Naxi

The Naxi are an ethnic group primarily located in Yunnan Province, China. They are concentrated in the area around Lijiang, where they have lived for centuries and shaped the local culture alongside neighboring Han and Yi communities. The Naxi population is estimated in the hundreds of thousands, with long-standing traditions that blend indigenous beliefs with later Buddhist and Daoist influences.

Language and writing: The Naxi language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family and includes several dialects. Traditionally, Naxi was written with the Dongba pictographic script, used by Dongba priests in religious ceremonies. In contemporary life, Mandarin and standard Chinese script are widely used, while Dongba script and Naxi linguistic knowledge are the focus of cultural preservation and scholarly study.

Culture and religion: Naxi religious life centers on Dongba shamanism, ancestral rites, and agricultural ceremonies, with religious texts and imagery preserved in the Dongba tradition. Buddhist and Daoist influences are also evident in practices and temple architecture. The Naxi are famed for distinctive music, crafts, and architectural styles, particularly in Lijiang, whose historic Old Town reflects Naxi and regional cultural fusion.

Subgroups and modern status: The Mosuo, a matrilineal subgroup living around Lugu Lake, are often highlighted for their unique social customs, including walking marriages. In modern China, many Naxi people live in urban areas or tourist centers, where language and cultural preservation efforts accompany everyday life. Ongoing initiatives aim to document Naxi language, Dongba writing, and traditional arts for future generations.