Folkway Chronicles: Dali's March Street

Nestled between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali's March Street is a thousand-year-old tradition of the Bai people in Yunnan, China. Rooted in both culture and commerce, this annual spring gathering echoes the ancient Tea-Horse Road with the continued presence of horse caravans.

Beyond the vibrant trade of natural plant-dyed Bai textiles, the festival is steeped in local beliefs, featuring simple prayer ceremonies and traditional folk songs once used for courtship. While the main event follows the lunar calendar, smaller weekly markets continue year-round, offering a vivid glimpse into the authentic daily life of the region.