Abstract: Zhaobi is a unique design of the Bai residential architecture. The Bai believe that the spirit of the whole house resides with zhaobi, so they inscribe lines outlining their family customs on these walls. These inscriptions best represent the most honored points of family customs and civilized conduct of the Bai: be clean and live a clean life; restrain yourself in social life; care for the elderly and the young; have a harmonious family; observe your filial and fraternal duties; follow ritual practices; and comply with lofty, noble moral standards. It is necessary that we, in the new era, explore in depth the cultural connotation of fine Bai family customs and inherit them to cultivate love for both family and country; continuously expand inheritance channels for such fine family customs to enhance their contemporary value; and stress the importance of inheritance and education of family customs to provide suitable cultural soil for such fine family customs to grow.

Key words: family customs, the Bai people, zhaobi, inheritance