Raosanling Event of the Bai People

        Raosanling, a traditional folk event combined with spring outings and religious rituals focused on worship of the Benzhu God in the Bai people-inhabited area of Dali, is an important cultural heritage preserved by the Bai people for hundreds of years. From April 23 to 25 of the lunar calendar each year, thousands of the Bai people will leave their villages day and night to join in a spring tour parade. They will set off from the "Buddha Capital" Congsheng Temple and then hold grand ritual and celebration respectively in the "God Capital" Qindong Benzhu Temple as well as the "Immortal Capital" Erhe God Temple. People sing and dance all the way to entertain gods and people with "Overlord Whip Dance", "Dabenqu Music" and melodies of the Bai ethnic minority, praying for good weather for the crops and auspicious peace. It has been included in the first national Intangible Cultural Heritage protection list published by the State Council in June, 2006.