Naxi Mural

Naxi murals are not a single or isolated form of art. They specifically refer to a distinctive type of religious mural art that emerged in the Lijiang area of Yunnan Province, China, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, mainly from the early Ming Dynasty to the mid-Qing Dynasty (approximately the 14th to the 18th centuries). The core value of Naxi murals lies in their visual integration of multiple religious traditions.

Under the leadership of the Mu family chieftains of the Naxi ethnic group, painters from different regions and ethnic backgrounds—including Naxi, Tibetan, Bai, and Han artists—were invited to participate in mural creation. They creatively depicted deities, doctrines, stories, and symbolic systems from Tibetan Buddhism (Tantric Buddhism), Han Buddhism (Zen Buddhism), Taoism, and the indigenous Dongba religion of the Naxi people on the same walls or within the same temples, forming an unprecedented artistic spectacle.
 

Origins and Historical Background

Naix mural is the direct successor of Tang and Song dynasties mural art, is the most perfect form of Chinese fresco art, and is the art treasure of world's murals.The famous "Lijiang mural" was the product of open Naxi society during the Ming Dynasty. Its history has lasted for over 300 years from Ming to Qing dynasties. Late Ming and early Qing Dynasty is the heyday of Lijiang mural, more than five hundred years ago.
 

Political Change, Religious Beliefs, and Artistic Development

In this long period, Lijiang has experienced more than ten generations of headmen and flow of the rule from the officials. Among those headmen and officers, there were open-minded or fatuous persons, successful or frustrated persons, persons who believed in Buddhism or Taoism or Lamaism. Along with the ruler's favor, a variety of religions in Lijiang had alternate development process as one falls another rises; and the temples in Lijiang were sometimes prosperous and sometimes declining, hence, it directly affected the rise and decline of the mural.

Compared with the Dunhuang frescoes, the progress of the art achievement of Lijiang mural is significant. But if you have fine appreciation and comparison, Lijiang mural may be slightly better. If people say Dunhuang frescoes have started brilliant chapter of the beginning of Chinese mural, in that way, Lijiang mural has completed the treasure top of Chinese religious mural art.

 

Category

The famous Lijiang mural painting in Ming dynasty is a peak in the Naxi painting history. These murals saved in temples in Lijiang county Baisha, Shuhe village, the contents are mostly Tibetan Buddhism, the central plain Buddhism and Taoist religious subjects, but also show the weaving, fishing, hunting, dancing of real life in that time, which filled with distinctive national characteristics and local color.
 

 

Baisha Mural is located at Baisha Villages, 10km north of Lijiang. Although the traditional houses do not look impressive, this was the cradle of the Naxi culture and ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. Baisha mural is a component part of Lijiang world culture heritage, is one of the patterns of Lijiang Dongba culture, and is an indispensable part of Lijiang tourism. "Baisha Murals" is a product of the Naxi society in Ming dynasty, draw from Ming to Qing dynasty, it has lasted for over 300 years. Late Ming dynasty and the early Qing dynasty is the Lijiang mural boom period, more than five hundred years of history. Baisha mural is fusion of Han, Tibetan, Naxi painting style, has the high art level, is a precious cultural heritage.
 

 

Dongba Mural is an important part of the Naxi Dongba culture. Yushui village Dongba mural wall gallery, with the Dongba painting technique, vividly and fully display Naxi nationality thought and wisdom, such as world outlook, the ideal and faith, production, living, etc. Dongba Murals which features deep Naxi Dongba culture is not only exquisite and durable, but also has very local ethnic characteristics. It can be used to collect or decorate; it is a work of art which has extremely collectible value.
 

Distribution and Representative Works

Naxi murals are mainly distributed in Lijiang Old Town and its surrounding areas, especially around the former political and cultural center under the rule of the Mu clan during the Ming Dynasty. Due to historical changes, wars, and natural damage, only a limited number of murals have survived, making the remaining works particularly valuable.

Most important surviving sites include:

Baisha Ancient Town: This area represents the essence of Naxi mural art.

Dabaoji Palace and Liuli Hall: These are the most representative, best-preserved, and artistically significant sites. Among them, The Assembly of Buddhas (also known as The Worshipping Buddha Painting) is regarded as the pinnacle of Naxi mural art. The composition is grand, featuring a large number of figures, and demonstrates a sophisticated fusion of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi painting styles. Dading Pavilion and Wenchang Palace also retain partial mural remains.

Shuhe Ancient Town: Dajue Palace contains surviving Ming Dynasty murals whose artistic style is closely related to those found in Baisha.

Lijiang Old Town and Nearby Areas: Sites such as Guiyi Hall and Yufeng Temple once housed important murals, though their preservation conditions vary. Many works were damaged or lost during periods of historical upheaval.

Visiting and Appreciation Tips

Recommended Destination: The best place to appreciate Naxi murals is Baisha Ancient Town, with Dabaoji Palace as the top priority. This site offers the most complete and representative examples of Naxi mural art and provides the clearest insight into its artistic and religious fusion.

Learn the Basics in Advance: Before your visit, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of key figures and symbols from Tibetan Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism, and Taoism, such as Sakyamuni Buddha, Guanyin (Avalokitesvara), Manjusri, the Four Heavenly Kings, and the Taoist Three Pure Ones. Familiarity with elements of Dongba culture, including the giant bird Shuqu (a sacred bird figure) and nature deities such as Shu, will greatly enhance your appreciation of the murals.

Observe Carefully and Patiently: Within permitted areas, take time to study the details of the murals—the clothing and expressions of the figures, the ritual objects in their hands, and the background elements such as mountains, clouds, and flowing patterns. These details reveal how different artistic traditions coexist and blend within a single composition.

Respect Preservation Rules: Always follow cultural heritage protection regulations. Do not use flash photography, do not touch the murals, and remain within designated viewing areas to help preserve these precious artworks for future generations.