白族
Almost nothing is known about pre-Buddhist religion in Nanzhao. According to Yuan dynasty sources, the Bai people practiced an indigenous religion called Benzhuism that worshiped local lords and deities. Archaeological findings in Yunnan suggest that animal and human sacrifices occurred around a metal pillar with the aid of bronze drums. The use of iron pillars for rituals seems to have been retained into the Dali Kingdom. The "Nanzhao tuzhuan" shows offerings to heaven occurring around one. The Bai people have female shamans and share a worship of white stones similar to the Qiang people.