Learning Bai
Bai 白族话 is the language spoken by the Bai people 白族 in the Dali area. While Chinese has become the lingua franca, Bai is still actively spoken by many, particularly older people, but it does not have a native written form and comes in many dialects. Here we list the available resources for learning this difficult language.
The watermills in Fengqing's Gumo village operate just like a thousand years ago.
Ronald G. Knapp: China's Old Dwellings
Few people know as much about Chinese architecture as Knapp: from palaces to humble homes he explains important building principles; the connection between environment and housing styles and the development of style over time. A section on minority housing styles complements the book.
A number of Chinese historic texts covering life and politics in Yunnan have survived over the centuries. I have translated a few of them.
An Yi ritual in Xiangyun county.
With its well-preserved architecture and tranquil atmosphere, Weishan's capital is Yunnan's most beautiful county town.
Brenda McLean: George Forrest, Plant Hunter
George Forrest, perhaps the most successful plant collector of his time, left little written about his numerous journeys to Yunnan, so this well-illustrated book fills in much needed detail about his life.
An ancient Bai folk play form, preserved in Yunlong county.
Upcoming Festivals
| Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Flower Festival | 17 Jun |
| "Southern Silk Road" Trade Fair | 19 Jun |
| "Sharpen the Knife" Festival | 27 Jun |
| Benzhu Worship | 27 Jun |
| Chief's Temple Fair | 27 Jun |
| Dandao Temple Fair | 27 Jun |
| Green Flag Festival | 29 Jun |
| Full Moon Ritual | 29 Jun |
| Slight Heat | 07 Jul |
| Zheng He Cultural Tourism Festival | 11 Jul |
| Mango Festival | 11 Jul |
| Benzhu Worship | 12 Jul |
Markets this Wednesday
| Dali | 大理 |
|---|---|
| Junhua | 均化 |
| Duomei | 朵美 |
| Shunbi | 順濞 |
| Shaba | 沙坝 |
| Liuhe | 六合 |
| Heqing | 鹤庆县 |
| Zhongying | 种英 |
| Shanglan | 上兰 |
| Zhouguanying | 周官营 |
| Qinghaiying | 青海营 |
| 果城村 | |
| 龙洞村 | |
| Gongguoqiao | 功果桥镇 |
| Shalong | 沙龙镇 |
| Liuchang | 刘厂镇 |
| Shangcang | 上沧 |
| 顺荡 | |
| 龙街 | |
| Xinjie | 新街镇 |
| Xiazhuang | 下庄镇 |
| Mizhi | 密祉镇 |
| Honghe | 红河 |
|---|---|
| Zhicun | 芷村镇 |
| Wuwan | 乌弯 |
| Daheigong | 大黑公 |
| Baiyun | 白云乡 |
| Mengping | 勐坪 |
| Yongning | 永宁乡 |
| Tutai | 土台 |
| Hongtian | 红田 |
| Zhaotong | 昭通 |
|---|---|
| Shuanghe | 双河 |