Torch Plaza: A Dazzling Jewel of Yi Culture and a Millennium Legacy of Fire Totem

Hidden among the mountains of Southwest China lies a cultural landmark with "fire" as its soul—Torch Plaza. It is not only a spiritual symbol for the Yi people but also an open-air museum integrating history, art, and natural scenery. Every brick, tile, pillar, and stone here tells the legendary story of the Yi people's coexistence with fire, attracting countless tourists to explore this passionate ethnic sentiment. Let's explore this land and experience the unique charm of Torch Plaza. I. First Encounter with Torch Plaza: The Totem Gate Guarded by Nine Tigers Stepping into Torch Plaza, visitors are first greeted by nine majestic black stone tiger sculptures. They either roar with their heads held high or crouch, ready to pounce, as if guarding the peace of this land. In Yi culture, the tiger is a symbol of strength and courage. Legend has it that the Yi ancestor Zhige Alu once tamed a tiger, making it the guardian deity of the nation. This group of sculptures not only represents the worship of natural forces but also symbolizes the Yi people's wisdom of living in harmony with nature. Passing through the group of stone tigers, the view suddenly opens up. In the center of the plaza stands a row of towering red torch pillars, 56 in total, symbolizing the unity and common prosperity of China's 56 ethnic groups. Each pillar is carved with traditional Yi auspicious patterns: sun patterns, flint patterns, and sheep horn patterns. These patterns are not just decorations but also historical codes of the Yi lunar calendar and fire-farming culture. When sunlight shines, the shadows cast by the red pillars interweave into a flowing totem, making one feel as if they are at the scene of an ancient sacrificial ceremony. II. The Breath of the Plaza: A Symphony of Nature and Humanity The layout of Torch Plaza ingeniously blends natural landscapes with human architecture. The small hill on the right side of the plaza is covered with a green carpet-like meadow where visitors can lie down or sit and enjoy the plateau's breeze and warm sun. A bluestone path extends to the left, leading to a modern cinema that often shows the Yi epic film "Zhige Alu" on weekends, recreating the legend of the hero through light and shadow. Behind the cinema is a fitness area, the most eye-catching of which is a single-legged eagle sculpture, tens of meters high, with wings spread as if about to take flight, symbolizing the Yi people's yearning for freedom. Strolling along the edge of the plaza, stone tablets of the 24 solar terms are arranged in a circle, inscribing the wisdom of farming civilization on stone. Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Harvest, and Winter Solstice—the tradition of the Yi ancestors working according to the seasons is continued here. Not far away, a wetland park is connected to the plaza, with egrets dancing and lotus flowers swaying, adding a touch of softness to the robust fire culture. III. Nine-Layered Palace and Tusi Manor: A Journey Through Time to the Yi Epic To understand Yi culture in depth, the Nine-Layered Palace and Tusi Manor are must-see core attractions. The Nine-Layered Palace is built along the mountain, with nine levels of terraces showcasing seven major themes of Yi culture, including marriage customs, sacrificial rituals, calendars, and art. In the sacrificial culture exhibition area, the restored "Bimo Altar" displays ancient scriptures and ritual instruments, allowing visitors to experience the mysterious rituals of Yi priests (Bimo) communicating with heaven and earth. In the festival activity area, virtual reality technology recreates the scene of the Torch Festival's grand celebration, providing an immersive experience for visitors. The Tusi Manor is a complex that integrates military defense and aesthetics of life. Eleven individual buildings are constructed with red clay walls and green tile roofs, with doors and windows carved with intricate flame patterns. The manor houses a Yi-style restaurant, offering traditional delicacies such as "Tuo Tuo Meat" and "Sour Cabbage and Potato Soup." Diners can enjoy the "Ashi Dance" performances in the courtyard while savoring the food. The "Haiping October Harvest Festival" and "Yi Youth Friendship Association" held here have made the manor a living carrier of cultural heritage. IV. Zhige Alu: Son of the Divine Eagle and the Origin of the Torch Festival The Zhige Alu sculpture on the south side of the plaza is the supreme symbol of the Yi spirit. This hero, riding a flying horse and drawing a bow and arrow, is said to have shot down six suns, saving all living beings from the scorching heat, and eventually transformed into a divine eagle to guard the world. The base of the sculpture is engraved with his epic, and the annual "Fire Taking Ceremony" of the Torch Festival is held here. Dressed in black robes, the priest chants ancient scriptures and ignites the first torch from the sacred fire platform. Then, thousands of torches fall like a galaxy, illuminating the night sky. The origin of the Torch Festival is closely linked to the legend of Zhige Alu. Legend has it that in ancient times, the gods sent a plague of locusts, and the Yi warriors used torches to burn the pests. Since then, every year on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, people use fire to drive away evil spirits and pray for a good harvest. Today, this festival has evolved into a grand celebration integrating singing, dancing, competitions, and food. Visitors can participate in wrestling matches, bonfire dances, or taste the "World's Largest Pot"—a mutton soup pot with a diameter of 6.24 meters, simmering 60 sheep, with its aroma lingering for miles. V. Night Revelry: The Vitality of the Torch Festival As dusk falls, Torch Plaza transforms into an ocean of light. Thousands of torches are passed from the sacred fire platform under the Zhige Alu sculpture, forming a winding fire dragon. Young Yi men and women perform the "Dati Dance," holding hands in a circle, their steps rising and falling with the rhythm of the moon guitar and mouth harp. The firelight reflects on every smiling face, and ancient songs blend wonderfully with modern electronic music. Visitors can also join the "Torch Parade," carrying torches through the Thousand Households Yi Village, and experience the ethnic cohesion of "fire as a medium." VI. Travel Tips: How to Experience Torch Plaza in Depth 1. Best Time to Visit: During the Torch Festival (around the 24th day of the sixth lunar month) is the best time to experience the cultural essence; spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, suitable for strolling. 2. Transportation: Drive from Liupanshui city along the Hangrui Expressway to Haiping Yi Style Street, or take a special tourist bus. 3. Accommodation Recommendations: Tusi Manor offers Yi-style rooms, and Thousand Households Yi Village has characteristic homestays. 4. Food Recommendations: Must-try "World's Largest Pot of Mutton Soup," bitter buckwheat cake, and Yi sour soup fish. 5. Cultural Experiences: Book a Bimo blessing ceremony, learn Yi embroidery, or participate in a moon guitar making workshop. Conclusion: The Warmth of Fire, the Eternity of Culture The charm of Torch Plaza lies not only in its magnificent scenery but also in the Yi people's reverence for life and nature. Every flame here is a continuation of a thousand-year-old civilization; every song and dance is a revival of ethnic memory. When visitors leave, they take away not only photos and souvenirs but also a story about courage, unity, and fervent faith. As the Yi proverb says: "Fire never extinguishes, songs never cease, people never forget their roots." This plaza is a testament to the ever-lasting roots of the nation. Thousand Households Yi Village