Home » Supplement » Education
Gaining a new perspective on minority peoples of Yunnan
Print Edition
A few years ago, my family and I visited Yunnan for the first time. We were part of a tour group of about 15, and we traveled together by bus all across the beautiful province. It was a spectacular experience because the feeling of being amongst people so unlike us was remarkable.
Our first stop was Chuxiong City. It is about 1,779 meters above sea level, which made several tour group members slightly nervous. The high altitude meant that oxygen levels were lower and UV rays were stronger. However, that did not stop us from having fun, visiting the ancient town of the Yi people, where there was dancing at night and local hand-made items to buy.
The Yi are a minority group who reside most abundantly in Chuxiong. They wear flamboyant outfits for everyday occasions.
The second place we visited was Lijiang. A peaceful city in the mountains with an altitude of 2,440 meters above sea level, Lijiang is home to a minority group called the Naxi.
The Naxi have several subgroups, the most prominent being the Mosuo, a matriarchal society, as is the case with some other ethnic minority groups.
During our stay in Lijiang, the highlight was an evening performance of ethnic dances from all over China. More than 30 minority groups were present, each with their different backgrounds and customs. Seeing all the brilliant costumes and skilled dancing was absolutely fascinating. In one performance the dancing told a story, that allowed the audience to appreciate the beauty of their lives.
Next, we journeyed by bus to Dali. Dali has a lower altitude than Lijiang, being 2,007 meters above sea level.
In Dali, the most populous minority group is the Bai. Bai women are referred to as “Golden Flowers.” Their ways of marriage are rather unique compared to other minorities because a woman does not just meet a man she loves and then marry him. Every March, a women stands on the banks of the river and sings a traditional folk song, and a man would follow. After the song, if she does not like him, then they do not wed.
Dali was overall my favorite stop because the Bai clothing is amazing and looks beautiful on just about anyone. The weather was clear with blue skies, and not having to wear thick scarves and coats felt like heaven.
Last but not least, the tour group stopped at Kunming. The famous lake of the Summer Palace in Beijing was named after Kunming. We did not do much in Kunming as it was more of a rest stop for us weary travelers.
Looking back upon the wonderful encounter, Yunnan has truly changed my perspective on China and people as a whole.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
