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Heqing
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Exploring the Cultural Legacy of the Bai People: Heqing

A Glimpse into the Bai People and their Heritage

Located not too far from the ancient capital of Dali, lies the county of Heqing, a stunning example of the unique architecture of the Bai people. This ethnic group is one of the 56 officially recognized by the Chinese government and their name, Bai, literally means “white people” in Chinese, reflecting their reverence for the color white.

The Bai people are proud of their heritage, and fiercely protect their language, customs, and traditions. They are known for their beautiful architecture, which has been well-preserved in Heqing. The county is located in the Dali prefecture and is a true gem for those interested in learning more about the Bai people and their history.

heqing dali yunnan images

It is worth noting that Dali was the ancient capital of two great kingdoms, the Bai kingdom of Nanzhao, which flourished during the 8th and 9th centuries, and the Kingdom of Dali, which reigned from 937-1253. Today, Dali is still rich in history and culture, making it a popular destination for tourists and a fascinating place to visit for those interested in learning more about China’s past.

The pictures of Heqing and its stunning Bai architecture were captured by the lens of photographer Matteo Damiani. These photographs offer a glimpse into a world that is both beautiful and rich in history, and provide a visual representation of the cultural heritage of the Bai people.

heqing dali yunnan images

Witnessing the Time-Honored Dragon Dance of Yunnan

In the Yunnan province of China, specifically in HeqingDali Prefecture, the elderly people of the Bai community perform a time-honored tradition known as the Dragon Dance. This captivating performance involves a large dragon made of colorful fabric and paper, held up on poles by dancers who move in a coordinated rhythm to make the dragon come alive.

The Dragon Dance is a significant part of the Chinese New Year celebration, which is the most important festival in China. The locals believe that the dance will bring good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year. The dancers, who are highly respected and regarded as skilled performers, are often invited by families and businesses to perform the Dragon Dance for them as a way to bring fortune and ward off evil spirits.

The Bai community has been preserving and passing down the tradition of the Dragon Dance for generations, and it remains an important aspect of their cultural heritage. The dance requires a lot of practice and teamwork, and it is an excellent way for the elderly to stay active and engaged in their community. Through the Dragon Dance, the Bai people express their reverence for their ancestors and their hopes for a prosperous future.

Related articles: Guide to Yunnan, The ancient town of Dali, Sound of Dali by Zhang Yang, South of Clouds, a documentary about ethnic minorities in Yunnan, Taiji Fishing Village: a village shaped like the Yin Yang symbol

Heqing images

heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images
heqing dali yunnan images

Photos: Matteo Damiani, www.china-underground.com

topics: yunnan travel,yunnan trip,dali travel,dali trips,dali tour,heqing travel

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
China Underground >

15 beautiful images of Zhangjiajie National Park in Hunan, China

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the most peculiar national forest parks in China.

[湖南张家界国家森林公园; Húnán Zhāngjiājiè Guójiā Sēnlín Gōngyuán]

It’s located in Zhangjiajie City in northern Hunan Province in the People’s Republic of China. It is one of several national parks within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. [Wikipedia]

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

History & Culture

In ancient times, Zhangjiajie was regarded as remote and inaccessible. The history of Zhangjiajie can be traced back to the Neolithic Age when it was still named “Dayong”. The first human traces in this area have been registered about 100,000 years ago. Like other places in China, a legend has been developed by ancient people.

It said that Zhang Liang-a famed strategist of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD), lived here after leaving the imperial court. He lived in fear he would be killed by Liu Bang, the first emperor of the Han Dynasty who had ordered some of his subjects executed out of suspicion they might rebel against him. Zhang found Qingyan (now Zhangjiajie) Mountain is an ideal refuge due to its haunting beauty and tranquility. He became a hermit. It is said he planted seven ginkgo trees here. He was buried below Qingyan (now Zhangjiajie) Mountain. Zhang’s descendants also are believed to have lived here, which is how the name Zhangjiajie originated. Zhang refers to Zhang Liang’s surname, while Jia means family and Jie represents homeland or border. [Zhangjiajie Tourism]

Origin

The most notable geographic features of the park are the pillar-like formations that are seen throughout the park. Although resembling karst terrain, this area is not underlain by limestones and is not the product of chemical dissolution, which is characteristic of limestone karst. They are the result of many years of physical, rather than chemical, erosion.

Much of the weathering which forms these pillars is the result of expanding ice in the winter and the plants which grow on them. The weather is moist year-round, and as a result, the foliage is very dense. The weathered material is carried away primarily by streams. These formations are a distinct hallmark of the Chinese landscape and can be found in many ancient Chinese paintings.  [Wikipedia]

According to park officials, photographs from Zhangjiajie inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains seen in the movie Avatar.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park map

Images of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Source:

Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhangjiajie_National_Forest_Park
Baike Baidu – http://baike.baidu.com/link?url=jcfMXIxzzokxuAjB3OkOuBOMmkEbPq3jHwOZRQbndLwINIRZ4UI2-4GXUN82F08XxcJypyTETJEngOms7IRUq_
Baidu Travel – http://lvyou.baidu.com/zhangjiajieguojiasenlingongyuan/

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