"The codes actually once served as their written language, which I believe is the very root of Paijiao culture. If the codes were to be lost one day, Paijiao culture would come to an end. Just a few Paijiao people know these code words, so we have to be quick," she says.

Chen says the Mengla county troupe is helping preserve Paijiao's dance by choreographing performances for a village group.

Chen also plans to propose that Paijiao traditions be included in the nation's list of intangible cultural heritage, but acknowledges that could be a challenge, with the required funding standing as the biggest obstacle for poverty-stricken Mengla.

What's more, the rich diversity of ethnic culture in Yunnan means intense competition for heritage listing. There are 26 ethnic groups and their sub-tribes in Yunnan.

By Wang Jiaquan and Wu Xiaoyang

Editor: Liu Fang