The Bai in Early Chinese Minority Film
After Liberation in 1949 Chinese cinema became a propaganda medium for the New China. The 1950 saw cinemas spreading to all towns, showing movies meant to increase the socialist spirit and fostering national unit. China's ethnic minorities often featured in these films before the Cultural Revolution. Only after its end played ethnic minority themes a role again. Here we look at films from before 2000 that feature the Bai minority.
Jim Goodman: The Akha
The Akha, in China known as the Aini branch of the Hani people, migrated from China southwards into Laos, Burma and Thailand. In this richly illustrated book J Goodman, aka 'Akha Jim', explains their life and culture.
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Followers of Jianchuan Azhali Buddhism perform a candle dance in Shaxi.
Jiama are religious woodcut prints.
Hometown of many Bai merchants, Xizhou boast some impressive architecture.
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.
The Yi in the southern part of Dali have a special Dance and Song Festival.
Once an important salt-mining town, now the second largest town along the Heihui River north of Yangbi.
Upcoming Festivals
| Name | Date |
|---|---|
| Flower Lantern | 15 Oct |
| Lajing Salt Road Culture Festival | 15 Oct |
| Xinuluo Remembrance Day | 19 Oct |
| Maulid an-Nabi | 19 Oct |
| Benzhu Worship | 20 Oct |
| Open Door Festival | 20 Oct |
| Full Moon Ritual | 20 Oct |
| Orionid Meteor Shower | 21 Oct |
| Descent of Frost | 23 Oct |
| Guanyin Enlightenment | 24 Oct |
| Benzhu Worship | 27 Oct |
| Dharmic Assembly | 27 Oct |