Bai People

The Bai ethnic group is one of the minorities with a very long history and prosperous culture in Yunnan Province. With approximately 1.56 million Bai people in Yunnan, about 80% reside in Dali City (Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture). The Bai people hold the color white in high esteem and call themselves 'Baipzix,' literally meaning 'white people.' The Bai people are renowned for their exceptional architectural skills, exemplified by the Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas in Dali, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. The 16-story main tower stands 60 meters high and has remained standing for over 1,000 years, showcasing the superb craftsmanship of the Bai people. Tie-dyeing is a cornerstone of Bai culture, extensively used in apparel, everyday items, traditional folklore, religious ceremonies, and national celebrations. Zhoucheng Village in Dali was named the 'home of national tie-dyeing art' by the Ministry of Culture in 1996. The village offers over 1,000 distinct tie-dye patterns with profound cultural meanings. The traditional tie-dyeing process involves tying fabric, soaking it, dyeing with plant indigo (commonly known as Banlangen), drying, removing threads, rinsing, and grinding. In Zhoucheng, almost every family practices tie-dyeing, with Bai women learning these skills from early childhood. The Bai people established the powerful Dali Kingdom (937-1253 AD), which played a significant role in Yunnan's history. Today, Bai culture thrives through their unique architecture, tie-dye art, the Three-Course Tea ceremony, and vibrant festivals.