Sanduo Festival of Naxi Minority

The Naxi have an age-old history with a rich cultural heritage. Their pictography is now the only complete and systematic ancient written language existing in the world. Long ago, the Naxi people created the splendid Dongba culture. The Mosuo, a subgroup of Naxi, have been living around Lugu Lake for generations and still maintain their matriarchal customs.

On February 8th of every lunar year, the Naxi people enjoy their "Honoring Sanduo Festival" at the Beiyue Temple Fair. "Sanduo" is a Naxi war god who acts to defend the Naxi people.

Beiyue means "Northern Ranges". Of course, it was here, at the foot of Jade Dragon Mountain that Sandao Temple was built. It is recorded in their histories that in ancient times a hunter discovered a strange snow stone on Jade Dragon Mountain. He carried the stone home. On his way home, he had to put the stone down for a rest because the stone was extremely heavy. When he decided to continue his trip, he found he could no longer lift the stone. Many thought it was the embodiment of a god. Later, the local people decided to build a temple to honor this supposed god. Hence, people believe that they always see a heavenly being in a white coat and a white helmet, carrying a white spear and riding a white horse. It protected the local people and their land. Naxi people consider Sanduo to be the most powerful god in its mythology and they say Sanduo was born to the year of goat. Therefore, on every goat day (8th of February and August), a goat is sacrificed to honor this god.

The temple fair is held during the season of the blossoming camellia. The fair is crowded with people. Fireworks can frequently be heard. People are often seen traveling with their families with picnic baskets. This is the most significant celebration in Lijiang.