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Most Bai are rice farmers living in the high plains of Yunan Province, in southwest China, near the country of Burma.   Dali is the capitol of this autonomous prefecture, or semi-independent governing entity.   During the Tang and Song Dynasties, the kingdoms of Nanzhao and Dali were established and the Bai remained somewhat independent until formation of the PRC.   Yunan is famous for its beautiful mountainous scenery and its many historical sites. There are about 1-2 million Bai people living in China.   Their language is unique, but most Bai now speak Mandarin Chinese, the national language.   They share the same written language as the Chinese Han nationality. On festival days or special celebrations, boys and girls make friends with each other by singing.   First, one will sing; then, the other will return with a song.   Courtship develops through this exchange of songs.   An embroidered purse or belt is made by the girl and given to her favored beau. If he accepts the purse, the two are considered betrothed. Bai worship local gods usually animals or features like a hill, mountain, or river, and the color white.   Notice the white in the costume. Next Picture