Slideshows

The large Wenmiao and Wumiao Complex in Zhoucheng 州城 underlines the towns historic importance.

Depictions of Buddhist Hell in the Guanyin Temple 观音阁 in Zhoucheng 州城.

Puxian's Birthday celebrated in Dali, Bai style.

Shaxi's Xingjiao Temple is one of the oldest temples surviving in Yunnan, constructed in 1415 during the Ming dynasty. Particularly remarkable are the wall paintings under the eves.

Dada village starts its New Year activities.

Closing performance of an ancient Bai opera in Dada village, Yunlong.

In the remote mountain regions of Jianchuan and Yunlong county the temples are often very simple with the local Benzhu belief displaying an element of animism.

West Lake 西湖 is beautiful wetland area north of Dali, good for birdwatching.

In 2009, at the Shibaoshan Singing Festival, traditional dress in the Dali was more prevalent than it is today, and the dress was often still hand-made, rather than shop-bought.

A ferry with spectacular views operates on the Jinsha River near Baoshan Stone Town.

Bai folk music star Li Baomei 李宝妹 and the Shibaoshan Bai Folk Music Art Troupe perform in her home village Shilong 石龙村.

An old house in Baitayi 白塔邑, a Bai village near Erhai. Elegant houses like this are becoming rare as time takes its toll.