Qixing(Seven Star) Village Sani Minority Village
Features: Sani Minority Community Area, Typical indigenent Yunnan Sani Minority.

The Sani minority people are one group of the branches of the Yi. The Sani Minority Villages around the Stone Forest cluster many small Yi ethnic villages. These ancient ideologically isolated villages are famous for their mystical ancient traditions and beliefs. Their folk customs, together with the colorful embroidery and minority dances and the natural sceneries have become one spectacular scene in Kunming. The Stone Forest culture was illustrated by the famous and long narrative poem, Ashima, along with the colorful embroidery of the Sani people, the ancient and mysterious "Torch Festival", the cheerful songs and dances of Yi people, and the Sani minority villages.

Sani women are expert at embroidering and like to wear rainbow-colored headgear and bright-colored dresses. Every day at sunset, in the moonlight, boys and girls gather together at the village platform. While the boys play the three-stringed plucked instruments, the girls clap their hands and dance the strong-rhythmed traditional "A'Xi (Ah-shi) Dance in the Moon" with great enthusiasm and happiness.

How to get there:
On the old way to the Stone Forest Scenic Area
Take train No. 2638, No. K366, K2058, K394, K232 from Kunming to Stone Forest.
Address: Kunming Shilin Scenic Area, 120 Km away from Kunming City, 3 hours drive

Tips:
Every year on the 24th day of the sixth month on the lunar calendar, the Sani people celebrate the Torch Festival. On that day, the entire Stone Forest is permeated with a celebratory atmosphere. There are traditional performances of wrestling and bull-fighting, and some other activities.

Comments: Nice place to experience the aboriginal lifestyle of local minority community.