Cultural Studies.
This article examines the cultural value of Dongba culture, a distinctive tradition of the Naxi ethnic group that uniquely integrates religion with secular life. Drawing on Peter Berger's sociology of religion, the author argues that Dongba religion constructs a sacred order that organizes Naxi society, blending human and divine realms into a coherent cultural system. Shared beliefs and deities foster ethnic cohesion, providing spiritual authority and meaning for life. The article further explores how Dongba religion sustains social relationships—between humans and gods, humans and nature, and among people themselves—through an elaborate pantheon of over 2,400 named deities and spirits, each with distinct functions. It highlights the Naxi people's harmonious, pragmatic relationship with nature, rooted in animistic beliefs that humanize natural objects. The paper concludes by noting the broader significance of surviving Dongba culture for global cultural diversity and the value of Lijiang as a World Heritage site.
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