lunar calendar, the Yi people reunite with their families, prepare traditional foods, and exchange blessings.

Ancient Architecture

Mosuo Wooden Houses

The wooden houses of the Mosuo people are iconic structures. The main house serves as the center for family activities and includes a central fire pit. The grandmother’s room is where elders live and hold important ceremonies, while the flower tower is the young women’s private room. These houses blend harmoniously with nature, representing Mosuo culture.

Yi People’s Earth Houses (土掌房)

The Yi people’s earth houses are constructed from wood and earth, with walls compacted to retain heat and provide excellent insulation. The flat roof allows for drying and relaxation, and the houses are built into the mountainside, reflecting the Yi people’s residential wisdom and the spirit of community cooperation.

Tourist Resources

Natural Scenery

  • (泸沽湖) Lugu Lake: The third-largest deep-water lake in China and the highest lake in Yunnan. The water is clear, surrounded by islands, and the area is rich in forests and mountains. Visitors can enjoy boat tours, birdwatching, and the peaceful beauty of the lake.

  • (格姆女神山) Mount Gemu: The highest peak surrounding (泸沽湖) Lugu Lake, with an elevation of 3,754.7 meters. It boasts abundant vegetation and varying scenic views throughout the seasons. Visitors can hike or take a cable car to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of Lugu Lake.

Ethnic Cultural Experiences

  • Visiting Ethnic Villages: Explore local villages, tour traditional homes, gather around the fire pit to hear stories, taste local food, and participate in handicraft-making to learn about the cultural heritage of the different ethnic groups.

  • Folk Performances: During specific festivals or events, visitors can watch traditional performances such as the Mosuo (甲搓舞) dance, Pumi people’s songs and dances, and Yi people’s (达体舞) dance, to experience the essence of these ethnic cultures.

Travel Tips

External Transportation

  • By Air: Fly to (丽江三义国际机场) Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, take an airport shuttle to the city center, then transfer to a bus or car to Ninglang County, and from there, travel to Yongning Township. Be sure to check bus schedules in advance as services may be infrequent.

  • By Train: Arrive at Lijiang Railway Station, then take a bus from the city’s passenger station to Ninglang County, followed by another bus to Yongning Township.

  • By Bus: Buses from Lijiang city center to Ninglang County are available, and from there, you can take another bus to Yongning Township. Alternatively, private vehicles can be arranged, though they are more expensive.

Internal Transportation

  • Local Transportation: Public transport in the township is limited, and schedules are not fixed.

  • Renting Transportation: You can rent motorcycles (safety precautions advised) or vans. Be sure to communicate your itinerary and price with the driver in advance.