Achimugua, a Lisu traditional medley of dances and songs

Achimugua in the Lisu ethnic language means "the songs and dances of goats" or "imitating the goats to sing and dance". It is a kind of self-entertaining folk performance circulating in Tongle and Xinle areas of Yezhi Town, Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwest of Yunnan Province.

Weixi, hidden in the backwaters of Yunnan, was inaccessible in history and had few communications with the outside world. People here mainly survive on farming and animal husbandry. Goats, which are the major livestock of the Lisus, are inseparable for the local life. So, the performance of Achimugua is what vividly reflects the life and production, thoughts and feelings of the Lisus.

The dance of Achimugua appears enthusiastic, untrammeled in a unique style. Remaining primitive, it is currently mastered by some elderly Lisus so it’s an endangered intangible cultural heritage of Yunnan Province.