The NaXi People of Yunnan Province

Tuesday 18th September

The NaXi People (pronounced Nashi) are one of China's minority ethnic groups numbering about 280,000 and living predominately in Yunnan Province. They wear colourful costumes with traditions dating back into the mists of time. We visited a NaXi Theater performance in Li Jiang which was led by the DongBa or tribal leader. A man of 78 years he still throws all his energy into the performance which draws a full house each night.

The performance was full of colour and music, telling legendary stories of past conflicts and victories. There was singing and dancing, light and movement. Intricate costumes that must have taken hundreds of hours to prepare.