Naxi Ethnic Minority

The Naxi Ethnic group has a population of over 250,000 people. It is divided into two dialect groups. An eastern one and a western one located in the provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet. One of the unique features of the Naxi minority group is its written language. The written language is called "Dongba Characters". It includes over 1,400 single characters and is considered unique "living pictographs". They are the only living people to use hieroglyphics in the world. The Naxi people's music is world famous. Visitors wandering along the ancient streets and alleyways of Lijiang's Old Town, a visitor will undoubtedly hear the wonderful Naxi Ancient music. After over 500 years of evolution, Naxi ancient music has developed its own unique style. It is a blending of Taoist and Confucian ritual songs. Played on traditional Chinese music, Naxi music is said to have the power to cleanse the heart, and relax the mind. The Naxi ethnic minority group has their own distinctive style of traditional clothing. The Naxi women living in the Lijiang area typically wear pants, a loose wide sleeved gown topped with a waistcoat and a pleated apron. Their shoes are boat shaped and hand embroidered. Naxi women's clothing typically comes in black, white, or blue and is embroidered with flower patterns on the collars, sleeves, and front. Over their shoulders they wear a sheep skin cape with seven round embroidered discs representing seven stars. The cape is used to prevent chafing when carrying their baskets on their backs. Men, women, and children of the Naxi minority group can be seen carrying baskets on their backs. These baskets have two arm straps and fit like a Western style backpack. Their baskets work not only as their book bags, but are also used to carry their children, vegetables, laundry, and even bricks. The baskets are not only functional, but can be very beautiful with different patterns and colors woven into them.