Yi Ethnic Group

Xiayi Yao Ethnic Town in Mengshan County, Wuzhou

Xiayi Yao Ethnic Town in Mengshan County, Wuzhou

Xiayi Yao Ethnic Town in Mengshan County, Wuzhou

Xiayi Yao Ethnic Town in Mengshan County, Wuzhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

Buyi Ethnic Group Celebrate 2019 'San Yue San' Festival in Guizhou

19 Days Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi Ethnic Minorities Discovery

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hero knot and trousers with wide leg of Yi Ethnic Group

Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority

Name linked between father & son and clan system

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Cockscomb hat and pleated skirt of Yi Ethnic Group

Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Liangshan of Sichuan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

Hualian festival of Yi ethnic group celebrated in Qiubei, Yunnan

The Yi people (彝族) are the sixth-largest ethnic minority in China, with a population of around 9.83 million (2021). They are primarily concentrated in Yunnan (云南), Sichuan (四川), Guizhou (贵州), and Guangxi (广西). The Yi trace their origins to the southward migration of the ancient Qiang people (古羌人) and merged with local southwestern populations, forming the core of the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国). Historically, the Liangshan region (凉山) maintained a system of slavery, but modern society emerged after the 1956 democratic reforms.

The Yi consist of multiple subgroups, including Nosu (诺苏, Liangshan), Lolo (罗罗, Chuxiong), Nisu (尼苏, Honghe), Sani (撒尼), Axi (阿细), White Yi (白彝), and Black Yi (黑彝), sharing common linguistic and cultural heritage.

Yi Ethnic Distribution

Sichuan Province (四川)

• Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture (凉山彝族自治州): Xichang (西昌), Zhaojue (昭觉), Meigu (美姑), Butuo (布拖), Puge (普格), Leibo (雷波), Ganluo (甘洛), Yuexi (越西), Xide (喜德), Mianning (冕宁), Yanyuan (盐源), Huili (会理), Huidong (会东), Ningnan (宁南), Dechang (德昌), Muli (木里)
• Leshan City (乐山市): Mabian Yi Autonomous County (马边彝族自治县), Ebian Yi Autonomous County (峨边彝族自治县)
• Panzhihua City (攀枝花市): Renhe District (仁和区), Yanbian County (盐边县), Miyi County (米易县)

Yunnan Province (云南)

• Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture (楚雄彝族自治州): Chuxiong City (楚雄市), Shuangbai (双柏), Mouding (牟定), Nanhua (南华), Yao’an (姚安), Dayao (大姚), Yongren (永仁), Yuanmou (元谋), Wuding (武定), Lufeng (禄丰)
• Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州): Mile (弥勒), Luxi (泸西), Shiping (石屏), Jianshui (建水), Kaiyuan (开远), Mengzi (蒙自), Pingbian (屏边), Yuanyang (元阳), Lvchun (绿春), Jinping (金平)
• Kunming City (昆明市): Shilin Yi Autonomous County (石林彝族自治县, Sani), Xundian (寻甸), Luquan (禄劝), Anning (安宁)
• Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州): Weishan (巍山), Nanjian (南涧), Yangbi (漾濞), Xiangyun (祥云)
• Lijiang City (丽江市): Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县, Xiaoliangshan)
• Yuxi City (玉溪市): Eshan (峨山), Xinping (新平), Yuanjiang (元江), Yimen (易门)
• Pu’er City (普洱市): Jingdong (景东), Jinggu (景谷), Zhenyuan (镇沅), Ning’er (宁洱), Jiangcheng (江城)
• Lincang City (临沧市): Fengqing (凤庆), Yunxian (云县), Yongde (永德), Zhenkang (镇康)

Guizhou Province (贵州)

• Bijie City (毕节市): Weining (威宁), Hezhang (赫章), Dafang (大方), Qianxi (黔西), Zhijin (织金), Nayong (纳雍), Jinsha (金沙), Qixingguan (七星关)
• Liupanshui City (六盘水市): Shuicheng (水城), Panzhou (盘州), Liuzhi (六枝)
• Anshun City (安顺市): Xixiu (西秀), Pingba (平坝), Puding (普定), Zhenning (镇宁), Guanling (关岭), Ziyun (紫云)

Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西)

• Baise City (百色市): Longlin Various Autonomous County (隆林各族自治县), Napo County (那坡县)

Outside China

• Small Yi communities exist in northern Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar, part of the Yi language family.

