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印象西南The streets and alleys are filled with the charm of Yi culture, and the aroma of cooking fills the air – A Travelogue of the Yi Ancient Town The moment you step into the Yi Ancient Town, you are enveloped by a rich tapestry of ethnic customs. Winding cobblestone paths connect the well-arranged Yi dwellings. The wooden textures of the Bimo houses and log cabins exude a rustic charm, while the carved window lattices hold the essence of a thousand years of Yi tradition. The Wangjiang Tower, with its upturned eaves, offers panoramic views of the ancient town. The Peach Blossom Stream flows gently, spanned by stone bridges, creating a scene that combines the gentle beauty of a Jiangnan water town with the profound history of a Yi village. Strolling through the streets and alleys, cultural imprints are everywhere. The sculptures in the Six Ancestors Square tell the legends of the branches of the ancestors, while the stone carvings in the Meige Square engrave the essence of the creation epic. In the Bimo Culture Corridor, ancient symbols quietly flow with the wisdom of the ethnic group. In the embroidery shops along the street, embroiderers use needles as pens and threads as ink, weaving mountains, rivers, plants, the sun, moon, and stars into their fabrics. The vibrant colors of their embroidery reveal the Yi people's love for life. The sweet aroma of rice wine wafts from the wine shops, while the gentle clatter of stone mills echoes from the tofu workshops. Here, the everyday life of the town blends seamlessly with its cultural heritage; every step is a gait at the intersection of history and the present. By day, the ancient town is gentle and tranquil, but it transforms as night falls. Torches illuminate the night sky, the drums of the fire-worshiping ceremony resound, and Yi people, dressed in their finest attire, sing melodious Yi tunes while holding their sanxian (a three-stringed plucked instrument). Their enthusiastic Zuojiao dance invites everyone to join the revelry. At the long street banquet, the aroma of the Yi's eight-bowl feast fills the air, the melodies of toasting songs rise and fall, and the clinking of glasses reveals sincerity and warmth. On the central waterside stage, the thrilling and agile "dish-jumping" performance, the costume exhibition showcasing ethnic charm, and the interactive games filled with laughter—the interplay of firelight, song, and laughter vividly portrayed the warmth and hospitality of the Yi people. The ancient town, without walls, seamlessly blends everyday life with cultural tourism. The neon lights of the bar street reflect against the ancient buildings, the aroma of cooking fires in characteristic restaurants warms the heart, and the refreshing tea in the guesthouses soothes travel fatigue. Here, you can experience the joy of weaving and embroidery, feeling the charm of intangible cultural heritage; dance freely around the bonfire, releasing your inner joy; savor authentic Yi cuisine, its unique flavors lingering on your palate; or stroll through the quiet streets, encountering unexpected beauty. As you leave, the sweetness of rice wine and the vibrant colors of embroidery seem to linger on your sleeves, and the cheerful melody of the Zuo Jiao dance still echoes in your ears. The Yi Ancient Town, with its architecture as its backbone, culture as its soul, and the charm of everyday life, fully showcases the thousand-year-old heritage and warm embrace of the Yi people. This unique charm has long been deeply imprinted in my heart, becoming a warm and unforgettable travel memory.
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Chuxiong Prefecture
