[Hello, small town] Nanzhao, Yunnan- ancient art comes alive

In our ongoing series “Hello, Small Towns,” we aim to explore the vibrant essence of small towns in China, connecting urban and rural culture and highlighting the unique paths of modernization. This initiative aligns with the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, showcasing the compelling stories of people and traditions in distinctive townships across the country. Today, we focus on the town of Nanzhao in Yunnan Province, where the early morning fog hovers around the mountain foothills, filling the air with the aroma of a local delicacy, rice noodles, while the beautiful colors of tie-dye fabrics paint the sky, telling tales of the region’s rich history.

Nanzhao Town, located in the Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, is known as “The Hometown of Chinese Snacks” and the “Hometown of Folk Tie-Dye Art.” It thrives on the confluence of diverse ethnic cultures and boasts unique traditional residences along with a variety of ethnic craftsmanship.

### The Art of Tie-Dying on Fabric
Much of Xiong Tianyan’s day is spent in a tie-dye experience studio nestled in a traditional Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyard in the ancient city of Weishan. Surrounded by beautiful tie-dye umbrellas that resemble ink wash paintings, she prepares various materials and tools for tie-dyeing, showcasing everything from fabrics to dye solutions. Clad in a blue tie-dye t-shirt, Xiong deftly twists and binds the fabric, creating intricate knots with her fingers.

“Traditionally known as ‘shao xie’, tie-dyeing is an ancient textile dyeing technique,” she explains. “In the past, the Yi people used natural fruits and tree bark to create dyes, giving their clothing vibrant colors and intricate patterns. In Nanzhao, we primarily use pure white fabrics or cotton-linen blends, which, after immersion, display rich, layered flower patterns that embody a timeless elegance.”

Xiong emphasizes, “All our dyes come from natural sources, mainly extracted from local plants like indigo and wormwood, along with other botanicals boiled to create unique color solutions.”

Historically, during its peak, nearly every home in Nanzhao had a dye vat. In the 1950s and ’60s, a state-operated tie-dye factory opened its doors, where Xiong’s father, Xiong Wenjie, honed his skills as an artisan.

In 1985, Weishan’s tie-dye gained national attention at the inaugural Beijing International Trade Fair, capturing the interest of domestic and international merchants. As tourism flourished in Dali Prefecture, tie-dye products blossomed into popular souvenirs.

With foresight, Xiong Wenjie established the first private tie-dye factory in Nanzhao, focusing on the craft’s development and commercialization. As the town recognized the importance of this traditional art, the industry transitioned from small, scattered workshops to more industrialized production. By 2006, the number of tie-dye firms surged to 13, becoming a pillar of the local economy, with products reaching markets in Southeast Asia and Europe. Current estimates suggest that over 2,000 people in the Weishan region directly engage in tie-dyeing, with many more indirectly involved.

Recognized for his exceptional craftsmanship, Xiong Wenjie holds titles such as “Representative of the Dali Prefecture’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Tie-Dyeing” and “Yunnan Province Craft Art Master.” This southern artisan, who had never seen snow, found in his dyed fabrics visions of falling snowflakes, igniting a passion for tie-dye in his daughter from an early age.

In 2013, at the age of 26, Xiong Tianyan returned to her hometown, embracing the family business alongside her father.

### Revitalizing Tradition through Innovation
“When there’s no innovation, it’s just a piece of fabric. It gains life once patterns and colors are applied,” Xiong Wenjie believes. Both father and daughter complement each other in their research on innovation in tie-dyeing. Since taking the helm of the business, Xiong Tianyan has introduced new designs and expanded the color palette by experimenting with different tree species to develop unique dyes, thus infusing contemporary elements into traditional crafts. She states, “Previously, tie-dye was predominantly traditional, but today’s youth prefers trendy styles.”

With Weishan recognized as the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, its growing fame has attracted more visitors looking to experience this rich cultural art form. In 2019, Nanzhao established an Intangible Cultural Heritage tourism district to promote cultural preservation through tourism. Xiong Tianyan opened a tie-dye experience studio in this area, offering various products and interaction opportunities, allowing tourists to engage directly with the art. Today, Nanzhao ancient street has become a designated national-level leisure tourism area.

Beyond tie-dyeing, Nanzhao is rich in numerous intangible heritage techniques. As a provincial-level inheritor of the Yi ethnic group’s singing traditions, Zhi Rummin echoes the sentiment, “The sound of the lusheng (a type of flute) resonates in every household here, as practically everyone can sing a line or two. Even a simple leaf can transform into an instrument in my hands.” His unique leaf-blowing performance has drawn many eager visitors.

Zhi emphasizes the importance of people in safeguarding and passing down intangible cultural heritage. “Without people on the streets, who can hear the music I create with mere leaves?” he smiles.

For Xiong Wenjie, the essence of his pursuit lies in the connection between people and heritage. As new guardians of these ancient arts, like Xiong Tianyan, emerge, the town thrives with the vibrancy of heritage techniques.

Centuries have passed since the Gongchen Tower stood proudly in the north of the city, with merchant caravans navigating the ancient paths. Today, Nanzhao residents continue to preserve these age-old crafts, embodying a legacy that remains both ancient and ever-relevant.

### A Brief History of Nanzhao Town
Nanzhao Town, the political, economic, and cultural center of Weishan County, boasts a lengthy and rich history. It houses the ancient city of Weishan, a historical site recognized as the cradle of the Nanzhao Kingdom during the Tang Dynasty and a national-level historical and cultural city today. Covering an area of 149.77 square kilometers, the town is home to 25 ethnic groups, with minorities comprising 45.77% of the population.

Nanzhao is distinguished by its favorable geography, pleasant climate, and breathtaking landscapes. Renowned for its unique culinary traditions, it proudly holds the title “Paradise of Snacks, The Capital of Nanzhao Cuisine.” Additionally, the traditional tie-dyeing craft has received numerous national and provincial accolades, becoming an important cultural symbol for the area.