Yi Religious Beliefs

• Bimo Religion (毕摩教): Core polytheistic faith; Bimo priests preserve Yi script, calendars, medicine, rituals, and divination.
• Nature Worship: Reverence for fire, tigers, mountains, water, trees, stones, sun, and moon.
• Totem Worship: Tiger totem (primary), fire totem, sun totem.
• Ancestor Worship: Ancestors are believed to protect family well-being.
• Earth Deity Belief: Worship of Nanzhao founder Xinuoluo (细奴逻) and ancestral gods, especially in western Yunnan.
• Foreign Religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity have limited influence.

Yi Language, Writing & Literature

Language and Script

• Yi language (彝语): Tibeto-Burman branch, with six main dialects: North, East, South, West, Southeast, and Central.
• Ancient Yi Script (古彝文 / Cuan script): One of the world’s oldest syllabic scripts; tens of thousands of manuscripts survive.
• Modern Yi Script: Standardized in China; widely used across Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi.

Epic Literature

• Meige (梅葛): Creation epic, national intangible heritage, tells origin of the world and humans.
• Cham (查姆): Cosmogony epic, preserved in Shuangbai (双柏, Chuxiong).
• Ashima (阿诗玛): Narrative poem from Sani (撒尼, Shilin), national intangible heritage.
• Zhige’alu (支格阿鲁): Liangshan hero epic.
• Ten-Month Solar Calendar (十月太阳历): Yi-exclusive calendar: 10 months, 36 days/month, tied to farming and festivals.

Yi Music, Dance & Performing Arts

• Torch Festival (火把节) Songs and Dances: Left-foot dance, Dasanxian (大三弦) dance, Axi Moon Dance (阿细跳月), Dati dance; energetic collective performances.
• Traditional Instruments: Dasanxian (大三弦), Moon lute (月琴), Mabu drum (马布), Gourd sheng (葫芦笙), Leaf whistle (木叶), Jew’s harp (口弦).
• Tiger Sheng (老虎笙): Shuangbai ritual dance imitating tiger movements for blessing and exorcism.

Yi Architecture

• Earth-Supported Houses (土掌房, Central/Southern Yunnan): Flat-roofed mud-brick houses, layered like “sky streets,” warm in winter, cool in summer (e.g., Chengzi Ancient Village 城子古村).
• Stacked Wooden Houses (垛木房, Liangshan/Xiaoliangshan): Timber construction with sloping roofs, moisture-proof and warm.
• Stilt Houses (吊脚楼, Western Guangxi/Southeastern Yunnan): Two-story wooden houses, living upstairs, storage below.
• Stone Villages (石头寨, Shilin Nuòhēi Village 石林糯黑村): Layered stone houses and streets, over 600 years old.

Yi Handicrafts & Costume

Handicrafts

• Yi Lacquerware (彝族漆器, Liangshan): Black, red, yellow geometric patterns; tableware, vessels, jewelry.
• Yi Embroidery (刺绣) & Silverwork (银饰): Vibrant colors, intricate patterns, often featuring tiger, fire, and geometric motifs.

Clothing

• Men: Black jackets with cross collars, wide trousers, black headscarves (Liangshan Hero Knot), woolen cloaks for rain and cold.
• Women:
  • Liangshan: Black right-collared tops, pleated skirts, Wa-style headscarves, silver accessories.
  • Chuxiong: Dark blue-black tops, wide trousers, embroidered aprons, headscarves.
  • Honghe: Colorful tops and skirts, silver crown-like headpieces.

Yi Customs & Traditions

• Marriage Customs: Simulated bride-stealing, crying brides, post-marriage residence with natal family in some areas.
• Etiquette: Respect elders, fire rituals, toast etiquette using Gangan liquor (杆杆酒).

Yi Festivals

• Torch Festival (火把节): 3-day festival on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month. Activities: animal sacrifices, horse racing, bullfighting, beauty contests, evening bonfires, torch processions. Key locations: Xichang (西昌), Chuxiong (楚雄), Shilin (石林), Mile (弥勒).
• Yi New Year (库史): 3–7 days, autumn harvest, ancestor worship, family reunions, Dati dance. Key locations: Liangshan, Chuxiong, Bijie.
• Flower-Planting Festival (插花节): 8th day of 2nd lunar month, Chuxiong; flower decorations for blessings and matchmaking.
• Dragon Worship Festival (祭龙节): Before autumn harvest, southern Yunnan; praying for good harvests.
• Mountain Worship Festival (祭山节): 3rd day of 3rd lunar month, Guizhou and eastern Yunnan; mountain deity rituals for safety and abundance.

