Bai Ethnic Group

The Bai people have a culture that values hospitality, craftsmanship, and harmony with nature. Their traditional homes are famous for their white walls, gray-tiled roofs, and beautifully carved wooden doors and windows, creating the distinctive architectural style seen throughout Dali. Courtyard houses are designed to provide comfortable living spaces while reflecting the Bai appreciation for balance and beauty.

Traditional Bai clothing is simple yet elegant. White is the dominant color, symbolizing purity and good fortune. Women often wear embroidered jackets, colorful aprons, and decorative headdresses, while men traditionally wear white shirts with dark jackets and trousers. The Bai are also renowned for their tie-dye textile art (扎染), marble carving, silver craftsmanship, and traditional tea culture, all of which have been passed down through generations.

The March Street Festival is the most famous festival of the Bai people. Held annually in Dali during the third lunar month, it began as a religious gathering and has grown into a large cultural festival and marketplace. People gather to trade goods, enjoy traditional music and dance performances, watch horse races, and celebrate Bai culture. Today, it attracts both local residents and visitors from around the world.

Another important celebration is the Raosanling Festival, a traditional event in which Bai communities travel together to visit three historic temples around Erhai Lake. During the festival, people perform traditional songs and dances, make offerings, and pray for peace, good weather, and a successful harvest. The celebration reflects the Bai people's respect for their history, religion, and close connection with the natural environment.