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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]

Situated in the northern region of Hunan Province in the People’s Republic of China, this national park forms a part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and is positioned within the boundaries of Zhangjiajie City. It stands as one among the multiple national parks encompassed by the scenic area.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

History & Culture

Zhangjiajie, an area steeped in history and legend, traces its origins back to the Neolithic Age when it was known as “Dayong”. This region, once considered remote and inaccessible, has human traces dating back approximately 100,000 years. Ancient local narratives tell of Zhang Liang, a renowned strategist from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD), who sought refuge in the area, then known as Qingyan Mountain, now Zhangjiajie. Fearing execution by Liu Bang, the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, Zhang Liang chose this location for its serene beauty and seclusion, becoming a hermit and allegedly planting seven ginkgo trees. He was eventually buried beneath the same mountain. The name ‘Zhangjiajie’ is believed to derive from his lineage, with “Zhang” referring to his surname, “Jia” meaning family, and “Jie” signifying homeland or border.

Geographical and Natural Features

The park’s most distinguished geographic feature is its array of towering pillar-like formations. Contrary to appearances, these structures are not a result of limestone karst processes but are formed through extensive physical erosion over many years. The weathering of these pillars largely owes to winter ice expansion and the growth of plant life on them. The region experiences moist weather throughout the year, leading to dense vegetation. Streams primarily carry away the weathered material from these formations, which have become iconic in the Chinese landscape, often depicted in ancient paintings.

Park officials note that the stunning visuals of Zhangjiajie, particularly these unique formations, served as inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the film “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
Source: Zhangjiajie Tourism