Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan

Dali Bai Tie-dye is a unique traditional hand-dyeing technique of the Bai ethnic group in Dali, Yunnan Province, China. It is known for its simple patterns, natural blue and white tones, and exquisite craftsmanship. In 2006, it was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. The following is an introduction from the aspects of history, technology, culture, and current situation: --- ### **I. Historical Origin** - **Origin**: The history of Bai tie-dye (also known as "Jiaoxie") can be traced back to the Nanzhao Kingdom thousands of years ago, and there are relevant records in Tang Dynasty documents. Dali has been an important town on the Southern Silk Road since ancient times, and the tie-dye technique has flourished with the development of the textile industry and trade. - **Inheritance**: Centered on Zhoucheng Village in Dali, it has been passed down through generations in the form of family workshops. Women are the main inheritors, forming a scene where "every family has a dye vat, and every household produces tie-dye." --- ### **II. Technological Features** 1. **Core Steps** - **Tie-dyeing**: Use needles and threads to sew and tie cotton and linen fabrics according to the designed patterns to form a dye-resistant barrier, which determines the final pattern. - **Dyeing**: Use blue indigo made from plants such as Banlangen as a dye, and repeatedly immerse and oxidize it to make the fabric appear in different shades of blue, with the tied parts left blank. - **Removing threads and drying**: After dyeing, remove the tied threads and unfold the fabric to reveal a naturally smudged pattern. 2. **Uniqueness** - **Plant dyeing**: The traditional dye is Banlangen, which has antibacterial and environmentally friendly properties, and the color does not fade over time. - **Ice crack texture**: Due to the uneven tightness of manual tying, the dye penetrates to form random ice cracks, making each piece unique. - **Pattern themes**: Common butterflies (symbolizing happiness), plum blossoms (implying perseverance), Cangshan Erhai scenery, and Bai mythology elements. --- ### **III. Cultural Connotation** - **Nature worship**: The patterns are mostly taken from nature, reflecting the Bai people's ecological view of "harmony between man and nature." - **Ethnic identity**: Tie-dye clothing is a symbol of Bai identity, especially women's headscarves and aprons are the most representative. - **Lifestyle aesthetics**: The blue and white colors are in line with the Bai people's elegant aesthetics and are widely used in daily necessities, reflecting the integration of practicality and art. --- ### **IV. Current Situation and Protection** - **Tourism promotion**: The rise of the tourism industry in Dali has made tie-dye a cultural experience project. Workshops have been opened in Zhoucheng Village and other places for tourists to participate in the production. - **Innovation challenges**: Mechanized tie-dye impacts the traditional market, and some techniques are simplified. In order to protect the inheritance, the government has established non-genetic inheritance centers, supported inheritors (such as Zhang Shishen, Duan Yinkai, etc.), and promoted the combination with modern design to develop cultural and creative products. - **International influence**: Bai tie-dye has appeared in international exhibitions many times and has become an important symbol of Yunnan ethnic culture. --- ### **V. Experience and Appreciation** - **Recommended places**: Dali Zhoucheng Village (Hometown of Chinese Tie-dye), Xizhou Ancient Town Tie-dye Workshop. - **Shopping tips**: Hand-made tie-dye has natural textures and slight halo dyeing on the edges; machine-made products have regular patterns but lack agility. --- Bai tie-dye is not only a continuation of skills, but also carries the Bai people's reverence for nature and the wisdom of life. This blue and white intertwined art is heading towards a wider world in a way that integrates tradition and innovation.