Yi Cuisine Highlights

• Tuotuo Meat (坨坨肉): Large boiled pork or beef chunks, lightly salted, festival favorite.
• Bitter Buckwheat Cake (苦荞粑粑): Healthy coarse grain, served with honey or dipping sauce.
• Fire Pot Barbecue (火盆烧烤): Liangshan specialty, pork belly, beef, mini pigs roasted until crispy.
• Gangan Liquor (杆杆酒): Fermented corn or sorghum, bamboo tube drinking, essential for gatherings.
• Sour Cabbage & Potato Soup (酸菜洋芋汤): Tangy and appetizing daily dish.
• Yi Cured Meat (彝家腊肉): Smoked and flavorful, paired with rice or drinks.

Yi Cultural Travel Destinations

Yunnan Chuxiong

• Yi Ancient Town (彝人古镇, 4A): Cultural park with blue-tiled walls, totem poles, solar calendar square, nightly bonfires.
• Ten-Month Solar Calendar Cultural Park (十月太阳历文化园): Stone solar calendar, twelve animal deity pillars, astronomical heritage.
• Waipula Village, Yongren (永仁外普拉村): Thousand-year-old village blending Yi and Huizhou architecture.

Yunnan Honghe

• Chengzi Ancient Village (泸西城子古村): 600-year-old earth-supported houses, traditional communal rooftops.
• Keyi Town, Mile (弥勒可邑小镇): 370-year-old Axi (阿细) village, birthplace of Moon Dance, vibrant painted walls.

Yunnan Shilin

• Stone Forest Scenic Area (石林风景区): World Natural Heritage site, Sani homeland, Ashima epic origin.
• Nuòhēi Village (糯黑村): 600-year-old stone village, embroidery heritage.

Sichuan Liangshan

• Xichang Yi Ancient Town (西昌彝人古镇): Recreated Yi village, totem square, fire culture, nightly bonfires.
• Liangshan Yi Slavery Society Museum (凉山彝族奴隶社会博物馆): Unique museum documenting historic social structure.
• Zhaojue Yi Costume Cultural Park (昭觉彝族服饰文化园): Display of intangible heritage costumes, embroidery, silverwork.
• Xide Lacquerware Workshop (喜德彝族漆器工坊): Hands-on Yi lacquerware experience.

Guizhou Bijie

• Caohai Lake, Weining (威宁草海): Highland lake, Yi and Miao communities, birdwatching paradise.
• Shexiang Ancient Town, Dafang (大方奢香古镇): Terraced town with Yi Tusi culture.

Dali Surroundings

• Diaocao Village (吊草村): Tea Horse Road Yi village, embroidery and traditional costume experience.

Suggested Yi Cultural Travel Routes

Route 1: Liangshan Torch Festival Deep Tour (5 Days)

• Day 1: Xichang → Yi Ancient Town → Bonfire → Fire Pot Barbecue
• Day 2: Slavery Society Museum → Qionghai Wetlands → Sunset view
• Day 3: Zhaojue → Costume Cultural Park → Homestay visit
• Day 4: Xide → Lacquerware Workshop → Yi New Year Feast
• Day 5: Xichang → Satellite Launch Base → Return
• Best Time: Lunar 6/24 (Torch Festival), 10–11 lunar months (Yi New Year)
• Packing: Sunscreen, light jacket; Yi costume rental for photos
• Etiquette: Do not step on fire pits, photograph Bimo priests, or touch children’s heads

Route 2: Chuxiong + Honghe Cultural Tour (4 Days)

• Day 1: Chuxiong → Yi Ancient Town → Solar Calendar Cultural Park → Yi Love Song performance
• Day 2: Chuxiong → Zixi Mountain → Primeval forest → Yi ancient temple
• Day 3: Chuxiong → Luxi → Chengzi Ancient Village → Earth-Supported House sunset
• Day 4: Luxi → Mile → Keyi Town → Axi Moon Dance experience → Return
• Cuisine: Wild mushroom hotpot, Yi cured meat, mutton soup, bitter buckwheat cake

Route 3: Guizhou Bijie Yi Exploration (3 Days)

• Day 1: Bijie → Caohai Lake → Birdwatching → Yi villages
• Day 2: Weining → Dafang → Shexiang Ancient Town → Yi lacquerware
• Day 3: Dafang → Zhijin Cave → Return
• Highlights: “Cuotaiji” ancient drama, Yi embroidery

Travel Tips

• Language: Mandarin widely spoken; basic Yi greeting: “Zimogni (兹莫格尼)” – “Good luck & happiness.”
• Shopping: Lacquerware, embroidery, silver jewelry, bitter buckwheat tea, wild mushrooms.
• Accommodation: Yi homestays with fire pits, traditional meals, and ancient town inns.
• Best Seasons:
  • Torch Festival: late June, cool summer
  • Yi New Year: October–November, harvest season
  • Spring: March–April, rhododendron blooms
  • Winter: December–February, warm sunshine in Liangshan